YOU meet the most interesting people in York. Or at least you used to, back in the day...

Our first photo today shows the men of the Arab Legion pausing at Micklegate Bar during a tour of York in June 1955. They were here for the Northern Command Tattoo, which was due to be held at Knavesmire from July 22 to August 1 that year. And they cut quite a dash as they walked around the city, if the expression on the face of the elderly woman in this photo is anything to go by. The schoolchildren sitting on the grass beside the steps leading up to Clifford's Tower in another photo were also clearly taken by their traditional uniforms and head-dress.

The 1955 tattoo was the first time the traditional military event had been held in York for more than 20 years. A temporary Bailey Bridge was constructed across the Ouse so bandsmen could get to and from Knavesmire, and on Knavesmire itself a replica of Micklegate Bar and part of the city walls was built.

Men from many different regiments - including the Arab Legion, the Household Cavalry, the Royal Corps of Signals, the Black Watch and the Durham Light Infantry - arrived in York for the tattoo, with rehearsals being held in some cases several weeks beforehand.

More than 100,000 people packed Knavesmire itself to enjoy the pageantry. And Press photographers were on hand to record the event for posterity.

Stephen Lewis