Organisers of Grimsby’s viking festival, Grim Falfest say talks are ongoing in the hope that the festival will return in the future after it was announced the event will not be happening this year.
The event attracted over 22,300 visitors in its first year, won a prestigious National Outdoor Event Award in 2023, and was hailed as the “best thing to happen to Grimsby.” An independent survey carried out at last year’s event showed that 99% of visitors wanted the festival to return.
The three-day celebrations of Grimsby’a Viking heritage opened with dramatic longship displays on Grimsby’s waterfront. Over 200 viking re-enactors descended on the town and set up camps in St James Square and People’s Park. Visitors were able to explore viking villages, take part in weapons training and watch battle re-enactments, ending with a parade of local people led by Grim and Havelok.
The flagship event led to the launch of a new viking re-enactment group called Lindesige Saeward, meeting regularly to train in Grimsby and taking part in viking events across the UK.
But sadly, it has now been confirmed that following a series of funding issues, the event will not return for 2024.
Julia Thompson, Festival Director and Chair of VESR CIC, hopes the festival can make a return. She said: “The current project has sadly come to an end, but Grim Falfest has been so popular we would be delighted to see it return in the future and discussions are ongoing.”
The 18-month project was supported by £250,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund which has seen a range of workshops and activities delivered in schools and to local groups in Grimsby with the two annual Grim Falfest festivals being the highlight of the celebrations.
In October last year, The Heritage Lottery Fund announced North East Lincolnshire would be receiving a share of £200 million for Heritage based projects over 10 years, one of 19 designated Heritage Places across the UK. Consultations are currently ongoing with North East Lincolnshire Council about the administration of this new fund.
Julia continued: “As a Grimbarian, it’s been great to see our unique Grimsby story brought to life. Events such as Grim Falfest take an army to deliver, from the business community who support as sponsors, to event team and volunteers, but the rewards go way beyond the three-days, boosting our community and local economy.”
