York Krampus Run

Krampus Yorkshire are bringing the York Krampus Run to the city centre on Saturday 14 November, York's first official Krampus Run. It's a procession through the medieval streets with participants in hand-crafted Alpine folklore costumes, and it's open to everyone.

If you've never come across the Krampus, he's a devilish figure from Alpine folklore, usually depicted with fangs, wild eyes, a goat-like beard and horns. The name comes from the German Krampen, meaning claw. Tradition says he originated in pagan winter solstice celebrations and that he's the son of Hel, the Norse ruler of the dead; on 5 December, Krampusnacht, he sets out to punish naughty children. The run brings that ancient European custom to life in York, with participants in handmade, hellish costumes, rusted chains, birch branches and heavy clanging bells.

The procession starts at the Black Swan, Peasholme Green, and goes through Colliergate and King's Square, then on to Villains Rum, Patrick Pool, Valhalla, the Minster Gates and Minster Yard, before returning to the Black Swan. It's a good stretch of the city centre to see, so if you're watching, you've got a few different spots to pick from. The whole thing kicks off at 10:30am on Saturday 14 November.