YORK residents will have the chance to design their own stained glass window, meet Romans, or go behind the scenes at the historic Fairfax House, in the 19th York Residents’ Festival next month.

Fifteen new attractions and events have been added to the programme for the 2014 festival, which will take place on the weekend of January 25 and 26.

In total, around 90 visitor venues, experiences, cafes and restaurants will be taking part in the festival, organised by tourism organisation Visit York as a thank you to York residents for the welcome they give the city’s seven million tourists each year.

Kate McMullen, head of Visit York, said: “The 2014 York Residents’ Festival kick-starts what is set to be an action-packed year. As well as our world class attractions, festivals programme, superb shopping and gastro scene, it is the warm and friendly welcome that draws visitors back year after year. This is our way of saying a big thank you to York’s residents.”

New free options for 2014 programme include:

• Go behind the scenes at Fairfax House during its deep-clean winter hibernation

• Take a guided tour of the famous stained glass and Lady Chapel at All Saints North Street church

• Explore Jacob’s Well in Trinity Lane

• Design a stained glass window at the new Stained Glass Centre at St Martin-Cum-Gregory in Micklegate

• Get to know the Romans at the Roman Bath Museum

Venues outside York also feature in the programme, including free entry to Beningbrough Hall Gallery & Gardens, Castle Howard’s grounds & parkland, Eden Camp and Kirklees Light Railway. Lost Earth Adventures are offering a free abseil at Brimham Rocks.

Restaurants of cafes taking part for the first time include Bagel Nash, Caffe Dell Opera, Cakes d’Licious, Côte Brasserie, Junction Restaurant at the Holiday Inn, Jaipur Spice, Kafeneion and Strada.

Coun Sonja Crisp, City of York Council’s cabinet member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: “We hope that as many residents as possible take part and enjoy what the city has to offer, ahead of what is set to be an exciting year for York.”

The 2014 festival is sponsored by bus operator First in York. The firm’s business manager Will Pearson said: “First is proud to sponsor the York Residents Festival. As one of York's local bus providers, we are keen to help York’s community by supporting local initiatives for our valued customers.”

Pre-booking is required for some attractions and tours, and some venues have limited tickets. Residents are advised to plan visits in advance.

Residents need a YorkCard for the festival. Cards are available from public libraries and are £3 for adults, free for children.

View the full programme here [pdf]