A medieval feast of a roasted hog's head complete with tusks forms a memorable part of York's Festival of Food and Drink.

The weighty dish is a re-creation of what York's aristocracy tucked into in the 14th century, while the lower classes commonly ate watery pea soup.

The display was created by York historical interpreter Shona Griffiths, who is showing visitors to Clifford's Tower how their ancestors would have dined at her Feast, Fast and Famine exhibition.

She said preparing the pig's head proved difficult, so her husband, John Griffiths, head chef at York's Tricksters Lane restaurant, in Fossgate, cooked it in the eatery's kitchen oven.

"I am sure he got quite a few looks as he carried it from the car to our house," she said.

"But it gives me a great visual prop to help talk about medieval food."

The display also includes a decorative white Yorkshire rose as well as saffron leeks, honeyed turnips and fruit compote

During the festival, visitors will be invited to guess the weight of the hog's head at Clifford's Tower to win a family season ticket to English Heritage's Yorkshire properties.

Shona's presentations will take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in September at Clifford's Tower, between 10am and 4pm.

Today's events include the GNER Chef of the Year contest, a kitchen clinic held by Channel Five's Open House team, and a tapas bar, with wine and olive oil tastings.

Updated: 11:56 Monday, September 16, 2002