Magnus Barelegs Viking Festival, Killyleagh 12 to 14 May 2006

Vikings weapons training

Fearsome Vikings will be recruiting young trainees to learn the secrets of Viking battle tactics at this year’s Magnus Barelegs Viking festival. They will get to handle protective armour, see Viking weapons at close quarters and learn the finer points of the Viking shield wall as an effective defence against attack.

Philip Campbell, Chairman of the Magnus Vikings Association, said “Viking weapons always prove to be a popular attraction at living history events. There will be static displays of a wide variety of Viking weapons and a number of sword combat demonstrations. We have visited a number of schools throughout Northern Ireland with our Viking displays and the children love getting the opportunity to take part in a shield wall. It’s a safe way for them to interact with the re-enactors and learn about the Viking way of life.”

If you think you are up for the challenge of coming face to face with Magnus’ roughest, toughest warriors you can take part in numerous action packed activities over the three days of the festival. Starting from Friday the 12th through to Sunday the 14th of May.

“It is not all about weapons and fighting this year,” says Helen Selfe, Secretary of the Magnus Vikings Association. “There are plenty of opportunities to see the finer side of Viking life. For example, you can see how they made their beautifully crafted cloths and jewellery or learn about their beliefs and myths.”

“When you add in face painting, fun balloons, Viking costume workshops, games of Viking skittles, longboat races, craft fairs and treasure hunts this year’s festival really should be a fun day out for the whole family.”

The Magnus Vikings Association and the Killyleagh Social partnership are running this year’s event together and plan to build on the success of previous years. Full details of the three days of activities can be see on their website www.killyleagh.org/magnus

Magnus Vikings Assiciation

The Magnus Vikings Association is a group of Viking enthusiasts who aim to create awareness in their local area of its rich Viking heritage. They achieve this by playing an integral part in local festivals such as the annual Magnus Barelegs Festival, organising Viking longboat races for charity events, corporate teambuilding, providing living history displays and school visits.

Killyleagh Social Partnership

The Killyleagh Social Partnership is a cross community group dedicated to organising events in the Killyleagh area to promote social cohesion and develop the local economy by bringing tourism and visitors into the town. This is the third year that they have organised Viking events in the town and last year they ran the very successful Trafalgar commemoration.

This is the sixth year of the Magnus Barelegs Viking Festival. The Magnus Vikings Association have been heavily involved in its organisation from its inception and the Killyleagh Social Partnership have been organising the Killyleagh boat races for the last two years. This year Down District Council, who previously ran the Magnus Barelegs Viking Festival, has handed it over to the two groups to run in partnership.

For further information contact:

magnus.vikings@hotmail.co.uk or Tel: 078 37 408 663