CITY chiefs are planning a massive street festival to welcome Royal Ascot at York, the Evening Press can reveal.

Although the plans are very much at the teething stage, the steering group charged with making next year's sporting showcase a success wants to organise a celebration which can be enjoyed by both visitors and residents.

City of York Council leader Steve Galloway said a lot of work still needed to be done to make the festival dream a reality, but said key attractions, such as Jorvik, the National Rail Museum and the York museums, would play a major role.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of York Tourism Bureau, said a festival would be a great idea but one which would need "careful thought".

Royal Ascot at York, to be held at Knavesmire between June 14 and 18 next year, promises to be one of the biggest events the city has held in recent times.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors and residents are expected to join in the fun when royalty, style and pageantry meet.

With that in mind, the Royal Ascot steering group - a partnership of the council, tourism and leading city businesses - has been planning how best to exploit the opportunities such an international event provides. Coun Galloway said: "We are conscious that this will be a very big week for the city and there is a growing feeling that we should try to have events taking place.

"These would attract those who are not just interested in racing but anyone who wants to enjoy the atmosphere of the city and its unique attractions.

"The hope is that we will be able to put on a special show. This would be, perhaps, on the weekend before or on the Monday before racing begins. The aim is to allow visitors, and residents, to experience the unique atmosphere of the city."

It is understood any festival would involve street theatre, highlighting local Yorkshire products, food and music and a celebration of local culture.

Mrs Cruddas said: "There have been a few planning meetings to look at what we can do around Royal Ascot at York to give maximum benefits to visitors and residents.

"Nothing has yet been formulated directly, and we are going to have to be careful about what events we do plan. But it would be really good if we could involve the local community."

John Walker, of the York Archaeological Trust, is at the forefront of the plans. He said he expected to see some plans in the next few weeks, but no final decision would be made until next year.

Updated: 10:49 Saturday, October 02, 2004