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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!
The Sheringham Viking Festival 2024 is scheduled to take place in April. The Viking Festival is free to attend, and there is a voluntary collection to help fund future events.
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.
If you’re planning on attending the Sheringham Viking Festival 2024, then you can expect a day full of fun and excitement.
The fun starts on Beeston Common with the Viking Village as the base for creative and educational activities as well as battle reenactments; these will finish late afternoon around 5 pm, to allow time for people to prepare for the evening activities, which starts 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 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.
One of the highlights of the Sheringham Viking Festival 2024 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.
If you’re planning on attending the Sheringham Viking Festival 2024, then you might like to extend your stay. There are various accommodation options in the area, from hotels, holiday cottages, and B&Bs to campsites. Checkout places to stay.
No matter where you decide to stay, you’ll be able to enjoy the festival and all its activities. The festival is getting increasingly popular so be sure to book your accommodation in advance and prepare for a wild and exciting journey back in time!
If you’re planning on attending the Sheringham Viking Festival 2024, then here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:
Q: Where can I park for the Viking Festival?
A: The chart below shows the main public car parks, all of which have disabled parking spaces. It will typically take 10 minutes by foot from these car parks to Beeston Common for the day time activities. Charges apply at these car parks from 8 am to 6 pm. For more details click here.
In addition to the car parks mentioned above, there is overflow car parking at the following locations
Behind Sheringham Medical Practice NR26 8RT
At St Andrews Methodist Church NR26 8SA
At The Lighthouse NR26 8RT
St Joseph’s Church Sheringham NR26 8RT
Q: Is the Sheringham Viking Festival held every year?
A: Yes, the Sheringham Viking Festival is usually held annually
Q: What is the boat-burning ceremony?
A: The boat-burning ceremony is a traditional Viking ceremony that involves the burning of a replica Viking longship. It is a way to honour the ancient Viking culture and its traditions.
Q: What kinds of activities can I expect at the festival?
A: At the Sheringham Viking Festival 2024, you can expect to find a variety of activities, from Viking battles and reenactments to traditional craft-making skills and music.