THE largest Norse-themed festival in Europe will return to a historic city to celebrate the roots of the Vikings.

The JORVIK Viking Festival 2018, which attracts over 40,000 visitors to York, will reveal how Vikings arrived in the Anglo-Saxon town, before settling and creating the city of Jorvik.

Three brothers – Halfdan Ragnarsson, Ubba Ragnarsson and Ivarr the Boneless – returned to the city to start the countdown.

It will feature many trademark events, including the call to battle when Viking masses march from York Minster to Coppergate.

World-renowned musician, Einar Selvik-Wardruna – whose music features in the TV series The Vikings – will return for a concert in York’s Tempest Anderson Hall.

The finale of the festival will see over 100 warriors takes to the Eye of York, in the shadow of Clifford’s Tower, for a live-action battle.

Paul Whiting, JORVIK centre marking manager, said: “Whilst the story we tell within the attraction focuses on the peaceful trading hub that Jorvik had become nearly a century after they first invaded, this year for the festival, our hordes of Viking warriors will face off against the established Anglo-Saxons as we tell the origin story of Viking York.”

Invasion: The Dawn of Viking York will run from February 12 until February 18, 2018.

For full details of the event visit www.jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk