Experience the Epic Sheringham Viking Festival 2023!
If you’ve never heard of the Sheringham Viking Festival, then you’re in for a treat. This unique festival brings together all sorts of Viking-era activities, from battles to boat-burning ceremonies. So, let’s get ready for a journey through time and all the excitement that comes with it!
When Is the Sheringham Viking Festival 2023?
The Sheringham Viking Festival 2023 is scheduled to take place on Saturday 1st April 2023. The date has changed from the original one. The Viking Festival is free to attend, and there is a voluntary collection to help fund future events.
Introduction to the Sheringham Viking Festival 2023
The festival celebrates the ancient Viking culture and its traditions and is a one-day event that takes place at two locations, on Sheringham’s seafront for the boat burning and on Beeston Common just east of the town near Beeston Bump where the Viking village and reenactments take place. The festival is attended by thousands of people every year, and it’s one of the most popular events in the area.
What to Expect, See and Do at the Sheringham Viking Festival 2023
If you’re planning on attending the Sheringham Viking Festival 2023, then you can expect a day full of fun and excitement.
The fun starts at 10 am on Beeston Common with the Viking Village as the base for creative and educational activities as well as battle reenactments; these will finish around 4 pm, to allow time for people to prepare for the evening activities, which start at 7 pm with the Viking Parade from the top car park in Sheringham.
This lively parade will proceed through Sheringham towards the sea for the finale of the boats burning beginning at 7:15 pm on the seafront below Leas (on the seafront near the building that was the Burlington Hotel).
There will be plenty of activities for people of all ages, from live demonstrations of Viking battles during the day to the finale of the evening boat-burning ceremony on Sheringham seafront at 7:15 pm.
Whilst visiting Sheringham, you’ll also be able to explore the local shops, sample the local delicacies, and take a trip on the North Norfolk heritage railway. Sheringham has amazing museums and attractions providing further insights into the heritage and history of the area.
The History of the Sheringham Viking Festival
The Sheringham Viking Festival was based on an idea for a Viking event formed by local artist Colin Seal and has been held annually (except during lockdown). It was initially started as a way to commemorate the arrival of the Vikings in Sheringham and the surrounding area. Since then, the festival has grown in popularity, attracting thousands of people yearly. It is also designed as a family-friendly way to learn about the history of the Vikings and for the youngsters to participate in creative educational activities. The Sheringham Carnival Committee help organise and coordinate the event as part of a wider events program for Sheringham.
The Sheringham Viking Festival Boat Burning Ceremony
One of the highlights of the Sheringham Viking Festival 2023 is the traditional boat-burning ceremony. This ceremony is held in honour of the ancient Viking culture, and it is a way to celebrate their spirit. The ceremony involves the burning of a Viking longship, which is a replica of an ancient Viking vessel.
The ceremony is a beautiful sight to behold. The ship’s burning is meant to symbolise the ending of one’s journey and the beginning of a new one. It is a powerful way to honour the Vikings and their culture.