MEMBERS of the local community are being encouraged to come up with ideas for events to be part of this year’s York 50+ Festival.

The festival was launched by the York Older People’s Assembly (YOPA) in 2005, joining the worldwide celebration of International Day of Older People on October 1.

Preparations are well underway for this year’s festival, which is being held from September 20 to October 6 and has a fresh team of volunteers.

“We’re always looking for new volunteers, especially with the publicity, and we’re raring to go,” said Sue Lister, who co-ordinated the festival for 12 years.

Thousands of people take part each year. The YOPA welcomes events both large and small from all groups and individuals who want to “accentuate the positive” of being over 50.

Since its launch, the festival has bridged the generation gap, with young people sharing their skills with older people. In addition, older people have worked with people of all ages to create a wide diversity of events.

The festival team is inviting students, businesses and faith groups to think of ways of participating. It welcomes sponsorship, advertising and events connected with businesses.

The York 50+ Information Fairs prior to the main festival are an opportunity for traders, organisations, charities and service groups to meet the public.

This year YOPA has arranged for information stands to be at venues from 10am to 1pm: at Tang Hall Community Centre on September 4; St Sampson’s Centre and Spurriergate Centre on September 10; and at The Gateway Centre in Acomb on September 13.

For application forms visit yorkassembly.org.uk/y1/information_fair. For enquiries call Trisha at the YOPA Office on 01904 202293. The programme deadline is July 14.

Applications are now being accepted for events for the festival. Visit www.yorkassembly.org.uk/y1/festival. Email yopa.festival@gmail.com with enquires about the festival.