Durham’s living history and Viking re-enactment group Dunholm Vikings will be appearing once again at Durham Regatta, and this year will be joined by Northumbria Vikings and York based Vanaheim Vikings as they recreate aspects of Viking life including demonstrations of crafts such as spinning, weaving, cooking, basketry and netting, and weapons displays.

There will also be combat displays and ‘Kiddie Vike’, in which children are invited to take part!

This year will see blacksmithing added to the demonstrations, with Alex Sowden from Hammer and Hound Forge joining the Viking group and bringing his portable Viking Forge. Alex is both a craftsman and an artist with an eye for detail and true skill in historic re-enactment. Hammer and Hound Forge is the home of artisan-forged ironwork in the North of England, offering services including welding and fabrication.

Hammer and Hound Forge

Alex is from Cramlington and was the resident blacksmith at Killhope Museum until its temporary closure. Two years ago he was invited to appear on the Sky Arts TV series “The Prince’s Master Crafters” in which contestants took on challenges with the aim of creating a showcase piece that would be presented to the then Prince Charles.

To find out more about Hammer and Hound Forge, including how to book an introductory course in blacksmithing visit the Hammer and Hound website.

The Vikings