TIME is running out to get tickets for an exotic banquet and auction next weekend – and the chance to buy a slave for the evening.

The events are part of York Roman Festival which will be held in the grounds of historic Grays Court, near the Treasurer’s House on Saturday and Sunday.

A Roman camp will be set up in the grounds and throughout both days there will be Romans and Celts on hand to give talks and demonstrations on Roman weapons, armour, food and cooking, medicine, religion, bathing, and even toilets.

But on the Saturday the house will also be the setting for a spectacular themed evening, which includes Roman-style food and drink, followed by a grand auction being held to help raise funds for a bigger festival next year.

The many items on offer will include the chance to bid for your own slave for the evening, a two-night break for two at York Monkbar Hotel and a pampering day for two at Verbena Spa.

Other prizes include a P&O ferry crossing for two (plus car), four two-day Yorkshire cricket passes, a day helping to create this year’s York Maze and a private open-top bus tour for 50 on York Pullman.

Tickets for the banquet – priced £5 – are available at Grays Court, which is open to the public, right up to the day.

A best-selling author is to be guest speaker at the festival and banquet.

Ben Kane, author of the hugely successful Roman Empire novels The Forgotten Legion and The Silver Eagle, will speak at the banquet and sign copies of his books and answer questions at the festival venue from 1pm on the Saturday. See yorkromanfestival.org.uk for the festival guide.