YORK people can chase away the January blues when more than 50 attractions and events offer free entry during the 20th Residents' Festival next month.

The festival, staged on Saturday January 31 and Sunday February 1, is intended to thank residents for the warm welcome they give the city's seven million global visitors each year.

It offers free entry to some of York’s most celebrated attractions, one-off behind-the-scenes access to some of the city’s hidden gems, special events and restaurant deals.

There are 17 new attractions and ten new restaurant offers this year, including a chance to see behind the scenes at the National Trust Treasurer’s House and at York City Football Club, and watch a selection of short films from the BAFTA qualifying Aesthetica Short Film Festival at Kings Manor.

New eateries include Côte Brasserie in Low Petergate, Hudson’s Restaurant – The Grand Hotel & Spa in Station Rise, The Judges Lodging in Lendal, Walmgate Ale House and Bistro and York Cocoa House in Blake Street.

New out of town free additions include the 18th century restored Howsham Mill, the International Centre for Birds of Prey, at Duncombe Park, Helmsley and Karting and GPXperience Simulator at York MotorSports Village, with pre-booking required.

Other out of town attractions include Beningbrough Hall, Gallery & Gardens, Castle Howard’s grounds & parkland and Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum in Malton.

The festival is organised by Visit York in partnership with City of York Council, and is sponsored by First.

Kate McMullen, Head of Visit York, said: "As well as our world class attractions, festivals programme, superb shopping and gastro scene, it’s the warm and friendly welcome that draws visitors back year after year. This is our way of saying a big thank you."

Cllr Sonja Crisp, Cabinet Member for Tourism said the festival was a fabulous way for people living in the city to enjoy established award-winning visitor attractions, tours and restaurants and try out the latest additions too.

*Pre-booking is required for some of the attractions and guided tours and some venues have limited tickets available. For full details, go to www.visityork.org or pick up a York Residents’ Festival leaflet from the Visit York Information Centre at 1 Museum Street, available from early January.

Residents need to show a YorkCard to gain admission at each venue and for all shopping and restaurant offers, available from Explore York Libraries.