Excitement is building ahead of the return of a festival that will see Grimsby transformed into a medieval settlement.
Grim Falfest celebrates the origins of our town and the tale of the young Danish sailor who, as legend has it, gave Grimsby its name. During the weekend, events will be staged in St James’ Square, on the river and in the People’s Park.
These will include battle reenactments, warrior training and an immersive experience involving “Viking villages”. Created thanks to National Lottery Heritage Funding, the free event is being held from tomorrow (Friday) to Sunday.
READ MORE: Viking lightshow and longboats to launch Grim Falfest 2023 as full schedule released
On the Friday evening, spectators will be able to relive the legend of Grim and Havelock, including the moment Grim came to town on his longship, hiding the infant Prince Havelock.
Julia Thompson, who chairs VESR (Visitor Economy Services and Retail Group), is among the organisers. She said: “I’m very excited about this weekend. It’ll be great seeing Grimsby transformed back to the town it used to be and to tell the story of the person it was named after.”
(Image: Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive)
She added: “We are looking forward to a wonderful weekend where families can explore a time when Vikings were in charge. It’ll be something that gets people into the town centre with local people seeing what’s on offer.” She added: “This year will be bigger and better than ever.”
However, with the redevelopment of The Riverhead Square, organisers have had to alter their plans this year. “We decided to do more in the People’s Park this year, including the villages,” Julia said. “We’ve been delighted with the support so far and we’re hoping to bring that wow factor as well as capture the imagination of the community.”
She came up with the idea of a Viking festival in lockdown when thinking of the next big event. “I wanted to support the town centre and give it an exciting buzz. I also wanted to put the Grim back in Grimsby and this is the best way to do it.”
(Image: Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive)
Mayor Ian Lindley said: “I’m really excited for the weekend. It was a great success last year pulling in over 22,000 people and we hope this year will be even better. Looking at the preparation the team have done to get to this stage and the weather, it’s looking great.
“I’m sure that it will surpass the success of last year’s too.” He added: “It’s important to learn about the heritage of our town and where we come from, especially for the people of Grimsby.
“It’s something we’re proud of and something we should never forget. We’ve not done that much on it over the years and this is the perfect opportunity to do so. It’s also especially good for the younger people of Grimsby who may not know about its origins.”
