VIKING RAIDERS RETURNING TO MONKWEARMOUTH

A medieval festival is helping celebrate the monastic heritage of St Peter's Church in Monkwearmouth.

Raiders - or re-enactors are returning as part of the festival. Members of Regia Anglorum - a living history group will be supplying vicious Viking marauders and a Northumbrian home team of fearsome fighters to fight for control of Monkwearmouth.

Alongside the clash a host of lost crafts and techniques will be demonstrated to visitors. From textiles to hunting and fishing, from cooking to woodworking and even coin striking, all will be faithfully recreated by experts in their field wearing meticulously created period costume.

The re-enacted battle is at 2pm on both days, with warrior training from 10-11.30am.