The Isle of Man Viking Festival is set to merge the sounds of the 70s with a vision of Viking life.

The event starts on July 2nd for a week and is being launched tomorrow morning(Thurs) in Peel.

Organisers have billed it as one of 'the most important Viking Festivals in the European calendar'.

400 re enactors are expected, travelling from all over Europe and even Alaska, and they will be housed in a complete authentic Viking Village on Peel Beach.

They join locals in various battles during the week, including The Battle for Peel Castle and the finale, a Sea Battle on Saturday July the 8th.

For those more interested in music, the beach will also be the venue for a music festival, featuring tribute bands of Queen, Elton John, Abba and the Bee Gees.