Largs Viking Festival – Scotland 2025

Background & History

The Largs Viking Festival, established in 1980, commemorates the 1263 Battle of Largs, the last mainland battle between the Scots and Norse, marking a pivotal moment in Scotland’s history. Held annually in Largs, North Ayrshire, the festival celebrates the region’s Norse heritage, when King Haakon IV’s fleet of 120 longships faced King Alexander III’s forces, ending in a stalemate due to stormy weather.

Organized by a volunteer board of 10, with Madam Pauline Hunter of Hunterston as patron, the festival features a living history Viking Village, reenactments, and the iconic Festival of Fire. Since 2013, a 40-foot Magnus the Viking statue has stood on The Promenade, marking the battle’s 750th anniversary. The festival, a registered charity (SC053452), boosts local tourism and cultural links, drawing thousands to events like the Håkon Håkonsson Lecture, inaugurated by Magnus Magnusson.

Event Highlights

• Opening Parade & Ceremony: 30 August, 1:00 PM–2:00 PM, The Promenade, free. Features local performers and dignitaries.
• Viking Village: Daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, The Promenade, $3.75 USD. Living history with reenactments by Swords of Dalriada, Strathleven Artizans (representing Alexander III), crafts (e.g., jewellery, weapons), and kids’ shield wall training.
• Entertainment Stage: 30–31 August, 6–7 September, 12:00 PM–5:45 PM, The Promenade, free. Includes 1st Largs Boys Brigade Pipe Band (30 August, 2:15 PM), Rock Choir (30 August, 3:00 PM), KelvinGroove (31 August, 4:30 PM), and Clyde Coast Fiddlers (7 September, 2:00 PM).
• Håkon Håkonsson Lecture: 4 September, 7:00 PM, Vikingar! Theatre, $6–$12 USD (TBD). Dr. Orla Craig on “The Vikings in Galloway: Scandinavian Settlement and the Galloway Hoard.”
• Festival of Fire: 6 September, 6:30 PM–9:30 PM, Barrfields Stadium/Largs Prom North, $12.50 USD. Battle reenactment, torchlit procession, longboat burning, and fireworks.
• Get Medieval Knight School: 6–7 September, times TBD, The Promenade, $3–$6 USD (TBD). Combat training for kids.
• Special Performances: 30 August, 8:00 PM, Barrfields Theatre, A Scottish Comedy Collective, $10–$20 USD (TBD); 31 August, 11:00 AM, Artie’s Singing Kettle, $5–$10 USD (TBD).

City

• Largs: A seaside town in North Ayrshire, known for its Norse heritage, The Promenade, and landmarks like the Magnus the Viking statue and Vikingar! interactive exhibit. Located on the Firth of Clyde, 40 minutes from Glasgow.

Main Event Address

• Primary Venue: The Promenade, Largs, North Ayrshire, KA30 8NE, Scotland.
• Secondary Venues: Barrfields Stadium (Festival of Fire, KA30 8NT), Vikingar! Theatre (Lecture, KA30 8QL).
• Administrative Contact: Largs Viking Festival, largsvikingfestival@mail.com.
• Note: Full venue details at www.largsvikingfestival.co.uk.

Date & Duration

• Date: 30 August–7 September 2025.
• Duration: 9 days.
• Opening Times:
  • Viking Village: Daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM).
  • Entertainment Stage: 30–31 August, 6–7 September, 12:00 PM–5:45 PM.
  • Festival of Fire: 6 September, 6:30 PM–9:30 PM.
  • Håkon Håkonsson Lecture: 4 September, 7:00 PM.
• Note: Sometimes TBD at www.largsvikingfestival.co.uk.

Venue / Location

• The Promenade: Outdoor venue hosting Viking Village, parades, and the Entertainment Stage. Limited accessibility; temporary toilets (some accessible). Free parking at Largs School Campus (Alexander Avenue, KA30 9DR).
• Barrfields Stadium: Hosts Festival of Fire; limited wheelchair access, contact largsvikingfestival@mail.com.
• Vikingar! Theatre: Indoor venue for lectures; accessible seating, hearing loops.
• Note: Accessibility details TBD at www.largsvikingfestival.co.uk; contact largsvikingfestival@mail.com for accommodations.

Contact Information

• Email: largsvikingfestival@mail.com (general, ticketing, accessibility).
• Phone: Not listed; use email or www.largsvikingfestival.co.uk contact form.
• Website: www.largsvikingfestival.co.uk (main, ticketing, programme).
• Social Media: Follow @LargsVikingFestival on Facebook; updates at www.largsvikingfestival.co.uk.
• Ticketing: Purchase via www.ticketsource.co.uk (Viking Village, Festival of Fire, Lecture) from July 2025. Groups email largsvikingfestival@mail.com.

Ticket Information

• How to Book: Purchase via www.ticketsource.co.uk from July 2025. Refunds per TicketSource policies (TBD at www.largsvikingfestival.co.uk). Booking fees (~£1 ≈ $1.22 USD) may apply. Contact largsvikingfestival@mail.com for groups or accessibility.
• 2025 Pricing (USD, 1 GBP ≈ 1.22 USD):
  • Viking Village: £3 ≈ $3.75 USD (per person, wristband for all-day entry).
  • Festival of Fire: £10 ≈ $12.50 USD (6 September, includes reenactment, procession, longboat burning, fireworks).
  • Combo Ticket (Village + Festival of Fire): £12 ≈ $15 USD (TBD).
  • Håkon Håkonsson Lecture: £5–£10 ≈ $6–$12 USD (TBD).
  • Barrfields Theatre Shows: A Scottish Comedy Collective (30 August), $10–$20 USD; Artie’s Singing Kettle (31 August), $5–$10 USD (TBD).
  • Concessions: Children under 5 free; youth/senior discounts TBD ($2–$8 USD).
• Additional Notes: Prices based on 2024 data (,,); 2025 prices TBD July 2025 at www.largsvikingfestival.co.uk.

Cultural Significance

The festival preserves Largs’ Norse heritage, commemorating the 1263 Battle of Largs, a turning point in Scottish-Norwegian relations. The Viking Village, managed by groups like Swords of Dalriada, educates on 13th-century life, while the Festival of Fire and Håkon Håkonsson Lecture deepen historical understanding. Supported by local sponsors, the event boosts Largs’ economy and cultural tourism, drawing thousands to its parades, reenactments, and community events, reinforcing Scotland’s Nordic ties.

Food & Drinks

• Festival Venue: Food stalls at The Promenade (e.g., hog roast, $5–$15 USD, card/cash). No on-site bar; outside alcohol prohibited.
• Nearby Dining:
  • Nardini’s (Italian, $10–$25 USD, 2-minute walk from The Promenade).
  • The Viking Fish & Chip Shop (British, $5–$15 USD, 5-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at nearby pubs (e.g., The George, $5–$10 USD, 5-minute walk); no alcohol at festival venues.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Free for under 5s; activities like kids’ shield wall training and Get Medieval Knight School ($3–$6 USD, TBD). Most events are suitable for all ages; check www.largsvikingfestival.co.uk for details.
• Accessibility:
  • The Promenade: Limited wheelchair access due to outdoor setting; temporary accessible toilets.
  • Barrfields Stadium: Limited wheelchair access; contact largsvikingfestival@mail.com.
  • Vikingar! Theatre: Wheelchair seating, hearing loops.
  • Contact largsvikingfestival@mail.com or TicketSource (+44 333 666 3366) for accommodations.
  • Full details TBD at www.largsvikingfestival.co.uk.

Getting There

• By Air: Glasgow Airport (GLA, 25 miles, 40-minute drive to Largs).
• Public Transport:
  • Train: Largs Railway Station (hourly from Glasgow, $5–$10 USD, 5-minute walk to The Promenade). Check www.scotrail.co.uk.
  • Bus: McGill’s buses from Glasgow (e.g., 901, $3–$7 USD, stops at The Promenade).
• By Car: Free parking at Largs School Campus (Alexander Avenue, KA30 9DR, 5-minute walk). Additional parking at The Promenade ($5–$10 USD).
• By Coach: Pre-book parking via largsvikingfestival@mail.com (24 hours’ notice).
• By Bike/Foot: Coastal path from Largs Station (10-minute walk).
• By Taxi: Largs Taxis (+44 1475 689999, $5–$10 USD).
• Rideshare: Uber ($10–$15 USD within Largs).

Program Details (Confirmed for 2025)

• 30 August:
  • 1:00 PM–2:00 PM: Opening Parade & Ceremony, The Promenade, free.
  • 10:00 AM–5:00 PM: Viking Village, $3.75 USD, with Glasgow Sword Breakers, kids’ shield wall.
  • Entertainment Stage: 1:30 PM Opening Ceremony, 2:15 PM 1st Largs Boys Brigade Pipe Band, 3:00 PM Rock Choir, 4:30 PM Largs Music Club, free.
  • 8:00 PM: A Scottish Comedy Collective, Barrfields Theatre, $10–$20 USD.
• 31 August:
  • 10:00 AM–5:00 PM: Viking Village, $3.75 USD, with Glasgow Sword Breakers, kids’ shield wall.
  • Entertainment Stage: 12:00 PM James O’Brien, 1:30 PM Wully Smith, 3:00 PM Dee and Carole, 4:30 PM KelvinGroove, free.
  • 11:00 AM: Artie’s Singing Kettle, Barrfields Theatre, $5–$10 USD.
• 1–3 September:
  • 10:00 AM–5:00 PM: Viking Village, $3.75 USD (group bookings via largsvikingfestival@mail.com).
• 4 September:
  • 10:00 AM–5:00 PM: Viking Village, $3.75 USD.
  • 7:00 PM: Håkon Håkonsson Lecture, Vikingar! Theatre, $6–$12 USD, Dr. Orla Craig on Galloway Hoard.
• 5 September:
  • 10:00 AM–5:00 PM: Viking Village, $3.75 USD.
• 6 September:
  • 10:00 AM–5:00 PM: Viking Village, $3.75 USD, with Get Medieval Knight School ($3–$6 USD, TBD).
  • Entertainment Stage: 1:00 PM Country Dancers, 2:30 PM Rattlesnake Tattoo, 4:00 PM Jeff Jeffrey, 5:30 PM Filthy White Suit, free.
  • 6:30 PM–9:30 PM: Festival of Fire, Barrfields Stadium/Largs Prom North, $12.50 USD (reenactment, procession, longboat burning, fireworks).
• 7 September:
  • 10:00 AM–5:00 PM: Viking Village, $3.75 USD, with Get Medieval Knight School ($3–$6 USD, TBD).
  • Entertainment Stage: 12:30 PM Sovirez, 2:00 PM Clyde Coast Fiddlers, 3:30 PM The Latest Flames, 4:30 PM Annie Mae, 5:45 PM Churches Together Closing Ceremony, free.
• Note: Times approximate; subject to weather and performer availability. Full schedule at www.largsvikingfestival.co.uk.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024: Expanded Viking Village, Festival of Fire with longboat burning, Håkon Håkonsson Lecture by Dr. Orla Craig.
• Historical: 2013 Magnus the Viking statue unveiling; 1980 inaugural lecture by Magnus Magnusson.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Eco Practices: Encourages public transport (e.g., ScotRail, McGill’s buses); recycling at The Promenade. No longship trips in 2024 due to funding, to reduce environmental impact. Full 2025 details TBD at www.largsvikingfestival.co.uk.
• Note: Aligns with Largs’ community-driven ethos.

Educational Impact

• Viking Village: Daily, $3.75 USD, educates on 13th-century Norse life (e.g., crafts, religion).
• Håkon Håkonsson Lecture: 4 September, $6–$12 USD, academic talk on Viking history.
• Kids’ Activities: Shield wall training and Get Medieval Knight School ($3–$6 USD), hands-on history learning.

Cultural Activities

• Viking Village: Daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, $3.75 USD, living history with reenactments, crafts, and talks.
• Festival of Fire: 6 September, 6:30 PM–9:30 PM, $12.50 USD, battle reenactment, torchlit procession, longboat burning, fireworks.
• Entertainment Stage: 30–31 August, 6–7 September, free, music and performances.
• Håkon Håkonsson Lecture: 4 September, 7:00 PM, $6–$12 USD, historical talk.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Tickets on sale July 2025 at www.ticketsource.co.uk; accommodation scarce in summer. Book via www.visitscotland.com.
• Weather Prep: August/September (50–60°F, rainy); pack waterproofs, sturdy shoes.
• Explore Locally: Vikingar! exhibit ($5–$10 USD, 5-minute walk); Pencil Monument (free, 10-minute walk).
• Public Transport: ScotRail smartcard ($5 USD); McGill’s bus tickets ($3–$7 USD).
• Festival Info: Digital schedules at www.largsvikingfestival.co.uk; no dedicated app.

Local Attractions

• Vikingar!: Interactive Norse exhibit ($5–$10 USD, 5-minute walk).
• Pencil Monument: Commemorates the Battle of Largs (free, 10-minute walk).
• Kelburn Castle: Historic estate ($10 USD, 10-minute drive).

Accommodation Options

• Hotels: Brisbane House Hotel ($100–$200 USD/night, 5-minute walk from The Promenade).
• B&Bs: St Leonards Guest House ($80–$150 USD/night, 10-minute walk).
• Airbnb: Largs seafront flats ($60–$120 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 6–12 months for August/September; check www.visitscotland.com.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at The Promenade; Largs Medical Centre (5-minute walk).
• Security: Bag checks at Viking Village and Festival of Fire; no drones without permission.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks. Full 2025 details TBD at www.largsvikingfestival.co.uk.
• Safeguarding: Per charity policies at www.largsvikingfestival.co.uk.