Organised by Jonathan Irving, the Isle of Man Viking Festival was a week-long event that took place in Manx National Week, July 2006. Re-enactors came from across Europe and were ‘housed’ in a ‘Viking Village’ that was specially constructed on Peel beach for the festival. The re-enactors joined locals in various ‘battles’ during the week, including ‘The Battle for Peel Castle’ and the ‘Sea Battle’, the latter of which formed the grand finale of the festival on Saturday 8th July. A large stage was erected on Peel Beach where tribute bands of Queen, Elton John, Abba and the Bee Gees performed in ‘70s-themed tribute nights that Irving organised in conjunction with the Viking Festival.