THE 2007 Jorvik Viking Festival will cram almost 100 events and activities into its five-day run from February 14 to 18.

Now in its 22nd year, the festival draws 40,000 visitors each year with its chance to wander through the Viking market; meet the Vikings of Coppergate; chat to archaeologists about the latest excavation finds in the city; work with theatre education group Risky Things; take part in a Viking battle drill; join organised walks and explore York's Scandinavian past.

Many events are free of charge.

The first day will be the Family Day, on February 14, beginning with the Great Jorvik Balloon Release at 11am, in Coppergate Square. The creators of Noggin The Nog, Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate, will introduce the 6pm screening of Noggin Goes North at 6pm at City Screen, York.

February 15 has the title of Combat Day, when you can see Combat Through The Ages at 10.30am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 4pm at the Festival Marquee, St Sampson's Square. On display will be weapons from the movies with Magnus The Armourer, while Royal Armouries warriors will give presentations of combat.

February 16 will be Viking Arts Day, featuring Arty Adventures with the Vikings from 10.30am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 4pm in the Festival Marquee. You can help to construct a recreation of a Viking settlement, try out the traditional craft of willow weaving, or maybe work on a musical instrument.

In the company of Monty Python star and historian Terry Jones and his film-maker son, Bill Jones, the new version of Erik The Viking will be shown at City Screen at 8.45pm.

Be prepared for Invasion Day on February 17, when a trial of strength competition will be launched to find the Viking Strong Man of 2007 in The Trial Of The Vikings from 10.30am to 4.30pm in the Festival Marquee.

King Erik Bloodaxe of Northumbria and his men take on rivals for the throne in the Festival Battle: Clash of Weapons at the Eye of York, by Clifford's Tower, at 2.30pm, followed by the Festival Battle: Light and Sound Spectacular at 7.30pm.

The festival closes with the International Day on February 18, as warriors are put to the test in the Festival Trial of Strength from 11am to 3pm at the Festival Marquee.

For full programme details, log on to www.jorvik-vikingcentre.com or ring 01904 643 211. For bookings, phone 01904 543 402.