THOUSANDS of extra shoppers are expected to descend on York over the next few days with the start of the four-day St Nicholas Fayre.

The annual event is one of the most popular in the city’s calendar, attracting people from across the county in search of specialist gifts and food.

The event starts tomorrow and there will be a wide range of Victorian-style market stalls selling everything from hard-to-find presents and crafts to fine foods from local and regional producers to purchase and help prepare for Christmas.

To make the festive spirit come alive, carol singers, costumed traders and medieval market stalls holders will mark the return of the St Nicholas’ Fayre, which is organised by City of York Council.

The fayre will be held throughout Parliament Street, St Sampson's Square, and Coppergate.

A “Made In Yorkshire” craft market will also be held this week in the council’s medieval Guildhall, which will be home to artists and crafters from across the region. There will be an abundance of original, unique and bespoke gifts for Christmas made by some of the county's best craftsmen.

During the four-day St Nicholas Fayre, the medieval townhouse Barley Hall will also be host to a special medieval market with live crafting, mulled wine and costumed traders and there will be an arts and crafts market for fine hand-made items at St William's College houses.