YORK’S first citizen opened a packed programme of events to celebrate some of the city’s most famous former inhabitants.

New Lord Mayor Cllr Barbara Boyce joined the Civic Party to open the second Eboracum Roman Festival in Museum Garden on Saturday.

She met the organisers and inspected the troops before they set out on a march around the city, resplendent in their iconic uniforms.

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She said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to learn about York’s history as a Roman city and have fun at the same time.

“I am so pleased to see the past brought to life in such an engaging way - much more exciting than when I was marched to the multangular tower as child and informed that it was Roman and not part of the city walls. I hope that residents and visitors will come together and enjoy a fascinating weekend.”

The Eboracum Roman Festival returned to Museum Gardens with a packed programme of displays, exhibits, events and activities suitable for all ages and concluded yesterday. The host of events included military parades, siege weapon demonstrations, a camp showing what domestic life was like during the period, and stalls selling themed goods. The Yorkshire Museum is home to some of Britain’s most treasured Roman artefacts and ran various activities and workshops over the weekend. Additional events will be taking place at venues across the city. There will also be a series of guided walks and talks by leading experts.