Magnus Barelegs Viking Festival, Killyleagh 12 to 14 May 2006

 

“Flying Vikings ”

Long ships replaced by Aeroplanes, never!  Yet this weekend sees Vikings once again converging on Killyleagh from many parts of Europe, one intrepid Viking is flying from the USA especially for the event!  “The spectacular Magnus Barelegs festival, which runs this weekend at Killyleagh, is an event which draws re-enactors from far and wide” said Anita Gribben, Communications officer for the event.  “This is the premier Irish event and with the idyllic settings of Delamont and Killyleagh Harbour is something that we locals shouldn’t miss”.

The sight of a full size replica Viking Boat being set ablaze, a torchlight procession through Killyleagh and Viking Long ships being raced across the harbour are all part of the Magnus Barelegs Festival.  Add in trials of strength, archery, falconry, weapons training, invasions, battles, funeral processions, long ship racing and parades and you have a fun packed weekend for all the family. 

“There is so much to see and do at this year’s Festival”.  On Saturday at Delamont Park you can learn the secrets of Viking battle tactics or have a go at archery under the supervision of a master archer. The children can make their own Viking costumes and try out their skills at a game of Viking skittles. There will be falconry displays, treasure hunts and trials of strength.  The Celtic Village has been extended and this provides an ideal venue for teaching about Viking life, as well as the setting for the spectacular battle!  Following the battle will be the burning of a Viking funeral boat down on the picturesque Lough, with many of the children joining the procession.  “The event ties in very nicely with the primary school history syllabus, providing children with a unique opportunity to step back in time to the age of the Vikings. There can be no better way of learning about our Viking history”.

Gates open at Delamont Country Park on Saturday 13th at 11am with activities and events starting at noon running through to 5.30pm.  A free shuttle bus service will run from Killyleagh from 11.00 am from outside the Castle.  This will allow visitors and locals alike to visit the French market which will run on Saturday and Sunday in Fredrick’s street, before joining the festivities at Delamont

In the evening the Vikings will invade Killyleagh town and process around the harbour seeking recompense for their slain King.  This colourful spectacle ends with a Viking ‘Wake’ at the Smugglers Table where Viking poetry and song will be used to honour the King.

On the Sunday the craft fair and Children’s activities will start at Hans Sloane Square, Killyleagh at 1pm.  “This year we have a larger craft fair than and lots more activities for the Children” said Tony Davies, Chairman of Killyleagh Social Partnership.  “While the main events of the day are the Town Parade at 1.30pm and the long ship racing, we wanted to make sure that we kept everyone entertained at this great family day out”.

Events at Hans Sloane Square for the children include a Hedgehog Rescue Centre, a carousel and donkey derby, Party Pixies, the Mad Scientist and the Bear and Co. workshop.  Horse and carriage rides will be available from the bottom of Shore Street around Killyleagh.  Also in Shore Street,  at St Mary’s car park, there will be a fine display of vintage cars with the owners on hand to show and talk about the history of their gleaming vehicles.  “For the young and young at heart” said Tony.

The town parade this year will once again be led by brass and pipe bands and will feature the Northern Ireland Cheerleaders.  “We hope people turn out as they’ve done in previous years to welcome the competitors and visitors to our town, some who have travelled literally thousands of miles” said Tony.  We ‘re expecting over 250 people in the Parade which will be reviewed by the Council Chair Person and a senior executive from the Northern Ireland Events Company, our two main sponsors this year.

There are three rowing trophies up for competition this year, The Magnus Cup for the overall winners, The Legbiter Cup for the best combined team and the Gerry Douglas memorial trophy for the team that raises the most money for Charity.  “Gerry Douglas was a good friend of the festival and we wanted to do something to remember him” said Tony.  “The Nationwide team from Swindon are raising money furiously to win this trophy, they say they aren’t great rowers, but they are great fund raisers!”  Once again the Peel Young Vikings are confident of winning the overall trophy and taking it back to the Isle of Man.  “This may be the year of a local team” said Tony, “previous winners being from Glasgow and Isle of Man”.

Festival programmes are now available in Killyleagh which contain details of all the events.  These are available from the library and various outlets in the town.  Further details can also be found at www.killyleagh.org/magnus or by calling (028) 4482 1461 during office hours.