A Viking longboat has landed in Sheringham town centre ahead of the return of a popular festival. 

The wooden boat has been placed next to the clock tower in the High Street in advance of the town's Scira Viking Festival, which takes place on Saturday, April 1.

The festival culminates in a parade through the streets during which the boat is carried down to the beach by Viking re-enactors bearing helmets and flaming torches. 

The boat is then set alight on the sand and shingle as the sun sets and thousands of people watch on. 

North Norfolk News: The longboat in SheringhamThe longboat in Sheringham (Image: Supplied)

Christine Hendry and Ian Abernethy from the Sheringham Carnival team, which puts on the event, said: "With the Viking Festival less than two weeks away there’s already an opportunity to see the longboat, in all its majesty, before it takes its place in the spectacular fiery festival finale.

"Earlier than expected the boat can be found at its regular, pre-festival, position outside Barclays Bank, next to the clock tower.

"This is a great opportunity to get up close and maybe dress up to get into the Viking spirit before grabbing a few selfies."

MORE: Delight as popular Viking Festival returns to Sheringham

The festival will include a Viking village with stall holders and mock battles on Beeston Common from 10am-4pm.

The boat burning will take place at 7.15pm, below The Leas.  

This year will mark the 10th anniversary of the festival, which started in 2013 and has taken place annually - except during Covid. 

It was originally the idea of Sheringham artist Colin Seal as a way to commemorate the arrival of the Vikings in Sheringham, which is said to be named after a Viking called Scira - the town's name means 'the homestead of Scira's people'.

The event is supported by the Wuffa and Saxon Re-enactment Society.