The Vikings Return
LOCKO PARK, JUNE 26-27th 2027
LOCKO PARK, JUNE 26-27th 2027
A unique, fun and educational day out, set in the beautiful rural landscape of Locko Park, near Derby.
This one-off event will bring together Viking re-enactors from across the country and the world, to recreate a large Viking army encampment, full of craftsmen, traders and warriors, allowing visitors to step back a thousand years, to when England was under threat from fierce Viking invaders.
It's an interactive day, full of things to see and do, for adults and kids: Watch and talk to period craftsmen at work, see Viking boats up close and meet their crews and peruse and buy the exotic goods for sale at the Viking market.
Meet Viking warriors and get hands-on with their equipment. Children can have-a-go at forming their own Viking shield-wall. The highlight of the day will be the 'The Great Heathen Army', as the invading Viking army faces the Anglo-Saxon army of Mercia, in the largest Viking-era battle in the UK for a thousand years.
The Viking Festival will celebrate and illuminate a dark-age of Britain's history.
Re-enacting the life, times and battles of 8-11th century Britain, The Vikings is the UK's oldest and largest Viking-age society, with branches across Britain, in Europe, the US and Canada.
The Army was a coalition of Norse warriors that wreaked havoc by moving from seasonal raiding to full-scale battles on Anglo-Saxon England. Join us for a seasonal raid!
Repton 873-874
The Great Army arrives in Mercia, a kingdom in turmoil. King Burgred has fled and abandoned the kingdom to its fate. However, all is not well with the Viking Army, which is divided over its future and on the verge of splitting. Halfdan Ragnarsson wishes to take their forces to York while Guthrum wishes to continue South to Wessex to fight Alfred. Can the army survive? Which leader will prevail?
Our military and civilian participants close the day's events with a grand parade.
An opportunity for our young visitors (aged 10 or under) to experience a Viking Battle for themselves. Places are limited. Secure your place at the Information point.
A narrated presentation describing the weapons, tactics and fighting styles of the Viking Age (Infantry)
An opportunity for our young visitors (aged 10 or under) to experience a Viking Battle for themselves. Places are limited. Secure your place at the Information point.
Our horses and their riders display skills and military tactics from the Viking Age.
Our archers, slingers and javelineers showcase their skills.
Join our sailors as they explore the Viking passion for all things nautical by the lakeside.
Join our sailors as they explore the Viking passion for all things nautical by the lakeside.
An acted scenario exploring the historical events leading up to the battle in 937. Bear witness to the forging of a most unlikely alliance. Kings Owain, Olaf and Constantine must put aside their differences if they are to have any hope of matching Aethelstan in war.
Pick up a bow and take aim at one of a number of targets. Have-a-go archery is suitable for both adults and children and instruction is provided.
£1 per 3 arrows
Payment is by card or cash.
ALL TEXT © THE VIKINGS, 2026. ALL PHOTOGRAPHS © THE VIKINGS / THE PHOTOGRAPHER. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE.
The Vikings is an educational charity, reg. 1062495 in the UK
The Vikings is a re-enactment Society dedicated to recreating the life and times of the Early Medieval period, not only the battles and skirmishes of the period, but also the dress, crafts and every-day life of the different peoples of that time. Founded in 1971, The Vikings are the oldest and largest Early Medieval re-enactment society in the UK.