Valhalla Festival of Muscle and Power

The Valhalla Festival of Muscle and Power took place at Layer Marney Tower over the weekend of 23 and 24 July. Vikings camped in the park and cooked big joints of meat on spits over their open fires. The women spun wool from which they made exotic looking braids. The men bodged to make furniture, they played dice games and fought. They fought regularly throughout the weekend with huge shields, bows, arrows and dangerous looking spears. When they had finished fighting each other they taught visiting children how to fight Viking style. Exhausted, the children could relax listening to tales from the valiant Viking story teller.

In front of the Tower an arena was set up where huge weights were lifted, vast concrete balls had to be balanced on metal kegs, anvils were carried and weight lifting records broken. England's strongest man was crowned. The procedures were overseen by the giant from the latest Harry Potter film who was good natured and jolly in his kilt.

There were lots of activities around the park, the army power lifting team and army recruitment, complete with their very own climbing tower. Children bounced on the boucy castle and rode the donkeys. There was archery and shooting, axe, dagger and spear throwing. Thai and kick boxing and arm wrestiling.

There was lots of food and live music in the evenings. A fantastic day for all the family