DRINKING, carousing, brawls and a surfeit of facial hair. No, it's not a Liberal Democrat conference - the Vikings are back in town.

Jolablot is here to brighten February half term, a favourite festival with historians and warriors alike.

Expect plenty of mock battles as the marauders clash over the ancient Jorvik settlement.

But those Vikings were softies too. They will be recounting romantic sagas, indulging in crafts - and there is even a marriage on the cards. Now there's one wedding reception which is bound to be a riot.

Updated: 10:23 Thursday, February 16, 2006