The 2016 Festival will run from 27 August to 4 September
Largs is a popular holiday destination and is famed for a battle in 1263 when the Norse King Haakon, attempting to land from a fleet of longships, was repulsed by the army of Alexander 111. Returning to Norway, King Haakon took ill and died in Kirkwall. His death lead directly to the Treaty of Perth when the Norse ceded the Westen Isles and Isle of Man to Scotland.
This Viking heritage is celebrated at the annual Viking Festival where the main attraction is the living history Viking Village which opens every day from 11am to 5pm. Please note the Village will close from 1.30 to 2.30 p.m. on 27 August to enable the re-enactors to participate in the opening parade and at 4.30pm on Saturday 3rd September for an evening event.
Come and see how the Vikings lived in an authentic 13th Century village - talk to them about their way of life; learn about how they made their clothes, weapons, jewellery and food. Ask the Vikings about their religion, beliefs, homes, crafts, ships, their homeland and why they left it. This year the re-enactment group Swords of Dalriada will be in the Viking Village with Viking traders from Germany, Sweden and Ireland. The entry fee of £5 for Adults and £2 for Children/Concessions (over 60s and students) gives admission throughout the day of purchase. Under 5s free. School visits to the Village and Vikingar! can be arranged by telephoning Vikingar! on 01475 689777.
A Scottish Food and Craft Fayre will also open every day from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Come and enjoy a shopping experience with a difference.
Owl Magic will be with us every day and on both weekends there will be on stage entertainment, street performers on the Promenade and aerobatic displays including a RAF Lancaster Bomber on 3 September at 5.30 pm and 4 September at 2.10 p.m. weather permitting. A fun fair will also be present on the Promenade throughout the Festival.
Arrangements are being made for an evening event on Saturday 3 September to include a spectacular fireworks display. Details will appear under News once finalised.
To get a flavour of our Festival, please view this video produced for us in 2015 by James Willetts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJnZJkvp_xo
If this isn't enough there are two golf courses, putting, bowls, play parks, a swimming pool and many more sport and leisure activities to keep visitors entertained and the restaurants and cafes are high quality.
While we do all we can to ensure the Programme is met as advertised, there are occasions outwith our control when events have to be cancelled or changed and we reserve the right to do this without prior notice, particularly where there is a military involvement as these are always subject to operational requirements. Please keep checking this website under "News" where any changes or cancellations will be advised as soon as they are made known to us.
We acknowledge the sponsors of his year's event: North Ayrshire Council; MalinWaters; SSE Community Fund and Magnox Socio-economic Scheme (See page About: Sponsors) and local businesses Costa Coffee, Wetherspoons, The Bagel Basket, Vinnies Flowers, Clark's Amusements, Beachcomers, LPC Design + Print, Morrisons and Jewsons for assistance in kind.
