This year’s re-enactment group were the Vikings of Middle England. In their Living History village, which was of a very high standard, they lived as authentically as possible for the period and welcomed visitors into their dwelling to see how Vikings lived. In addition to static exhibitions they demonstrated craft skills of the period. The highlight of the weekend was the pitched battle, where the Vikings re-took the bridge over the old Ashby-de-la-Zouch navigation previously held by the Saxons. This was achieved by a display of vicious, bloodcurdling and bloodthirsty hand to hand combat, using swords, spears and battleaxes. Naturally, the Vikings were victorious.