The Vikings are Back, and There's Bound to be Fireworks

Any sensible person would know that you get involved with Vikings as little as possible. What with all that raiding and pillaging, there's always trouble when they are around. It seems to be a lesson that the organisers of the annual firework display at Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire have failed to learn, because once again they have invited them to the festivities, regardless of the consequences.

Having seen off Jack The Ripper last weekend, and girding their loins to rip into Halloween at the end of the month, they obviously feel that they are on a roll, and the Vikings are scheduled to make their appearance on two of the three nights that the displays take place. They even call the event “Vikings and Fireworks” so there is nothing like meeting the enemy head on!

The entertainment takes place on the three nights, namely Friday 2nd November, Saturday 3rd November and Sunday 4th November. Friday and Saturday nights the gates open at 6pm, with the Vikings expected to show up at about 7.30 with fireworks soon after.

The third night, on Sunday 4th November is said to be a family night (whether Vikings and families are a good mix I wouldn't like to say!). Designed to make sure that the younger members are tightly tucked up in bed early enough for school the next day, the festivities kick off with gates opening at 3 pm, with the Vikings making their usual rumbustious appearance at 5.30 with fireworks afterwards.

Apparently the Vikings do what they are best at, and this includes a moonlight battle (no sophistication involved), and there is even a Viking funeral planned, although I can't imagine which of the Vikings will volunteer for that privilege.

The castle owners are confident that there will be enough of the castle left to continue with a full programme of events between now and Christmas, and it's worth having a little peek at their web site at http://www.tutburycastle.com.