THE revival of one of York’s flood-hit streets gathered pace yesterday as residents ate and drank in the open air.

Hundreds of people visited the first Fossgate Festival of 2016, just over four months after Fossgate and neighbouring Walmgate were inundated in the Boxing Day floods.

Fossgate was closed to cars and instead lined with food, drink and charity stalls - an event that will be repeated on June 5, July 3, August 7 and 28.

John Pybus, landlord of the Blue Bell pub, said: “This particular festival is really important because it shows York and the world that Fossgate is open for business after the terrible flooding, which decimated so many businesses.

“This car-free Sunday is all about making people aware.

“It is a great example of what can happen if you make this street pedestrian friendly, which is something the council seriously needs to look at.

“We should be doing this every weekend. It’s an amazing atmosphere.”

Steve Dyson, owner of Spring Espresso, said: “We are trying to make this a street that looks better.

“We want to make it an area where people can meander, shop, eat and drink all the time, not just the first Sunday of the month during the summer.

“We know the council have got money ring-fenced, so we hope that they will look at this and think that this street is worth developing.”

The festival also saw a new York City Rowing Club boat officially named ‘Fossgate’.

Fossgate, which was christened with beer from nearby Brew York in Walmgate, was named to symbolise the city’s recovery from the Boxing Day floods.

“We are part of the great community that is York City”, said club captain Pat Evans.

“We were badly flooded on Boxing Day night, but what happened to us was nothing compared to what happened to so many people who had homes and livelihoods devastated.

“I am immensely proud that many members of the rowing club have been helping in the volunteer effort.

“We’ve named our new double scull ‘Fossgate’ in recognition of how resilient everyone has been to come through it all still smiling and to celebrate that Fossgate is open for business.”

Sally Wilson from Swirl, which flooded on Boxing Day, but reopened last month, said: “With help from Fossgate’s close community of residents, traders and volunteers, the street has bounced back as strong as ever after the floods.

“York is a river city and we’re proud that our street bears the Foss’s name.

“We’re delighted that York City Rowing Club is honouring the street in this way and we’re looking forward to seeing the Fossgate being taken to the Ouse.”

Fossgate will be rowed on the Ouse on a daily basis by rowers aged 12 to 84.

Club members invite everyone to give them a wave and a cheer of encouragement when they see Fossgate row past.