YORK is preparing for a friendly invasion this weekend when the inaugural Eboracum Roman Festival is launched.

The colourful event, backed by City of York Council and York Tourism Bureau, will begin at 11am on Saturday when a troop of soldiers in Roman regalia plan to march from Bootham Bar to the Minster.

A laurel wreath will then be placed on the statue of Constantine the Great, before the soldiers, accompanied by followers in Roman dress, march in two groups down Stonegate and Davygate and Petergate and Church Street, to St Sampson's Square.

The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Charles Hall, will greet them there and officially open the festival, after judging a children's art competition.

The square will be the setting for a wide range of activities designed to give an insight into the Roman way of life.

At noon there will be a re-enactment of the proclamation of Constantine as Emperor and, once newly-crowned, he will be treated to a feast of entertainment including dancing, displays of combat skills and two performances from York Shakespeare Project.

At 1pm, Mana Greek Restaurant is the venue for a talk by Harry Martindale and archaeologist Mike Griffiths, focusing on Harry's famous ghostly encounter with Roman soldiers in the cellar of the Treasurer's House.

Following the talk, Harry will be on hand to sign photographs and any donations received will be given to the charity SNAPPY.

Other events on Saturday include a guided walk, the opportunity for children to dress up as Roman soldiers and, at 3pm outside the Minster, the reading of the Edict of Milan - the ruling by which Constantine permitted the worship of the Christian faith within the Roman Empire.

Sunday's events, running from 11am until 4pm, include further walks around Roman York; a talk by Mike Griffiths, entitled The Constantine Connection, dancing, and displays of military skill.

In addition to the street activities, there will be Roman-themed events throughout the weekend at Barley Hall, York Minster, the Treasurer's House, York Dungeon, City Sightseeing and Guide Friday, Yorkboat, The ARC, Past Images, Yorkwalk and El Piano.

City Screen in Coney Street is also getting into the Roman swing with a special showing of The Life Of Brian on Saturday and Spartacus on Sunday. Further information about the festival can be found on www.EboracumRomanFestival.co.uk

Updated: 08:50 Thursday, July 24, 2003