Viking Boat Race - Press Room

Anyone interested in helping with the organisation of next year's Viking boat races, five mile challenge run or get involved with the Killyleagh Social Partnership, is asked to contact Mr.  Huddleston, telephone (028) 4482 8114.

If there is anyone who feels they can help by providing the sponsorship, whatever the size - contact Tony Davies - (028) 4482 1461 or email killyboat@focused.ie

King to make a grand entrance at Delamont

Down Recorder, Wednesday 25th May, 2005

A Viking King is preparing to make a grand entrance at this year's annual Magnus Barelegs festival.

Now in its fifth year, the event which is being organised by Down Council, in conjunction with the Killyleagh Social Partnership, is being billed as the biggest and best in its history.

A packed programme of uniquely themed Viking events have been lined up and organisers are confident they will have wide appeal.

The traditional Viking invasion takes places at the picturesque Delamont Country Park this Saturday afternoon on a site which naturally lends itself to staging such a large scale event.

A Down Council spokeswoman said Viking fans will be impressed with the skills of the re-enactors, the Viking longships, funeral procession and the burning of the boat ceremony.

"Of course, the most exciting part of the day's events at Delamont is the main invasion of the Viking site by plunders. But there will be much more besides, including lots of fun for wannabe junior Vikings with arts and crafts, archery, falconry displays and family games. Also at Delamont, there is the Caterpillar and Rollin Roc climbing tower."

The council spokeswoman explained there are also a number of other events lined up to celebrate the annual festival.

They include Viking verses and Irish pints tomorrow evening in Mullan's bar in Downpatrick and entertainment and a barbecue at Killyleagh YC's Showgrounds base at the Comber Road on Friday night, starting at 7.30pm

The following evening the same venue hosts King Magnus' Viking Banquet, with the event also starting at 7.30pm.