THE Norsemen cometh! Hemsby's seafront traders are planning a Scandinavian spectacle not to be missed to promote the village.The Viking festivities will be held from June 19 to 21 in both Beach Road in Hemsby and Beach Road in Newport and will begin with a local schools day when local school pupils will be invited to take part in a treasure hunt to find Viking artefacts, decorate a Viking shield and enter a competition to win prizes.
THE Norsemen cometh! Hemsby's seafront traders are planning a Scandinavian spectacle not to be missed to promote the village.
The Viking festivities will be held from June 19 to 21 in both Beach Road in Hemsby and Beach Road in Newport and will begin with a local schools day when local school pupils will be invited to take part in a treasure hunt to find Viking artefacts, decorate a Viking shield and enter a competition to win prizes.
On the Saturday, a number of Abba tribute bands will be performing, while there will be a hog roast and re-enactment groups will stage a mock battle between Viking invaders and the native Angles.
A Scandinavian market will be held on the final day and Scandinavian folk bands will also be performing.
A management committee has been set up to organise the festival, which is set to be held annually as part of a campaign being orchestrated by PR guru Simon Middleton to attract holidaymakers to the village following the closure of Pontins at the start of this year.
Committee member Lyndon Bevan, who is also vice-chairman of Hemsby Parish Council, said more than 20 local businesses were also going to be involved and staff were to wear Scandinavian dress.
He added: “This is a reaction to Pontins closing. Traders in Beach Road in Hemsby and also Beach Road in Newport are trying to think of ways to put Hemsby back on the map and this is what we are doing.”
A logo has been designed featuring a Viking with the slogan “Hemsby and Newport, 1,200 years of seaside fun” while cafes, food stalls and attractions have produced postcards for customers to provide feedback on the standard of service they received during their visit.
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