01/07/2026
Absolutely fantastic weekend at the Stourport Charity Truck Show with the one and only "THE VARANGIAN" β The Last Great King of the Viking Age, KING HARDRADA (Midnight Marauder)!
Proud to come away with: π 1st Place β Best DAF π Best Interior
A massive thank you to everyone involved in making another great show truly GREAT in 2026. It was brilliant to catch up with friends, meet so many fantastic people, and see such an incredible standard of trucks on display.
Until the next one... ππ»πππ
Harald Hardrada, one of the most legendary Viking figures, lived a life so epic it rivals saga lore. Born around 1015 in Norway, he was forced into exile after losing a battle as a teenager. He fled to Kievan Rusβ, where he found refuge and military experience. Soon after, he journeyed to Constantinople and joined the Varangian Guard, the elite unit of the Byzantine emperor.
In service of the Eastern Roman Empire, Harald fought in campaigns across the Mediterranean, from Bulgaria to the Middle East, including Iraq. He amassed great wealth and fame, earning the nickname βthe Thunderbolt of the North.β After years of service, he returned to Russia, where he married Princess Elisiv, daughter of Yaroslav the Wise.
In 1046, Harald returned to Norway, overthrowing his nephew Magnus to claim the throne. As king, he centralized royal power and led numerous campaigns in Denmark. His ambition eventually turned to England. In 1066, he invaded with a massive force but was defeated and killed at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. His death marked the end of the Viking Age. Haraldβs life was a bridge between the pagan Norse world and emerging medieval Europe.