Scandinavian warriors of yore will be providing exciting all out action displays this weekend in a pre-cursor to this year’s Viking Festival Yes, the norse invaders are coming to Kelburn Estate this weekend on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July to provide thrills and spills for all ages.

The family fun weekend will see live re-enactment skirmishes and living demonstrations of old Viking life, in full authentic costumes of Viking times including their helmets and weapons plus traditional crafts and a camp depicting daily life.

Elaine Strong, living history co-ordinator of the Glasgow Vikings, who are part of The Vikings, the oldest and largest international re-enactment society, said: “We will be bringing Viking history to life with our authentic 10th century Viking encampment, weapons demonstrations and skirmishes, which are both enjoyable and educational. We’ll excite all the senses as we give Kelburn’s visitors real Viking memories to last a lifetime!” And, if you are interested in all things historic don’t forget Kelburn Estate also houses a cartoon exhibition depicting the castle and its inhabitant’s history. There’s the refurbished museum too; displaying the Boyle’s family links with New Zealand and an array of Mauri memorabilia.

David Boyle, the Viscount of Kelburn, said: “Fresh air and fun for all ages is very much the Kelburn Estate mantra!” Further details online at www.kelburnestate.com