MEDIA RELEASE 18 July 2006

The Vikings are coming!
Stevenson Winter Festival
21 July – 8 October 2006

There have been many time-honoured match-ups fought out on the playing fields of the Auckland Domain – but none so ancient as the one shaping up this coming Saturday (July 22).

Opposing Viking forces take on each other in a full battle re-enactment on the grounds outside Auckland Museum. It’s all part of the Volvo Vikings exhibition which opens at the museum this weekend.

While the Viking battle combatants may be modern, their re-enactments are true to the history of the world’s most famous warriors, traders and navigators.

Viking life is being re-created every weekend by the Auckland Norseman who battle Waikato Norse and a few stragglers this Saturday.

There is a full programme of living history bringing to life the culture, crafts and industry of the famous warrior nation. A Viking Village at the entrance to the museum sets up camp this Saturday morning preceding the big battle at 1pm.

The following day, kids can learn how to make Viking weaponry and then use it in a mock one-on-one against a Viking guard in the Kids Battle Drill.

Museum spokesperson Jo Lees says re-enactments are always popular with families.

“They are a great way to bring history to life – the kids love the action and are more likely to remember the detail if they have been entertained.”

Museum visitors are being encouraged to get with the programme by dressing in costumes, the only proviso being no helmets with horns! Apparently, they are a Hollywood myth.

The full Vikings programme is available online at http://www.aucklandmuseum.com/?t=859. It is part of the museum’s Family Winter Festival programme.

ENDS

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