YORK Minster is preparing for one of its busiest times as Easter approaches and York’s tourist season begins.

The Minster is about to host some of the most important services in the church’s calendar through Holy Week and Easter, and is getting ready to welcome worshippers and sightseers, the Minster’s Nicola Bexon said.

On Palm Sunday, April 13, the traditional processions will head from the Mansion House to the Minster, when clergy, choristers and congregation will all join Joey the donkey to mark the start of Holy Week.

In the build up to Easter the Minster is at its most exposed as the tapestries and altar cloths are removed for Lent, but from Saturday, April 12, visitors can visit the Easter garden installed in the Minster, with three crosses set amongst flowering bulbs and plants.

From Palm Sunday free Easter trails will help children and adults explore different parts of the Minster and uncover some of the cathedral’s hidden treasures.

There will also be “reflection points” set up around the Minster to help them to discover the Easter story, Bible readings at 11am and 3pm every Wednesday until April 16, and a series of concerts running until April 11.