YORK people helped the Lord Mayor of York Cllr Barbara Boyce officially open the Mansion House on Saturday followings its £2.6 million restoration.

Over 150 joined a procession led by the Lord Mayor from the Merchant Adventurers Hall to the Mansion House in the company of traditional musicians York Waites.

Afterwards the civic party toured the house where lord mayors have entertained since 1732 , which also welcomed the city’s people free for the whole weekend for the 23rd York Residents’ Festival.

Residents enjoyed free entry to most of York’s attractions, although some like the Jorvik Centre were so popular, there was a queue of more than two hours to gain entry.

At the Castle Museum actor Lucy Ridley was in character as suffragette Mrs Millie Tant, busy recruiting children to campaign for Votes for Women.

“I’ve had lots of youngsters here in Kirkgate today who are horrified when I tell them that girls didn’t have the same rights as boys. They’ve really joined in, dressed up and been inspired by hearing about the suffragettes’ fight.”

As well as visiting iconic landmarks including York Minster, there were discounts and giveaways in many shops and restaurants across the city.