Magnus Barelegs Viking Festival 2007 - Press Room

Taken from the Down Recorder - 11/04/2007

Vikings set for another local invasion

Blonde and dangerous invaders will be rampaging across Killyleagh next month when the annual Magnus Barelegs Viking festival takes place.

During the three-day festival, which kicks off on May 18, real Vikings from The Hookaan Hookaanssoon Viking Association from Bergen in Norway will be returning to Killyleagh for a third time and organisers are also expecting a team from North Carolina.

The festival starts on the Friday night in the town and continues at Delamont the following day, with a fun packed family programme.

On Friday evening, there will be a torch light procession through Killyleagh before the famous longboat races take place at the harbour on the Sunday.

Also returning to the festival this year are the overall winners of the 2005 rowing competition, the Peel Young Vikings Again.  The majority of the team will arrive in Northern Ireland by sea on a rib and they hope to be able to sail into Strangford Lough.

A spokesman for the group said the young Vikings are looking forward to this year’s festival and aim to take the racing trophy back to the Isle of Man.

But they’ll face tough competition from Clarke Cunningham’s crew; the current holders of the trophy aim to retain it.  Also making a welcome return to Killyleagh next month are the Nationwide crew from Swindon, winners of last year’s charity race title.

“There are more people taking part in re-enactment this year which should lead to more realistic and exciting scenes,” explained Philip Campbell, the event’s communications officer.

“More importantly, we’ve extended the festival so that as many local people as possible get the opportunity to see Viking life thrillingly evoked in a host of action-packed activities.”

Philip revealed there will be lots of different ways people can take part and new and exciting things to do.  He said there will be a number of new attractions at Delamont, helping to build on the success of previous years.

Philip continued: “People will be able to step back in time to visit the Viking Settlement to learn more about life 1,000 years ago and meet the crafts people demonstrating and selling their wares.

“There are lots of hand-on activities such as archery, shield wall training and Viking skittles.  Children can also make their own costumes, Viking dolls, design shields and even take part in a treasure hunt.”

One of the highlights of the day is the popular Viking invasion where retuning to his ships, Magnus is mistaken as a raider and the Irish attack.

“The Vikings are greatly outnumbered, but a brave and ferocious battle ensues.  Visitors can witness skirmishes, shield walls and the glitter of weapons,” Philip continued.

“A torch light procession will carry the dead King Magnus to the Viking funeral boat.  Later, in Killyleagh, the Vikings will once again be seen mourning their dead King as they process around the harbour before a Viking soliloquy is said at the Smugglers Arms.”

Philip said organisers are hoping people will turn out to witness this new addition to the festival, as well as the competitor parade which will take place through the streets of Killyleagh on Sunday at 1.30pm.

He also revealed organisers are still looking for a few more teams to take part in the rowing event.  Anyone interested is asked to contact the organisers, telephone (028) 4482 1461 during office hours, or email killyboat@focused.ie