Grim Falfest 2023

Grim FalFest returns to Grimsby with its three-day Viking-themed weekend. This 2023 event celebrates Grim and his escape from Norway with Prince Havelok before founding the town we know today.  A dramatic launch event featuring a dazzling light show will light up the opening night of Grim FalFest 2023 as visitors experience the spectacle of a Viking funeral on the River Haven, close to the Fishing Heritage Centre.

A living history camp, battle re-enactments, Viking horse parade, workshops and heritage markets will all feature during the weekend of celebrations which celebrate the town’s Viking history and its legendary founder – Grim. Grim FalFest will end with a parade around People’s Park on Sunday 10 September.

Friday 8 September – Grim’s arrival: The Legend of Valhalla

At the River Haven, near Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre

5pm: Food stalls and Bar open

5.30pm onwards: Humber Taiko Drummers present their Viking-inspired show VAIKO: Grim’s Thunder!

6pm onwards: The Higgledy Piggledly Ceilidh band

7.30pm Grim’s Arrival: The Legend of Valhalla

8.15pm: Humber Taiko Drummers

9pm: Event ends

Saturday 10 September and Sunday 11 September

Grim’s Village, St James Square, Grimsby

10am: Grim’s Village opens
Visit the village to meet craftspeople and warriors. This is your chance to get a close up on how life would have been a thousand years ago.

11am: Weapons Display (Saturday only)
Watch the Vikings demonstrate the different weapons used on the battlefield. Experience warriors wielding spears, axes and swords to show off their skills.

11.30am: Young Warrior Training (Saturday only)
An opportunity for children aged 11 and under to train as warriors and try their skills in the Shield Wall.

1pm: Weapon’s Display
Another chance to watch the Vikings demonstrate the different weapons used on the battlefield. (See above)
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1.30pm: Young Warrior Training
Another chance for children to train as warriors. (See above)

4.30pm:
Encampments close / event ends.

Saturday 10 September and Sunday 11 September

Havelok’s Village, People’s Park, Grimsby

10am: Havelok’s Village opens Experience the sights, sounds and smells of Viking Life as you adventure into the encampments of Havelok’s Village. Come up close and personal with Viking soldiers and see their weapons first-hand. Discover what life was like for the Vikings including the clothes they wore, food they ate and crafts they enjoyed.

‍11am: Warriors in Training
Witness the might of the Viking soldiers preparing for battle in Havelok’s Arena. Find out more about their weapons, how they used them and their techniques in battle.
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‍1.30pm: Viking Horse Display (Sunday only)
Find out how horses were vital to theViking raiders and invaders – and to the Saxons who fought them in our display of Viking-age mounted warfare in Havelok’s Arena.
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‍3pm: Viking Battle!
The exiled Prince Havelok battles for his stolen throne as Viking and Saxon army’s clash in Havelok’s Arena.

‍3.45pm: Parade Through the Park (Sunday only)
Join us as we bring the weekend’s activities to a close with a grand parade around People’s Park!

4.30pm:
‍Encampments close / event ends.

Throughout the day:

Leva’s Market
Take a wander through the market and rummage through historical delights for a very special souvenir.

Bragi’s Street food
Enjoy a variety of street food including the world-famous foot long fries and sweet treats such as Biscoff and ice cream doughnuts. Catering providers include: Wright’s Panini and Toastie Grill, Joella’s Foot-long Fries, Bad Boy Bao and Trigletts.

Valkyrie’s Archery demonstrations
Watch as Valkyrie and his men practice their archery skills. The bow and arrow may not be the first weapon that come to mind when we hear of Vikings, but they played a major role in both hunting and warfare. Pop along to find out more!

The full schedule can be found here.