Vikings In York - Index Page

Jorvik Viking festival 2009 - Its almost February and thus nearly time for the Vikings to hit town. This years festival will take place from the 18th to the 22nd February and is sure to be well attended.

Jorvik Viking festival 2009 Jorvik Viking festival 2009

Jorvik Festival event on 19/02/09 - Andvari's Gold - The Tales That Tolkien Took DARK tales of dragons' hoards, cursed gold rings and broken hearts will be re-lived during this month's Jorvik Viking Festival in York.

The Viking myths will be on the menu at the city's Dean Court Hotel when colourful, York storyteller, Adrian Spendlow, brings his own lively style to the re-telling of the legend of Andvari, the corrupted Norse creature who Adrian tells us may well have inspired Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.

"I have drawn directly upon the myths as collected in the Viking Edda and although I have respectfully honoured them, I have also created anew, in my own unique, animated style, to bring them alive," said Adrian.
"This is quite an epic performance and I think it is the sole representation of the Viking myths within the Jorvik Festival programme. I am thrilled that such a prestigious venue as the DCH has joined forces with this exciting festival to present my latest event."

His performance of Andvari's Gold - The Tales That Tolkien Took, will be part of a festival supper in The Court café bistro at the Dean Court Hotel at 7.30pm on Friday, February 19. The supper costs £15 and includes main course supper platter (pre-booking only on 01904 625082 or sales@deancourt-york.co.uk).

Adrian also tells the story on a double CD, which will be launched and on sale at the event.

Jorvik Viking festival - a collaboration project with Arts Action York and York Archaeological Trust.

Adrinskald the Viking - As Adrinskald, Adrian has appeared at every Jorvik Viking Festival and event since they first commissioned him nearly three years ago: Entertaining the crowds, writing to commission, descending to the level of the child and generally truly becoming. Adrinskald, who is the poet in residence for the Jorvik Centre in York, recently appeared at St Mary's Primary school, Chappletown, Sheffield with Road To Ragnarok.

Andvari's Gold - An exciting show featuring the voice of the festival, Jorvik Festival's very own poet in residence Adrinskald.

Essence of Journey - Commissioned by York Viking Festival and Arts Action York.

Adrian's Viking Festival Stills Photo Gallery

Yorvik Viking Festival 2005 - Film Clip

JOLOBLOT - A Viking Festival - Filmed over three years by Restless Productions, this event documentary will be available in the very near future. The project is in the final stage of post-production and Adrian is recording the narrative voice over at the moment.

Jorvik Viking Festival 2007 - Digital Art image