The Vikings are coming - to huge festival in Suffolk

The park's events manager, Fraser Carson, is so interested in these historical periods, that he created the one-day event (on October 29 this year) to share his passion, and give a glimpse into what life was like in the region so many hundreds of years ago.

The event features battle re-enactments (Image: Keith Suffling)

“It actually came about off the back of another historical event that’s been held here longer, History Alive, which began in 2016,” he explains of the event, which was first held in 2018.

A multi-tiered history attraction in its previous guise, Fraser noticed an increase in the popularity and demand of Viking and Saxon events especially – so decided a more specific festival was needed.

A great success in its inaugural year, it now draws in scores of avid enthusiasts and intrigued punters, who are keen to see what all the fuss is about.

“Our first year went well – it actually exceeded what History Alive was doing in terms of numbers, so we knew that we had struck onto something very popular with locals and people from further afield.”

Fraser is no stranger when it comes to historical events. After all, he is one of the leading members of the local Wuffa Viking and Saxon Re-enactment Society – a group of like-minded individuals from all walks of life who meet bi-weekly to accurately recreate and portray life in the 9th century.

Saxon and Viking groups from across the country ascend onto Stonham Barns Park for this one-day event (Image: Keith Suffling)

With its fourth edition just around the corner, a lot of meticulous planning has gone into October’s event, with Fraser adding that as soon as the previous festival has finished, the wheels are put in motion for the following year.

“We were fortunate enough that we were able to do the show last year, as it was towards the end of 2021 when Covid restrictions began to ease somewhat. We still had precautions in place but this will be the first one since lockdown with no restrictions. We’ll be able to do everything on a much larger scale – we’ve already got lots of traders booking pitches.”

So what can people expect?

“We’ve already got 15, if not 20, groups confirmed to attend. Each group will be demonstrating different living history skills, showing how people lived and survived during those times,” Fraser explains.

Groups travel from across the country to exhibit and demonstrate dark age skills (Image: Contributed)

Think skilled labourers and tradespeople who can show you all you need to know about cooking, weaving, leathercraft, woodwork, and blacksmithing.

There will also be herbalists, Saga storytelling and Rune readings – and visitors will be able to participate in ‘have a go’ sessions which will include archery and axe throwing, all handled under supervision by certified instructors.

“We really want people to be able to have the chance to try some of the missile weapons from the dark ages, as well as try on armour and pose for photos,” he adds.

Activities aside, there will be battle re-enactments throughout the day, alongside film screenings, various talks, live folk music, and children’s activities such as face painting, and pretend shield, sword and helmet making.

Groups travel from across the country to exhibit and demonstrate dark age skills (Image: Contributed)

And as the sun sets, the event will draw to a close with a torchlit procession and Viking boat burning.

“The boat has been built by some of the guys at Stonham Barns, and it’s quite special because the person who built it last year sadly passed away so we’ve dedicated this year’s boat to them. It’s quite a touching moment, as in Viking and early Saxon culture boat burnings were significant in honouring the dead. During last year’s ceremony, we were able to take a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives during Covid.”

The event ends with a traditional Viking boat burning ceremony (Image: Keith Suffling)

As people’s interest in the Dark Ages grows thanks to popular shows and films such as Vikings, The Dig, and The Last Kingdom to name but a few, Fraser hopes to draw in more enthusiasts from around the globe, and spread the word about this fascinating time period.

“We have a lot of local people who attend but we also have people come from across the country. We’ve had interest from re-enactment groups based in Europe and America who sadly won’t be able to attend this year’s edition but we hope they will in future as we will be extending the event.

“The majority of people who visit as customers though are not scholars or academics in the field, but average people with a 9-to-5 job, or are at school or university. They arrive with varying levels of knowledge about the dark ages, but they all leave with a far greater, more accurate idea of who the Vikings and Saxon were. Instead of reading about it, they can get their hands on it and get up close and personal with it, finding out what life was like back then.”

This year’s Saxon & Viking Festival will take place at Stonham Barns Park on Saturday October 29 between 12pm and 8pm. To find out more or to book your tickets, visit stonhambarns.co.uk

Who were the Saxons and Vikings?

The Saxons and Vikings were two different tribes who lived in what is now the United Kingdom hundreds of years ago – and certainly left their mark in East Anglia.

The Saxons arrived after the fall of the Roman Empire at the start of the 5th century, and originated from Denmark. They, along with other tribes such as the Jutes, the Angles and the Frisians, settled across the East of England before migrating further out. The most commonly known tribe from this era were the Anglo-Saxons - an intermingling of the Angles and the Saxons.

One of the biggest Saxon artefacts ever uncovered was the ship burial found at Sutton Hoo in the early 20th century. Archaeologists discovered the imprint of a 90ft ship beneath the ground, along with a hoard of treasure. It is thought this belonged to King Rædwald, who is believed to have been King of the Angles from 599 until 624.

The Vikings, on the other hand, invaded England from around 860 after making their way over from Scandinavia. They raided East Anglia, and Saxon king Alfred the Great spent several years fending them off. He eventually won the Battle of Edington in 878 – the result of which saw England split into Anglo-Saxon territory and Viking-ruled Danelaw.

In the 11th century, Viking Canute became King of England for a brief period and united England from when he took the throne in 1016 until his passing in 1035.

Following this, the Saxons once again became a dominate force in England until the last king of Anglo-Saxon England, King Harold II, was killed at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 during the Norman Conquest.