VESR (Visitor Economy Services and Retail Group) CIC have partnered with Heritage Lincolnshire to develop an exciting new project with the National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop and bring to life The Grimsby Viking Festival!
This exciting and ambitious project aims to raise awareness of the Viking heritage of the area through an 18-month programme of fun and engaging learning opportunities, and provide far-reaching opportunities to celebrate, unite, revitalise, and inspire at an important time for the region.
The highlights of the project will be two, large scale celebration events, which will mark the launch and finale. These are due to be delivered in September 2022 and September 2023. Each 3-day event will feature a spectacular opening ceremony with Viking Ships sailing up the Freshney, a living history camp and Viking parade, along with performances, workshops, and heritage markets.
In September 2023, to demonstrate Grimsby’s status as a gateway port, a Viking longship will make a promotional journey from York to Grimsby, arriving at Grimsby for the finale celebration event and featuring stops along the way to bring the story of Viking trade through Grimsby to a wide and diverse audience.