Largs Viking Festival
what?The ceremony features cheerleaders, skateboarders, bikers, pipe bands, re-enactments and local school groups. The festival continues throughout the week, for more information visit www.largsvikingfestival.com.
Go berserk
by Fergus GriersonOne of the most fascinating periods in Scotland’s history is celebrated this week as The Largs Viking Festival returns from Friday.
Every year the Ayrshire coastal town commemorates the last Viking invasion of the British Isles with a week of events culminating a furiously contested re-enactment of the 1263 Battle of Largs – when a Scots army drove back a huge raiding party of Norse warriors – the burning of a replica long ship, and a spectacular fireworks display.
Highlights include an opening parade through the streets of Largs on Saturday August 30 from 2pm, a series of Continental Markets and Craft Fares, and a torchlit procession from 8pm on Friday September 5. The town’s Barrfield Theatre also hosts range of entertainment, including Abba tribute show Voulez Vous, and Caledon, the three Scottish tenors.
A historically accurate portrayal of life during period is also on display at a Viking Village, open on the promenade every day, which illustrates not only weapons and warfare, but also gives an insight into Norse food, clothing, trading, beliefs, and religion.
Largs Viking Festival is on from Friday August 29 until Sunday September 7. The Valhalla Day Party at the Pencil is at the seafront on Saturday September 6 at 7.30pm.