THE VIKINGS are back in town and a week of half-term family fun has begun in York.

The Jorvik Viking festival kicked off yesterday, with encampments springing up in across the city - looking at famous aspects of Viking life, such as their reputation as fearsome warriors, and less well-known aspects like animal-rearing and farming.

The famous Coppergate encampment also appeared, and will stay in place for the rest of the week, giving visitors chance to join the hustle and bustle of Viking life, see how Norse settlers in York lived, and hear about their king Eric Bloodaxe.

The festival co-ordinator Nicola Harkess said: “For many people, their love of the Vikings started when they were young, and as this is now our 33rd Festival, we have many visitors now who are bringing their families back to share their experiences with a younger generation.

“Whether they are looking for the high drama of our fiery finale event, wanting to explore the Coppergate encampments or explore the archaeological side of our Norse heritage, we’ve got a packed programme of family-friendly activities that will have children of all ages hooked for life.”

The Viking Animal Steading at DIG on St Saviourgate runs daily until Saturday 10am to 4pm, and admission is included in DIG entry. Play and learn sessions for two to five year olds run daily from 10am to 11am.

The have-a-go sword combat and have-a-go archery sessions are in St Sampson’s Square each day for children aged five to 12 from 10am to 4pm.

Today also sees a popular favourite return to Barley Hall, when Poo Day will look at the less savoury side of archaeology.

There is also a best beard competition, set to take place in Coppergate on Saturday, before the spectacular finale, Bloodaxe’s Last Stand, at the Eye of York in the evening.

More information is at www.jorvik-viking-festival.co.uk.