ONE of York's key festivals gets under way tomorrow, with more than 140 events planned for the over-50s over the coming week.

Organisers say the York 50 + Festival - now in its 13th year - is a great opportunity for those aged over 50 to try out new activities, meet new people and get involved in new social opportunities.

“With events spanning the themes performances, health and wellbeing, workshops, displays and open days, sport and active leisure, talks and history walks, socials and advice sessions, there should be something for everyone,” said a spokeswoman.

“The festival has long been a vital part in supporting a great standard of life for those over 50 living in York.”

She said the festival, with 144 events, will run until October 8, coinciding with the International Day of Older Persons on Sunday, October 1.

“The vision of the York 50+ Festival team is that as many people as possible, both young and old, join together to collectively do what they can to play their part in making both the festival week and October 1 truly amazing.”

One of the festival’s first events will be ‘tennis cardio games - games and drills to really get your heart pumping’ at 9.30am tomorrow at Heworth Tennis Club, with free entry and no booking necessary.

Dementia-friendly swimming sessions, designed for people who appreciate a quieter setting and atmosphere, start on Sunday at Energise pool in Cornlands Road, Acomb.

Other events include bowls taster sessions, healing dance, Tai Chi classes, a confidence building for women returners workshop, resolving pain using the mind-body connection, seated pilates, vintage dance classes, health walk and Scottish country dance club.

There will also be an introduction to creative writing workshop, a carers legal clinic, an introduction to mindfulness practice, a free karate taster session, keep fit, sequence dancing, table tennis, yoga classes, a French taster session, needle felting for beginners, a quiz with prizes, a playwriting workshop and intuitive massage.

Free copies of the festival programme are available in libraries, community centres and other city-wide outlets and at http://www.yorkassembly.org.uk/y1/Festival/York%2050+FestivalProgramme2017.pdf