By William Kirkpatrick
The Rivington area swarmed with Vikings from all walks of life as they came together to march around the beautiful hills.
Dressed in Viking costumes - some novelty and some realistic - hundreds of people ventured from Liverpool Castle, up to Rivington Pike then down to the Terraced Gardens on a 5k walk.
Their frightening appearance failed to scare off one couple who had planned to get married that day in Rivington. The Vikings passed them on their journey, wished them luck for the future and featured in a wedding photograph they will never forget.
On their arrival at the gardens, they had worked up an appetite, proceeding to feast and take part in Viking themed activities.
Multiple stations were setup to showcase the talents and lives of the Vikings, including axe throwing and archery. There were also challenges such as the shield hold, in which people must hold up two six-pound shields for as long as possible.
Live music, as well as activities for the kids like an animal area put on by Smithills Farm and a ball throw area, were available which saw them celebrate for hours.
The mayor of Horwich, Steven Rock greeted the Vikings and welcomed them to their new home across the North Sea. Unfortunately, he wasn’t in a Viking costume.
With over 200 people joining in the activities on the Great Lawn, it was deemed a huge success, despite some wet conditions early on. The event looks to grow more and more with talk of there being another event next year.
Next year plans to be much bigger with better facilities, including shelter for that unpredictable August weather.