York Roman Festival Guide : 29-30 May 2010

The idea this year is to try and bring more people together in celebrating York's Roman history. We want to do this by helping more people to organise their own Roman themed events, whether they are an attraction or pub/restaurant. As we get nearer to the festival it's very likely that more things will be happening around the city with a Roman theme.

We also need funds to take the festival forward, so this year there will be an auction on Saturday night with everyone welcome.

If you would like to be involved in anyway then please get in touch.

Gray's Court

This will be the main setting for this year's festival. Throughout both days there will be Romans and Celts on hand to give talks and demonstrations on weapons, armour, food & cooking, medicine, religion, bathing and toilets!

From early afternoon on Saturday, you can meet Ben Kane - a celebrated author who is just about to launch the final instalment in his Roman trilogy.

Entry is free to both the house and garden from 10am until 5pm with refreshments available.

On Saturday evening the house will be the setting for a magnificent Roman themed evening, which includes Roman style food and drink. Ben Kane will also be giving a special talk. After which, the auction takes place where amongst many fantastic items on offer you have the chance to bid for your own slave.

Demand for this is expected to be high and tickets are £5.00 each. They will be available to buy on Saturday from 10am.

For more on this wonderful venue, visit Gray's Court, Chapter House Street, York, YO1 7JH Google map reference: SE 604522

York Pullman

Running from Exhibition Square every hour from 10am on both days is the now "extremely popular" Roman themed open top bus tour around York. Decked out in swags and ivy step aboard for an eye-opening trip that makes you feel you have been transported back to Eboracum.

Adults £7.50. Conc. £6.00. Children £3.50. Family £18.00.

For further details about bus tours visit the website of York Pullman.

Creepy Crawlies

This is the venue for this year's children's activities. Join Roman soldiers Maximus and Minimus to take part in any of the following:

• Battle drills. Join the Roman Army and learn all the skills needed to take on an army of smelly Celts.
• Become one of those smelly Celts by having your face painted blue like they did.
• Be a Roman Emperor by making your own laurel wreath crown.
• Design and make a Roman shield.

Admission includes full entry to the inside and outside play area.

1-3 yrs: £4.75, 4-16 yrs: £5.75, Adults: £1.50

Click for more info on Creepy Crawlies, The Arena, Wigginton Road, York. YO32 2RH. Google map reference SE 595570.

City Screen Picturehouse

On Sunday 30th May, 8.00pm, as part of the York Roman Festival and to celebrate 10 years since its release, City Screen will be showing the full cinematic version of GLADIATOR (15), directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe.

For more film info visit City Screen Picturehouse, Coney Street, York, YO1 9QL where you can book online, or telephone City Screen Booking Line 0871 902 5726.