Fireworks lit up the sky for the city’s 24th Jorvik Viking Festival as warriors went into battle at the Eye of York.

With pyrotechnics whizzing from the roof of the Castle Museum, the battle between two armies formed the grand and fiery culmination of the five-day festival.

Hundreds of people gathered at Clifford’s Tower to watch the hordes of soldiers simulate battle scenes using swords, axes and spears, their efforts framed by a torch-lit procession around the battle zone.

The conflict was part of a spectacular light and sound show which included the traditional burning of a Viking boat, with the public also getting the chance to meet the warriors, fire jugglers, see the weapons used in ancient battle and take a late-night trip around the Jorvik Viking Centre.

York Press: Image from PictureGalleryModule_ID:3116036 View further images from the 2009 Jorvik Viking Festival>>

Earlier in the day crowds onlookers lined the banks of the River Ouse as Vikings sailed their traditional longships down the river to join traders on the quayside.

Thousands of people enjoyed the sights and sounds of the festival, which kicked off on February 18 and saw more than 100 events – including arts, music, drama and action and a host of activities for the city’s schools- taking place across the city.

Emma Hunt, spokeswoman for the festival, said it attracted visitors from all over the world.

She said: “It has been one of the best years yet.

“We had unprecedented ticket sales. The total number of pre-tickets sold for the battle was 2,500 and every single event was sold out over the five days. The city was buzzing with more than 250 Vikings and judging by the traffic and the busy crowds throughout the week, the festival brought many visitors to York where they enjoyed an exciting Viking-inspired experience.”

She said next year – the Jorvik Festival’s 25th year – would be “bigger and better than ever”.