Dumfries Museum has been awarded funding from the Festival of Museums organisers to host a ‘Meet the Vikings’ event at Dumfries Museum on 17 May this year. Dumfries Museum is working in partnership with the Dumfries and Galloway branch of the Glasgow Vikings group to stage a great day out for families. These local volunteers are experienced in historical re-enactment and each member specialises in an aspect of Viking life such as war craft, boat building, blacksmithing and leatherwork. The group also includes professional artists who will interpret original and reproduction artefacts and who will give visitors the opportunity to have a go at hands on craft activities. Councillor Ted Thompson, Provost of Dumfries and Chair of Nithsdale Area Committee, said, “I am pleased that Dumfries Museum has been awarded this funding. I’m sure that by working with our local Viking group they will offer a fun, exciting and educational day for families. It also strengthens our links forged during World War 2 with the people of Norway and our shared heritage.” Artist and blacksmith Simon Lidwell is the local organiser for the Viking group and was inspired by Dumfries’ connection with Scandanavia. “Shortly before moving to Dumfries I started going to a Viking market in Karmoy, Norway, where I finally got to row in a fjord in a Viking ship. Imagine my surprise when on moving to Dumfries I found a bronze model longship given to Dumfries by the people of Karmoy after WW2. I look forward to taking part in this event at the museum and helping to keep the historical – and continuing- connections between Dumfries and Scandinavia alive. With cooks and craftsmen, warriors and wordsmiths we will help to bring the past to life by setting up camp in the museum and giving you the opportunity to meet your ancestors and find out about their way of life.” Created and co-ordinated by Museums Galleries Scotland, Festival of Museums encourages Scotland’s museums to provide visitors with the opportunity to enjoy exciting, entertaining and surprising events at museums and galleries over one weekend. MGS works in partnership with Culture 24 / Museums at Night which takes place over the same weekend. Festival of Museums seeks to broaden the appeal of museums and galleries and incentivises visitors to learn about and get involved with their local area’s museums and history.