Sheringham is gearing up for an invasion of horned helmet-wearing buccaneers, as preparations for the fifth annual Scira Viking Festival get underway.

Eastern Daily Press: A re-enactor strikes a menacing pose at last year's Sheringham Scira Viking Festival. Photo: KAREN BETHELLA re-enactor strikes a menacing pose at last year's Sheringham Scira Viking Festival. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

The event, which is organised by Sheringham carnival committee and runs from February 10-17, this year promises to be bigger and better than ever said festival founder Colin Seal, with Viking-themed activities running at Sheringham Museum all week and, on the main festival day on February 17, a series of battles in the town leading up to a mass battle on the west beach.

The traditional torchlit parade will head through the town at 4.30pm, with the ceremonial boat-burning taking place on the beach at 5pm.

Eastern Daily Press: Action at last year's Sheringham Scira Viking Festival. Photo: KAREN BETHELLAction at last year's Sheringham Scira Viking Festival. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

'There will be a lot more happening this year,' Mr Seal said. 'We want to get more children and families involved and we've got more re-enactors coming along, which will make the battles much more dramatic.'

For more information, visit www.sheringhamcarnival.com

Eastern Daily Press: Action at last year's Sheringham Scira Viking Festival. Photo: KAREN BETHELLAction at last year's Sheringham Scira Viking Festival. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Action at last year's Sheringham Scira Viking Festival. Photo: KAREN BETHELLAction at last year's Sheringham Scira Viking Festival. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)