THIS year’s York Residents’ Festival is set to be bigger and better than ever before.

Now in its 23rd year, the festival is billed by organisers Visit York as a “thank you” to residents for helping them to give the city’s annual 6.9 million tourists a warm welcome.

The 2018 event is on January 27 and 28, and boasts a record number of offers.

Residents can turn tourist and access many of the city’s attractions for free with a valid YorkCard or student ID card, as well as special events, restaurant and retail deals.

Among the interactive, family-friendly fun on offer, Georgian gem Fairfax House will wake up from its winter hibernation for the weekend, while the National Centre for Early Music will host social singing workshops.

On Saturday, January 27, Riding Lights Theatre Company will offer two workshops, and York Explore library will be inviting residents to help create a Lego version of York from historical city maps.

During the weekend, the Visit York team will be in Parliament Street handing out brochures, balloons and helping residents make the most of the festival.

Joining them will be sponsors First York, who will be encouraging youngsters to play bus driver on one of its fleet.

First York managing director, Marc Bichetemann, said: “As one of the major bus operators in York, we’re proud to be supporting the festival for another year.

“Our team will be on hand over the weekend to speak to customers and to share information about the launch of contactless payments.”

New additions for 2018 include the Gyrocopter Experience at Rufforth Airfield and hidden treasures such as Jacob’s Well on Micklegate and King’s Manor in Exhibition Square.

There will also be deals from old favourites such as the Jorvik Viking Centre, and plenty of interest out of town - including free entry to Beningbrough Hall and the Eden Camp modern history theme museum.

Pre-booking is required for some of the attractions and tours, and some venues have limited tickets available.

For more information go to www.visityork.org/residents-festival.aspx or pick up a brochure from Visit York on Museum Street.

A YorkCard or York student ID card must be shown to access offers - these are available from Explore York libraries.