VOLUNTEER group, York Bike Belles, is aiming to bring more pedal power to the city with its third Walk Cycle Festival.

The week-long festival, which runs from May 26-31, promises events, workshops and creative activities to entertain, inspire and unearth an often unseen York.

Organiser, Sheridan Piggott, said: “We’re excited that the festival is back for a third year.

“We hope the unique combination of sociable outdoor activities delivered with a touch of natural magic will inspire even more people to enjoy walking and cycling around our beautiful city.”

The festival launches on Sunday, May 25, at 11am, with a community party in Rowntree Park, where visitors can relax to music from the Arts Barge project’s Bargestra Orchestra and explore the new labyrinth - which is soon be planted with herbs and is set to become a permanent feature of the park.

There will also be free bike check-ups and security marking, while youngsters will be able to race on an exciting freestyle track.

Later in the week, you can help transform the murals on Naburn Bridge, enjoy bird watching along the river, a tree walk or a living walk revealing sustainable services in the city, as well as a bike maintenance workshop.

The festival rounds off with a magical storytelling experience, with stories read by local actors in locations including the Museum Gardens and Dean’s Park.

York Bike Belles is a volunteer organisation that seeks to encourage walking and cycling as the natural way to get around the city. It runs a range of free projects and events, including Cycling Without Age.

The festival is hosted with partners, including One Planet York, and is part-funded by City of York Council. For further information see yorkbikebelles.community/walkcyclefestival2019