FEROCIOUS battles, longship races and torch-lit processions are set to bring historic York to life.

The annual Viking Festival, Jolablot 2002, promises to bring a splash of colour and excitement to the city from February 9 as it explores the everyday lives, clothes, food and battles of the Vikings.

Enthusiasts from across Europe are set to descend on the city for the week-long event, which is organised by Jorvik, in Coppergate, and supported by York Castle Museum, First Stop York and the Viking re-enactment group Regia Anglopum.

With a range of workshop styled events, living history displays, tales of Viking invasions, fringe events, a Viking market selling period gifts and a working craft gallery demonstrating traditional craft techniques, there promises to be something for everyone.

And new to the festival this year is a celebrity lecture by Julian Richards, presenter of the BBC series Blood Of The Vikings, and a multi-sensory exhibition at Jorvik called Viking Voyagers, which demonstrates the range of Viking ships used, including longships, sturdy trading vessels, and small coastal ferries.

Jolablot will climax with a spectacular weekend of festivities, when the streets of York will be bursting with Vikings dressed in their colourful regalia and ready as ever for battle.

A Viking procession, a regatta with replica Norwegian longboats, and a spectacular floodlit battle re-enactment called The Challenge To Power will also feature.

Janet Burrows, Jorvik marketing manager, said: "Once again the streets of York will be a myriad of festival lights, sounds and smells.

Fringe events begin on Friday, February 8, with a schools procession through the city and the festival is officially opened on Saturday, February 9. The festival ends on Sunday, February 17.

Details of the 2002 Jolablot festival programme can be obtained by calling Jorvik on 01904 643211, sending a large SAE to the festival office, Jorvik, Coppergate, York, YO1 9WT or visiting www.vikingjorvik.com

Updated: 10:12 Saturday, January 19, 2002