A three-day creative bow to the Vikings took place at the weekend as part of the Sheppey Promenade Festival.

The third arts-based celebration was Viking-themed and included a parade of warrior folk through Sheerness High Street on Saturday.

It was part of a historical homage to the Island’s centuries-old Nordic connection and a collaboration between Big Fish Arts, Sheppey Little Theatre, Blue Town Heritage Centre and Sheppey Tourism Alliance.

Among the highlights was a theatrical performance, Vikings – Violence and Love, at Minster Abbey on Friday night, staged by Big Fish Arts.

Activities continued the following day with a quilt display in the gardens of Harmony Trust in Victoria Street.

Also on Saturday, about 40 people helped decorate shields which were attached to a handmade warrior ship at Barton’s Point.

In the spirit of a Viking burial, the vessel was then launched and set alight on the lake.

A Beowulf Walk on Sunday in Harty featured tales about the fabled Anglo Saxon story set in Scandinavia which is thought may have links to Sheppey.

With that in mind, a mural was created by Milton artist Dean Tweedy on the side of Brian’s in Beach Street.

The spectacular painting, which took shape over the weekend, shows the mighty Beowulf slaying Grendel , a fierce monster.

The final day of the packed programme included a showing of the animated film Beowulf, starring Ray Winstone, at Blue Town Heritage Centre.

Chris Reed, who helped organise the festival, said plans are already in place for next year’s promenade which will have a First World War theme.

She said: “We’re very pleased with the response to this year’s event.

“Some of the shows were a bit lightly attended, but overall we enjoyed it and I hope those who took part did as well.”

• For more pictures, see this week's Sheerness Times Guardian - out today.