YORK residents are being invited to a Christmas Cheer reception with the Lord Mayor and Sheriff in December.

The civic party - of Lord and Lady Mayoress, Sheriff and Sheriff's Lady - are hosting two receptions at the Assembly Rooms on Wednesday, and all York residents, aged 65 and over, are invited to attend.

Each of the two receptions - at 10am and 2pm - can welcome 200 people, and people are invited to apply for tickets which will be allocated by a ballot.

Lord Mayor Ian Gillies said: "I am very much looking forward to these festive events as we build up towards Christmas. The civic party and I are looking forward to joining in the festivities, and meeting all the guests who are able to attend the receptions.

"I hope that residents will apply for the tickets in good time, as I know it is always very popular’.

"We are also calling on local businesses to help support the event, which is financed by donations and support from annual events such as the ‘York Community Carol Concert’ and the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir who do a fundraising concert for us every year.

"We would be most grateful for donations and/or raffle prizes for the event, and look forward to hearing from local businesses who are able to support us."

The Lord Mayor will attend the events with his wife the Lady Mayoress Mrs Pat Gillies, the Sheriff of York, Mr John Kenny and the Sheriff’s Lady, JMrs Jill Kenny.

Guests of the civic party will enjoy refreshments and tea and coffee, whilst being entertained by school children with festive performances. Choirs from Poppleton Ousebank Primary School and Heworth Primary School will be joining the civic party and the gentlemen of the York Philharmonic Male Voice Choir will lead carol singing at the event and there will be a free raffle at the end of the event.

People wishing to attend must complete an application form. Names, drawn at random on Monday, 17 November will be sent a ticket for one of the events.

All enquiries for the event should be directed to the Civic Office on civicenquiries@york.gov.uk or by post to Civic Office, Mansion House, York, YO1 9QL to arrive no later than November 17.

Download a Christmas Cheer Draw entry form>>