Vikings to take over the Harris throughout the summer

Inspecting some fine Viking art and hand-crafted pieces

Preston’s bracing itself for a Viking invasion from mid-June.

The Harris Museum and Art Gallery is showcasing Fearsome Craftsman.

A touring exhibition from the JORVIK Viking Centre in York it shows how more than 1,000 years ago simple materials were turned into complex objects.

The Silverdale Hoard, found in Lancashire, will be on display as part of the exhibition.

More than 200 pieces of silver were discovered by metal detecting enthusiasts.

On display will be 10 complete arm rings, two finger rings, six bossed brooch fragments, a fine wire braid and 141 fragments of chopped up arm rings and ingots.

Fearsome Craftsmen runs from 15 June until 26 August and is free to attend.

It includes a dedicate children’s area to experience Viking-inspired activities including a replica forge.

Cabinet member for culture and leisure councillor Peter Kelly said: The whole family can get hands-on at the Fearsome Craftsmen exhibition with the replica forge to discover how Vikings created their objects. It’s fascinating to learn how the Vikings made so many everyday items out of the resources they found in their local environment.”

Direct of attractions for the JORVIK group Sarah Maltby said: “Most people have an expectation that all Vikings were feisty warriors, but with this exhibition we are hoping to help change that narrative. There were so many skilled craftsmen in the Viking-Age and visitors can learn about the everyday life that these people lived, through our range of artefacts and replicas.”

As well as Fearsome Craftsmen the Vikings are also due to visit the Flag Market on Saturday 13 July and set up camp.