Join us in Kirkby Stephen this spring for a unique celebration of our town’s early medieval and Viking heritage. The Loki Festival brings history to life with live Viking re‑enactments, family activities, and the chance to discover the famous tenth‑century Loki Stone—one of the rarest carvings of its kind in Europe.
The festival takes place in the atmospheric churchyard of Kirkby Stephen Parish Church, home to centuries of history and remarkable ancient stonework.
⭐ What’s Happening at the Festival?
Live Viking Age Re‑enactment
Meet Herlid Vikings, Cumbria’s premier Dark Age re‑enactment group. They’ll be setting up an authentic Viking encampment where you can watch combat demonstrations, learn about traditional crafts, and see how people lived more than a thousand years ago. Their living‑history displays include cooking, clothing repair, blacksmithing and more.
Living History will continue throughout the day. The main events will be as follows:
Living History Demonstrations will include:
The Loki Stone
Step inside the church to see the renowned Loki Stone, a 10th‑century carving of a bound figure long associated with the Norse god Loki. Only two such carvings are known in Europe, making this a truly rare and fascinating piece of Viking‑age art. Its striking form and mysterious symbolism have inspired generations of visitors, and it will be housed in a new display case from the spring of 2026.
⭐ The Visitor Centre
The Kirkby Stephen & Upper Eden Visitor Centre in Market Street has an imaginative window display featuring Viking age arms and armour and a model longship and promoting the Kirkby Stephen Loki Festival.
Visitor Centre Window Display
⭐ Explore Local Heritage
Kirkby Stephen has deep Viking and early medieval roots, reflected in both its name—meaning “church settlement” in Old Norse—and in the historic stones found throughout the church.
During the festival, you’ll have opportunities to discover more about the area’s past through displays, talks, and self‑guided exploration.
⭐ Fun for All Ages
The Loki Festival is designed for the whole community and visiting families. Look forward to:
⭐ Plan Your Visit
Dates: Saturday 9th May (10am to 5pm) & Sunday 10th May (12pm to 5pm) 2026
Location: Kirkby Stephen Parish Church & Churchyard; Kirkby Stephen Market Place.
Host Organisations: Upper Eden History Society & Herlid Vikings
Admission: Free
Kirkby Stephen is a lively market town on the edge of the Yorkshire & Westmorland Dales and North Pennines, with independent shops, scenic walking routes, and heritage sites to enjoy before or after the festival.
⭐ Join Us This May!
Whether you’re fascinated by Viking history, interested in local heritage, or simply looking for an enjoyable weekend out, the Loki Festival offers a rare chance to step back into the early medieval world and experience living history up close.
We look forward to welcoming you to Kirkby Stephen for an unforgettable celebration of our Viking age past.
For more information contact Adrian Waite at Adrian.waite@awics.co.uk
Supporting Events
Friday 8th May - 10am
Kirkby Stephen Walkers are Welcome will be your guide to our medieval farming landscape with a four mile easy circular walk from Kirkby Stephen to Wharton - taking about two hours.
Gallows Hill, Wharton
To join the walk, meet in the Cloisters in Kirkby Stephen at 10am on Friday 8th May. Please book at waw@uppereden.org.uk free of charge.
Friday 8th May - 6.30pm for 7pm
Upper Eden History Society are hosting a meeting with the well known archaeologist Adam Parsons, who is famous for excavating the Viking age graves at Cumwhitton near Carlisle. Adam will describe how people lived in the tenth century, illustrating his talk with reproductions of the artefacts he found at Cumwhitton.
Thor's Hammer
The event is free but donations are welcome.
Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May
Encounter Eden in collaboration with Appleby Archaeology are offering everyone the chance to get involved in a community archaeological dig at the King's Arms in Market Street in Kirkby Stephen. No experience is necessary and all are welcome. This part of Kirkby Stephen has been settled since the earliest times and finds dating back to the medieval period have already been discovered. You may even find something from the Viking age!
A test pit from an earlier dig at the King's Arms
Digging starts at 10am on Saturday and 10am on Sunday. For more information, please download our leaflet by clicking here.
Please book in advance by contacting amhwaite@outlook.com
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