Vikings and Saxons will return to Stafford Castle for a weekend of battles, demonstrations and family activities.
The Vikings Are Coming will take place on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August 2026, with the event open from 10am to 4pm on both days.
A Viking camp will be set up at the castle, while a rival Saxon camp will be based in the woodland. The two sides will march into the Inner Bailey and face each other in battle displays at 11am and 3pm each day.
Visitors will be able to explore the camps, meet the reenactors and learn more about life during the Viking period. The programme includes talks, weapon demonstrations, arms and armour displays, weaving, cooking and traditional games including Kubb and Nine Men’s Morris.
There will also be opportunities to try axe throwing, archery, javelin throwing and coin minting. Younger visitors can take part in Kiddie-Vike activities, face painting and wound painting, while birds of prey and food stalls will also be at the event. Please note that not all activities are free.
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Make a mini Viking longboat
A children’s workshop will run inside the Visitor Centre from 11am to 3.15pm on both days.
Children will be able to design and make their own wooden Viking longboat to take home, using runes and traditional Viking-style patterns as inspiration.
The drop-in workshop costs £5 per child and does not need to be booked in advance.
Admission and parking
Admission to The Vikings Are Coming is free.
Parking at Stafford Castle costs £5 for cars and £3 for motorbikes, with payment by cash only.
Pedestrians and people arriving by bicycle can enter free of charge.
Free alternative parking will also be available at King Edward VI High School.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome at the event.
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