LEGIONS of soldiers are set to invade York this weekend during the city’s two-day Roman festival.

The annual event is a celebration of the cultural and military customs the Romans brought to York and will include chariot racing, mock battles, ghost walks and wrestling.

A Roman encampment will be set up in the Museum Gardens and there will be various talks and displays throughout the weekend on topics such as weaving, armour, cooking, pottery and bathhouses.

Children will be invited to join the Roman army and take part in battle drills, get their face painted like a Celt and make a Roman shield.

Festival organiser Keith Mulhearn said: “In the current climate, this event is just what everyone needs.

“The weekend is filled with lots of activities and displays, all of which are free and very family-orientated, making York a perfect destination for the bank holiday.”

In York Minster, Roman soldiers and civilians will be on hand to talk about York’s Roman history, while Pullman bus company will be running Roman-themed open top bus tours around the city, leaving from Exhibition Square every hour.

Other highlights include a Roman parade, leaving the camp at 11.45am on Saturday, to arrive at the muster point in Deans Park by 12pm.

The parade will then pass through Minster Yard to the statue of Constantine, continuing along Stonegate, through St Helen’s Square, into Davygate and arriving in St Sampson’s Square at 12.30pm.

On Sunday, festival-goers will have the chance to sample a typical Roman breakfast at 11.30am in the camp, with another parade leaving the camp at 2.45pm.

For a full timetable of events, log onto yorkromanfestival.com