GLOWERING over the city, the face of a gnarled Viking warrior watches over the launch of a festival to celebrate a turbulent time in York's history.

As the sun went down, the giant image was projected on to the side of Clifford's Tower, and Scandinavian raiders gathered with their torches for a procession to mark the beginning of the 2006 Jorvik Festival.

Events planned over the next ten days for the 21st anniversary festival include mock battles, story-telling, shield-making, Viking-themed walks, traditional dinners and even a boat burial.

Organisers also hope to show the Vikings' softer side with the re-enactment of a royal wedding between King Sihtric of Dublin and Princess Edith, sister of the West Saxon King Aethelstan.

The candlelit ceremony at York Minster on February 25 will be the highlight of this year's festivities.

But armed hosts are expected to give battle at Clifford's Tower on the same day.

A festival spokeswoman said: "The more gentle side of these warriors will be on show with the wedding, the ship burial, a saga and song night and the mixture of culture, entertainment, history and education activities."

See tomorrow's Evening Press for full details of festival events taking place in the next week.

Updated: 09:40 Thursday, February 16, 2006