Hwicce ("wick-uh") is a Viking Age reenactment group based in Milton Keynes. We are the Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire branch of The Vikings, an international reenactment society dedicated to the study and portrayal of Viking Age culture in the British Isles between the 8th and 11th centuries.
Our group's name derives from a fledgling Anglo-Saxon kingdom which existed in central England for just over 100 years, from 577-682AD, after which it was absorbed into the kingdom of Mercia.
We portray a mixed band of Anglo-Saxon and Viking mercenaries. Expert fighters, we have a good blend of experience and youth, as well as members with skills such as weaving, seamstresses, blacksmiths, armourers, leatherworkers, carpenters and cooks.
Viking Age Combat
We fight to rules set out by The Vikings and pride ourselves on being some of the best fighters in the society. For the majority of our members, combat is their main interest.
At shows and events, which run from March to October, we fight in both scripted battles that re-create historical events and more free-form competitive battles where each side's skill is what determines the outcome.
During the off-season (October-March) we train as a group, usually twice a month, learning to fight both as a tight-knit unit in a shield wall and as individuals.
Upcoming shows
Events we'll be at in 2025:
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Flag Fen Archeology Park:
3rd-5th May, Peterborough
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UK Games Expo: 30th May, NEC Birmingham
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Worcester Balloon Festival: 20th-22nd June, Worcester
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Swindon Balloon Festival: 4th-6th July, Swindon
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Heysham Viking Festival: 19th-20th July, Lancashire
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Amlych Viking Festival: 26th-27th July, Anglesey
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Northampton Balloon Festival: 15th-16th August, Northamptonshire
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Ushaw Historica House : 27th-28th September, Durham
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Battle of Hastings:
15th-16th October, Hastings
Hire us!
If you're in need of extras or want a hardened band of Viking warriors to take part in an event, get in touch with us and we'll be happy to discuss. Hwicce members have variously taken part in film, television and live entertainment productions over the years.
Membership
Hwicce currently has around 30 members, of all ages, mostly located in or near Milton Keynes. A handful of members live further afield in Surrey, Manchester and even Canada! There's a place for everyone in Hwicce.
Once you've joined, you'll have the opportunity to attend loads of training events and shows which take place throughout the year, all over the country. Lots of events take place in amazing historic locations such as Hever Castle, Whitby Abbey and the 1066 battlefield at Battle, East Sussex.
Join us!
Want to escape modern life and live (for a weekend) in the Viking Age? Want to know what it's like to fight in the shield wall? Perhaps you just enjoy sitting by a fire, having a good time with friends, or visiting locations of historic importance?
If any of the above sounds like the kind of thing that interests you, you have what it takes to become a member of Hwicce!
For more info, or to ask about joining, contact us.
Hwicce in action
Contact Us
Hwicce are now on Facebook! Our community is growing and we're always happy to answer any questions you might have.
We'll soon be making an appearance on other social media sites too so keep your eyes peeled for future content...