29 fantastic pictures from the ever popular Heysham Viking Festival

With lovely sunny weather thousands of people thronged to Heysham to see a Viking parade, battle enactments, weapons display and a living history encampment demonstrating Viking traditional handmade-crafts and weapons.

The festival allowed people to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a bustling 9th-11th century coastal village, just like Heysham itself.

There were also food and drink stalls and a fun fair for the kids.

A spokesman for Heysham Viking Festival said on their Facebook page: “The village came alive today with battles, crafts, and an incredible atmosphere - thank you to everyone who came down to join us!

"From the living encampment to the market stalls, it's been brilliant seeing so many familiar faces (and plenty of new ones too).

“Huge thanks to our volunteers, traders, and reenactors who make this festival what it is.”