I came across a woman “putting manners” on her son with a spear this morning. There was no need to worry though, because Desi Cano and her son Arthur are Viking re-enactors and they were at Slane Castle for the launch of the Boyne Valley Viking Experience which is taking place during the weekend of 21st to 22nd May.
The organisers say that this event will be the largest historical re-enactment festival in Ireland this year. Among the many attractions over the weekend will be a concert on Saturday, May 21 headlined by Berlin band Corvus Corax who, with huge drums and bagpipes, bring the spirit of ancient times back to life.
Their music is influential to an entire scene from Moscow to Mexico City and this is their first gig in Ireland. Speaking from Berlin, a spokesperson for the band said “we have always wanted to come to Ireland and are delighted to be appearing at the world-famous Slane Castle during the Boyne Valley Viking Festival.
“We plan to make it a night to remember for our many fans in Ireland and further afield”.
Supported by international Viking bands Nytt Land, Seidrblot and local band Ravensdale, this concert will a Viking spectacle par excellence.
The Slane Castle Viking Festival is not just about the music though, this will be a fun, family day out will capture your imagination with more than 100 heavily armed, full contact warriors taking to the battlefield to create a spectacle never seen before in Ireland.
Many of these warriors compete at international venues and are among the best in the world. Dozens of highly skilled and lightly armed warriors will join with them to entertain the public on both Saturday and Sunday. Fighters in both categories will fiercely compete to become Irish Champion.
Viking reenactors, all in traditional costume, crafts people and traders with authentic hand made goods from all over Ireland and Europe will camp at Slane Castle and tell the Viking story of the Boyne Valley to visitors. Full size replica longships will be on display and sailors from the Vikings TV Series will tell you about their adventures.
The Viking families and children, warriors and camp followers will be camped in an authentic tented village in the grounds below the Castle.
The growing popularity of Boyne Valley Viking Experience has influenced it’s move to the Slane Castle Demesne where many more visitors and Viking reenactors from all over Europe can be accommodated.
It’s a joint venture between Boyne Valley Events and Lakes Vikings Events who have been developing, organising and delivering early medieval and Viking era festivals and events across Ireland for over 20 years.
Tickets are now available to book at Slane Castle Viking Festival | Boyne Valley Viking Experience (boynevalleyevents.com)
