CHRISTMAS shoppers in York will receive an icy welcome from a host of super heroes this weekend – as the city celebrates its ninth Festival Of Angels.

The yearly festival usually attracts about 10,000 visitors to the city and takes place in the area of York known as the Quarter, which incorporates Grape Lane, Swinegate, Back Swinegate and Little Stonegate.

This year, the festival’s ice sculptures will take on a super heroes theme, with Spider Man, Scooby Doo, Bart Simpson and Mickey Mouse just some of the 35 carvings on display in the streets.

There will also be the chance to see an ice carver in action and the streets will be lined with food and drink stalls and musicians.

The festival, paid for by local traders, will continue tomorrow with the Parade Of Angels, when children from across York will walk through the city dressed in angelic costumes.

Organiser Sally Dunn, of the Biltmore and Oscar’s, said: “It’s a really nice interactive fun event for all the family and for me. This is the festival that kicks off Christmas.

“We’re expecting coach-loads of visitors to York this weekend and all the hotels are getting really full.”

The ice sculptures are created by a London company, which has sent up one of its sculptors for the weekend.

He will perform live ice carving demonstrations outside the back entrance of Browns department store, in Swinegate, at noon, 2pm and 4pm today and tomorrow.

The Parade Of Angels will start at the entrance to the Minster Gardens at 3pm on Sunday and end about 15 minutes later at Barley Hall with an appearance from Father Christmas.

Meanwhile, an army of Santas is preparing to take to the streets of York tomorrow to raise cash for charity. The British Heart Foundation’s annual Santa Jog will start in the city’s Tower Gardens at 10.30am and cover a distance of one mile, with each participant donning a Father Christmas costume to join in the fundraising effort.

The event will be started by Warren Firman, better known as Ace The Gladiator, who is performing in the Grand Opera House’s Christmas production of Jack And The Beanstalk. Entry costs £5 for adults, including a free adult-size Santa suit, and joggers can register on the day. Under-16s are encouraged to come in fancy dress and can enter for free, but they need to be accompanied by an adult.