IT was the battle that marked the end of Viking domination in the North and preceded the Norman Conquest.

Now the public will get a close-up view of what the Battle of Stamford Bridge was like thanks to one of the country's leading re-enactment groups.

As part of York's 20th annual Jorvik Viking Festival, the Regia Anglorum group will recreate the battle, and yesterday, members visited the site where it took place.

On February 12, they will gather in York's Museum Gardens to march to the Eye of York, where the battle will get under way at 2.30pm.

And as the Viking and English armies clash, the head of Regia Anglorum, Kim Siddorn, will give a detailed commentary of what happened.

The re-enactment will be free, though there is limited capacity, and it promises to be of the highlights of the festival.

It includes two weeks of events and is set to attract people from all over the world.

A festival programme is available at www.vikingjorvik.com. Many events are free, but anyone planning to see chargeable events are advised to book by calling (01904) 543403.

A festival programme can also be obtained by sending a stamped addressed envelope to the Festival Office, Jorvik, Coppergate, York, YO1 9WT.

Published: 21/01/2005