THOUSANDS of people have flocked to see the Vikings in action as the 35th annual festival took the historic city of York back through turbulent times.

The city's famous streets have for the past week been taken over by hoards of Vikings looking for a fight and armed to the teeth with swords, helmets and attitude.

Crowds lined the streets for the procession of more than 250 Vikings, and a sell-out audience filled the Eye of York for the evening Battle Spectacular which told the stories of Viking women drawn from ancient Norse sagas.

Marketing manager, Beth Dawes, said they've had a fantastic festival, and it's been a real year for the women of Jorvik. She added: " Not only did they head up the March to Coppergate, leading more than 250 Vikings, but our ‘best beard’ competition had more female than male entrants, with nine women displaying their hand-crafted and styled facial hair.

"The new venue for the Strongest Viking competition, St Sampson’s Square, was packed, with Viking warriors and contemporary strongmen taking to the stage for impressive trials of strength and endurance."

Beth said despite common perceptions of Vikings as bearded, burly men, women have played a role in the JORVIK Viking Festival for years on and off the battlefield. She added: "For the re-enactors women play a crucial part, both on and off the battlefield. Some choose the role of supportive wife, but for many years, others have chosen to don mail vests and get stuck into the combat re-enactments. When someone is running at you, fully armoured with a raised axe or sword, screaming behind their shield, gender is the least of your worries , man or woman, you know you have to fight for your life."

The festival ends tomorrow.