Sheringham Viking Festival boat-burning on the beach. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)
Thousands turned out to watch as fire eaters and jugglers led flame torch-carrying warriors from re-enactment groups Wuffa, Ordgar and Dragon Shields to the beach, where crowds watched in awe as a team of re-enactors stoked the longboat funeral pyre of a Viking leader, before placing his 'body' on board and setting the craft aflame.
The ceremonial burning on the central beach marked the end of what has been hailed the most Viking successful festival yet.
Young re-enactment group members Alicia and Ruby watch the boat-burning on the beach. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)
Thanking all those involved, carnival chairman Stuart McClean said: 'The weather has been magnificent, it has been an absolutely wonderful event for the town and I don't think I've ever seen so many people on the prom and the beach.'
North Norfolk District Council chairman Richard Shepherd, who carried a torch in the parade, added: 'I think the festival will get bigger without a doubt, it's a huge family event, parents and kids love it and it really puts Sheringham on the map.'
Young 'Vikings' tucking into fish and chips on the prom. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)
Vikings on parade at Sheringham. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)
Flame torch-carrying Vikings get set for the ceremonial boat-burning on the beach. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)
Joining in the fun at Sheringham Viking Festival. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)
The ceremonial boat-burning on the beach. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)
Sheringham Viking Festival parade. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)
Re-enactors watch the ceremonial boat-burning on the beach. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)
The Viking longboat goes up in flames. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)
Flame torch-carrying Vikings get set for the ceremonial boat-burning on the beach. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)
Re-enactors carrying the 'body' of a Viking leader to the longboat funeral pyre. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)
Flame torch-carrying Vikings get set for the ceremonial boat-burning on the beach. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)
Flame torch-carrying Vikings get set for the ceremonial boat-burning on the beach. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)
The longboat on its way to the beach. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)
Flame torch-carrying Vikings get set for the ceremonial boat-burning on the beach. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)
Town mayor Mark Hill at the ceremonial boat-burning on the beach. Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)
The Sheringham Viking Festival 2018Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)
The Sheringham Viking Festival 2018Oliver, Thomas and Edward Holbrook.Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)
The Sheringham Viking Festival 2018Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)
The Sheringham Viking Festival 2018Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)
The Sheringham Viking Festival 2018Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)
The Sheringham Viking Festival 2018Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)
The Sheringham Viking Festival 2018Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)
The Sheringham Viking Festival 2018Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)
The Sheringham Viking Festival 2018Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)
The Sheringham Viking Festival 2018Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)
The Sheringham Viking Festival 2018Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)
The Sheringham Viking Festival 2018Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)
The Sheringham Viking Festival 2018Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)
The Sheringham Viking Festival 2018Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)
The Sheringham Viking Festival 2018Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here