© JACQUIE BROWN 2010
Look out, the Vikings
are coming!
Great Grimsby’s first Founders Festival will see the town centre awash with Vikings on Saturday 19 June!
The Festival, which is the brain child of local historian Dr Alan Dowling, aims to celebrate Grimsby’s unique claim to fame re-telling our founding legend of Havelok the Dane from his arrival as a fugitive infant saved from murder by fisherman Grim, his marriage to Princess Goldburgh and their success in reclaiming the thrones of England and Denmark from the wicked usurpers!
The day will kick off with a replica Viking long ship bringing Grim and Havelok along Alexandra Dock to make landfall at the small beach area on north side near Heritage House. After the ship’s company have been greeted by the Mayor and other dignitaries, the party will process in pageant through Riverhead Square and Victoria Street to St James’ Square, transformed for the day into a Viking encampment! Inside the Minster there will be exhibitions, a programme of performances from Shanty Jack, Merlin’s Keep and Dave & Julie Evardson, a proclamation of the Lay of Havelok plus some mini-sagas written by Grimsby Writers.
A public consultation event considering proposals for Tier One Renaissance projects
will be taking place in the Greater Grimsby Renaissance Shop on Victoria Street.
The legend will unfold during the day, acted out by members of ‘Vikings Online’ with members of the Caxton Players providing narration and commentary. The Viking village in St James’ Square will illustrate Viking lifestyles, crafts etc around an arena hosting feats of strength, the mock marriage and battles.
You are invited to take part! Competitions for the best-dressed Vikings in age groups 12 and under, 12 to 16 and over 16 will be judged by Viking chiefs with a prize for each category of a £20.00 Gift Card generously donated by Freshney Place and valid for use in many of their shops. To enter, research and make your costume then make sure you are there in St James’ Square at mid-day on Saturday 19 June. You will hear instructions for competition entrants over the public address system! Good luck!
are coming!
Great Grimsby’s first Founders Festival will see the town centre awash with Vikings on Saturday 19 June!
The Festival, which is the brain child of local historian Dr Alan Dowling, aims to celebrate Grimsby’s unique claim to fame re-
The day will kick off with a replica Viking long ship bringing Grim and Havelok along Alexandra Dock to make landfall at the small beach area on north side near Heritage House. After the ship’s company have been greeted by the Mayor and other dignitaries, the party will process in pageant through Riverhead Square and Victoria Street to St James’ Square, transformed for the day into a Viking encampment! Inside the Minster there will be exhibitions, a programme of performances from Shanty Jack, Merlin’s Keep and Dave & Julie Evardson, a proclamation of the Lay of Havelok plus some mini-
A public consultation event considering proposals for Tier One Renaissance projects
will be taking place in the Greater Grimsby Renaissance Shop on Victoria Street.
The legend will unfold during the day, acted out by members of ‘Vikings Online’ with members of the Caxton Players providing narration and commentary. The Viking village in St James’ Square will illustrate Viking lifestyles, crafts etc around an arena hosting feats of strength, the mock marriage and battles.
You are invited to take part! Competitions for the best-
If you would like to be involved or would like more information, please ring 01472 859336 or e-mailern.brown@btinternet.com
Great Grimsby Founders Festival