THE Vikings once again ruled York today as the city's biggest-ever Yorvik Viking Festival was launched.
The River Ouse hosted the annual boat ceremony at the start of Jolablot 2001 - the 16th annual festival.
Scores of modern-day Vikings from all over the world gathered at Queens Staith for the races to begin.
The festival, which will continue throughout the week, promises fun-packed days full of re-enactments of historical events, from the gentle crafts of Viking encampments to the sword-clashing excitement of bloody battles.
Updated: 11:46 Saturday, February 17, 2001
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