THE mince pies have barely been digested - but already plans are afoot for another major festival dating from ancient times.

The 2003 Jorvik Viking Festival - or Jolablot - celebrates the coming of spring and will start on Valentine's Day, February 14.

The programme for the eight-day party includes a schools' procession, a celebrity lecture with Time Team's Mick Aston, Viking-themed walks and the popular Viking battles and combat events.

There will also be a traditional Viking wedding and an evening that will include Norse ballads, board games, trials and strength and agility, saga-telling and Scandinavian food.

There will also be longship races on the river Ouse, battle drill training for young would-be warriors and a craft and history display.

"We have made the Jolablot festival an occasion for all ages," said organiser Janet Burros said: "The streets of York will come alive with activity and will be invaded by hundreds of Vikings in traditional dress. It will be a spectacle not to be missed."

A copy of the festival programme can be seen at www.vikingjorvik.com or by calling (01904) 643211.