MORE than 800 visitors to Warrington Museum and Library stepped back in time at the weekend.

A Viking day was held in the venue to mark International Games Week with some of the characters brandishing axes and swords.

There was something for everyone during the day, from playing traditional Norse-themed games like Kubb, Hnefatafl and the Wall of Asgard to fun crafts like making Thor’s hammer along with warrior shields and swords.

Visitors could taste Viking-inspired treats like rye bread, honey and oatcakes washed down with a tipple of mead (apple juice). There was also a chance to handle historic artefacts in the museum.

Wendy Molyneux, LiveWire’s strategic library manager, said: “Libraries and museums provide the perfect platform to inspire informal learning, creativity and participation in cultural activities – and of course games are a form of culture.

"So, this year for International Games Week we thought it would be fun to step back in time to discover what the Vikings did in between conquest raids and trade journeys.

“Performances by Imagining History had audiences captivated from start to finish and seeing ‘Vikings’ roaming the building, helping people play games and create their own weapons was fantastic. It really was amazing to see so many people taking part in what is a fascinating part of history.”