YORK is preparing to be taken over by Vikings - for the 22nd year in a row.

The annual Jorvik Viking Festival will be bringing history to life for five days this month, and more details have emerged of some of the spectacular events planned.

About 40,000 visitors are expected to "invade" the city for the festival, and the Vikings will be ready for them with plenty of entertainment.

Spectators can hope to be both delighted and disgusted at a gruesome re-enactment of the Battle Of Stainmore, which is taking place as part of Invasion Day on February 17. The day of events will give people a chance to see what became of one of the most reviled and terrifying tyrants in history, Erik Bloodaxe, the Viking King of York.

More than 150 fearsome Vikings will engage in bloody combat, intensified by a thrilling light and sound show. This final showdown will come at the end of Invasion Day, held on the Sunday, during which Vikings will march through the centre of York and clash swords outside Clifford's Tower.

There are also a variety of interactive events scheduled for children throughout the five-day festival. Mini-Vikings of all ages are sure to have fun and learn something at the same time, and several of the events are free.

Aspiring young actors will enjoy an interactive story-telling exploring the history of the Vikings, held on Wednesday, February 14, in St Sampson's Square with theatre group MarkMark. The audience will have the chance to join in and play a part, with no experience necessary.

For those wanting to create their own Viking sketchbook, Saturday is the day to do it with the help of Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom, authors of Viking Longship, a children's history book.

There will also be the opportunity to sail with a Viking crew, listen to Viking myths and visit a Viking's farm to taste Viking bread.

And, as reported in The Press last month, Monty Python star and historian Terry Jones, and his film-maker son, Bill Jones, will be attending a showing of the new version of Erik The Viking at City Screen on February 16.

Also at City Screen will be a screening of the 1960's classic children's film, Noggin Goes North! on Wednesday, February 14, accompanied by a question-and-answer session with the creators of the film, Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate.

* Don't miss Wednesday's Press for a special supplement featuring everything you need to know about the Jorvik Viking Festival.