PLANS have been announced for York’s fifth festival for the over-50s, with organisers promising a “smorgasbord” of events and activities for people to sample.

Co-ordinator Sue Lister said that last year’s festival, organised by the York Older People’s Assembly, had involved thousands of York residents and visitors, including social groups, faith groups, community centres, care homes, schools, colleges, theatres and businesses.

“They came, they danced, they sang, they drummed, they listened and discussed, created arts and crafts, performed to audiences large and small, and took part in all kinds of sports and exercise,” she said.

“Above all they had fun, made friends, and took up hobbies to last them the rest of the year.

“The aim this year is to continue bridging the generation gap and to involve a grand diversity of people from all backgrounds, cultures, faiths, and abilities.”

“The aim is to offer a smorgasbord of events for people to sample during the festival and then perhaps take up as a new interest or hobby, a new way of keeping healthy, wealthy and wise.”

She said the festival, which was part of the national celebration of the International Day of Older People on October 1, would be staged this year between Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, October 4.

She said it would be a way for anyone to share their skills and knowledge, pose and answer questions, enlighten, educate, play, have fun and reflect on life’s rich pageant.

But it was also a chance for businesses to reach out to the growing 50+ market and promote their goods and services. “We can all benefit from this festival,” she said.

“We are again keen to include everyone – it’s fascinating to learn about different ways of living and thinking in different countries, to hear from those with different abilities and disabilities, to find out what the gay community is really all about, to share the festivities of different faith groups, and above all to link the generations.”

She said she would like to see care homes opening their doors to visitors and volunteers and embracing the festival as a way of enriching the lives of their residents.

There would again be collaboration between the festival and the York Food & Drink Festival and 30 stalls at £15 each would be available at the Guildhall for the 50+ Festival Information Fair on Tuesday, September 15, giving organisations, groups and events an opportunity to promote the opportunities available to older people visiting or living in York.

To book a stall, phone Roisheen on 01904 676200.

* Details of previous festivals and the festival application form are available on the YOPA website at yorkassembly.org.uk/ festival or from the YOPA office on 01904 634661.