A new bar will open in York this week – but it will only be here for a few days.
The Nine Realms Bar is a pop-up coming to Parliament Street in a first for Jorvik Viking Festival.
It is a joint effort between the festival organisers, the Valhalla pub and Brew York, who have created a new beer for the event – Sigrid’s Saga, a dark mild.
The Nine Realms will run from 5.30pm-11pm every night during the festival – from Wednesday 20 February to Wednesday 27 February.
The bar is part of a new focus on adult-friendly activities at this year’s festival.
Cosplay and mythology
Programmes like the History Channel’s Vikings have prompted an increase in adult visitors to the Jorvik festival, says marketing manager Beth Dawes:
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Jorvik Viking Festival has always been known as a family-friendly event, and this is something that we’re keen to retain, as many lifelong Viking fans had their first Norse experiences here in York.
But without a doubt, the growth in popularity of adult-driven dramas like Vikings and Game of Thrones has opened up a new audience to us.
Young adults who love cosplay and the mythology of the Vikings are making Jorvik part of their annual plans, so we’ve introduced more adult-only events to keep them engaged whilst they are here.
Ethical clothing retailer Descended From Odin are this year’s sponsors.
- Wed 20-Wed 27 Feb
- York
- More details
They are bringing Danish folk artist Myrkur to York Barbican on Thursday evening (21 February) – an evening of Norse-inspired music and storytelling in her Folkesange set.
Sean Parry of Manchester-based Sacred Knot Tattoo will be the ‘skald’ (narrator) – and is also participating in the Festival with appointments available for permanent body art during his York stay.
For those looking for authentic Viking flavours, the Mead Tasting at Barley Hall on Wednesday 20 February is also proving very popular.
Several delicious meads, accompanied by fine food and served in the Great Hall, with tastings guided by the experts from The Lancashire Mead Company will highlight the honey-based beverage loved by the Vikings. Places cost £28 per person.