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

 

Barelegged in the park

Down Democrat , Wednesday 31st May, 2005

They came, they saw, but it was they who were conquered at Delamont Country Park.

Yes, it was Viking time of the year again and the crowds watched as the spectacle of the historic re-enactments with glee.

While it is a highly predictable outcome each year, there is nonetheless excitement and tension in the air as the Vikings arrive once more on our shores and set up camp in a beautifully crafted village on the shores of Strangford Lough.

There they sharpen their weapons and anticipate the clash with the unruly Irish which ultimately leads to the demise of their King Magnus.

The Magnus Barelegs Festival is well grounded as one of the unmissable events of the year and one which Down District Council and the various Viking societies deserve all the credit for producing.

Children and adults seem to love it.

Faces are painted, archery experimented with, burgers and chips eaten, and all with a big battle at the end of it.

Great fun!

Organisers became Time Lords with the spirit of all those centuries ago coming alive and all that was missing was the appearance of a Victorian police box and a mysterious man brandishing and a sonic screwdriver.

The Vikings could not have done with such an instrument, but didn't get their hands on one, and subsequently went the way of dusty death.

But didn't they entertain us when they were here.