HAIL Keith. Otherwise known as legendary legionary Maximus Gluteus, Keith Mulhearn is to stage another Roman Festival for York.

Quite right too. The city's Vikings have had their own festival and museum for years. It is time for the founders of Eboracum to emerge from the shadows of their shaggy Scandinavian successors.

What have the Romans given us? Apart from the city itself, several roads, the site of the Minster and toga parties.

Recipes from ancient Rome are unlikely feature in this year's York Festival Of Food And Drink, also launched today. Stuffed dormouse is not so popular these days.

But Raymond Blanc and other top chefs will whip up equally exciting treats. Gastronomes can look forward to tucking into calorie-laden feasts before debating obesity. Bon appetit!

Updated: 11:14 Monday, May 24, 2004