HUNDREDS of Vikings marched through the ancient streets of York as a week-long celebration of all things Norse came to an explosive end.

Thousands turned out to watch as the Norsemen clashed with Anglo-Saxon defenders on the Eye of York as the annual Jorvik Viking Festival came to its climax.

And then pyrotechnics filled the sky as fireworks burst forth from the ancient fortress of Clifford's Tower.

“This year’s festival has enabled us to tell a story of war and peace," said marketing manager Paul Whiting.

"The festival events have been focused on the Viking invasion of York in AD866, whilst the newly reimagined Jorvik Viking Centre shows how these mighty warriors settled here, living a comparatively peaceful existence for the next 200 years.”

He added: “Key events, from concerts to the Viking feast and the grand finale event sold out weeks ago, and the myriad free activities – especially the encampment – have been busy all week.

"We will not know the full visitor figures for a little while, but it certainly felt busier than ever before for today’s march through the city.”

The countdown now begins to the 2019 festival.