Pupils from four York primary schools will become mini-Vikings for a day as part of the colourful celebrations to mark the start of the Jorvik Viking Festival, on Friday, February 14, 2003, supported by City of York Council.

The advance raiding party - 130 pupils from Acomb, Dringhouses, St Lawrence's and Yearsley Grove Primary Schools, dressed as Viking invaders - will meet in Coppergate at 12.30pm. They will re-enact tales from Viking folklore before parading through the city to the National Centre for Early Music in Walmgate for further performances.

The performance is based on the children's studies of the Vikings and Viking myths. They have also received a visit from Viking expert and arts practitioner, Lee Threadgold, who spoke to them in character as a Viking merchant to give them a flavour of Viking life.

Lee and Colin Jackson, the arts service's drama consultant, have worked with the children to explore how Viking myths have been passed down through the centuries by the tradition of story telling.

Colin Jackson, drama consultant, City of York Council, said: "Taking part in the Yorvik Viking Festival gives the pupils the opportunity to enrich their learning by bringing the curriculum to life through their participation in the event".

"With this practical account of the Vikings in their city, the children cover the curriculum areas of history, visual arts, drama and English."

For tickets for the performances at the National Centre for Early Music, please contact the City of York Council's arts service on 01904 554666.