Vikings descend on Grimsby for festival
The Grim FalFest is taking place this weekend, as Grimsby celebrates its Viking heritage
Vikings are once again coming to Grimsby this weekend, for the second running of the Grim FalFest. The event got underway on Friday evening and featured the arrival of the town's founder, Grim, on a Viking longship.
Just over 22,000 people attended the FalFest last year, and there are hopes for even higher numbers at this year's event, which will once again be free of charge.
North East Lincolnshire Mayor Ian Lindley said: "You could take an event like this to any part of the country but it's really specific to Grimsby and how it evolved. I know a lot of people are proud of their heritage and this gets that message across.
"Particularly with our younger people who may not be fully aware of the history of Grimsby, this really gets the message across about how we evolved into the town that we are today."
The festival features weapons displays, young warrior training, the chance to meet Grim, food and drink stalls, before finishing on Sunday with a Viking battle and parade through People's Park.
Julia Thompson, chair of VESA (visitor economy services and retail) said: "This is where Grimsby arrived, we are all Grimbarians. I think the event is really important, and to feel proud of that heritage."
"Grim is obviously in the name of Grimsby, but that Viking identity got lost a bit so we thought 'let's do a Viking festival' to celebrate our Viking heritage and our continuing links with businesses and as a trading port, with companies working in the town employing people from Scandinavia."
The event runs from 10am to 4:30pm on Saturday and Sunday, at St James Square and People's Park. The FalFest is funded by money raised through The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Alysha Thompson, Event Manager, added: "We have a big living history encampment at People's Park where the public can experience the sights, sounds and smells of Viking life and can watch arena displays, and we've got our big battle at the end!"