July 31st & August 1st 2004 -
This years Viking Festival promises to be bigger and better than before with new attractions being added both on and off the Festival Field at Madyn.
The activities commence with the “Invasion of Moelfre Beach” by Vikings coming in from the sea on 36 ft. Viking longboats. These seafaring boats and Vikings are from Ardglass Vikings in Ireland and are crewed by 22 Viking rowers.
Imagine the scene as the boats appear on the horizon, the Anglesey warriors waiting in hiding on the beach; the boats come into shore unaware of what awaits them - battle commences – are the invaders pushed back into their boats or do they conquer?
Come to Moelfre at 10.30 a.m. in Saturday 31 July and find out.

On the Festival Field at Madyn, Amlwch - As well as the Living History Village, acting out scenarios, a Viking Wedding, displays in the arena, the skirmishes and exhilarating battles new attractions have been added throughout the weekend.
READY STEADY COOK – VIKING STYLE – two teams of Vikings will be given ingredients to prepare a Viking dish. The preparation and cooking will be in authentic Viking style - all cooking will be over their open fires. What delicious smells will rise up from the cooking pots? What tricks will opposing teams use to scupper their opponents? - Only time will tell.
Wander around the Living History Village and try your hand at STAMPING COINS in the Viking Longhouse. Watch the skill and enjoyment of the Viking villagers making their wares - combing, weaving, carvings, jewellery, swords and shields. Keep a listening ear to the banter and heed the battles cries.

The GWYNEDD AXEMEN are an addition to the festival this year. Marvel at their speed and strength as they chop their way through tree trunks, in competition with one another; see their skill and dexterity - what will they produce? Come and watch.
ANCIENT ARTS are another first. From Stone Age through to medieval tools, implements and weapons; join in with the copper smelting or just stand back in awe.
Try your hand at the archery stand, can you hit the targets? Enjoy the local craft workers stalls; sample the local food, can you really resist the delicious smells? Or just sit on the hill in the field and let the atmosphere wash over you, experience the Viking Life for a day.

The VIKING BOAT, built locally in Amlwch Port will be towed through the town followed by the throng of Viking villagers and warriors to its final resting place in the harbour.
The local schools of Amlwch, Penysarn and Moelfre have taken part in a competition to design and paint the Viking shields that will adorn the boat.
At 6.30p.m. the free children’s open air disco opens to the sound of MAD’s D.J. and pulsates its way through until 9.15 p.m. Come and join in as the children, parents and Vikings dance away and bring the Port alive.
The eerie darkness of the Port, the haunting Viking music, the lone call to the warriors. The lighted torches appear on the cliff top - the CEREMONIAL BOAT BURNING has begun.
The snaking path of the torches down to the boat, the chanting and calling of the Viking groups, the Ardglass boats keeping watch on the opposite side of the harbour, the fire arrow that sets the boat ablaze.
As the flames start to die down the fireworks display begins, lighting the night sky and signalling the end of the first day of the Festival.

Sunday 1st August see the beginning of another action packed day.

The “Invasion of Bull Bay “ takes place at 10.30 a.m. Are the Ardglass Vikings tired and despondent from the previous days invasion and battles or are they the conquering heroes? Let battle commence !
More skirmishes and displays abound on the Festival Field - see the Viking Children battle their Dads, watch the faces light up as the Viking Warriors invite the local children into the arena – enjoy another day in a different world.
As the final battle draws to an end, see the Vikings burn the village in the arena!
An action packed weekend full of family entertainment - NOT TO BE MISSED - bring your cameras.

(For more information contact Val Roberts on 01248 722887 or 01407 831579 evenings; Marilyn Hughes on 01407 832228)

Photographs of last years Festival have now been added [view photos...]

Gwyl Llychynwyr Amlwch - Gorffennaf 31 & 1 Awst 2004