Putting York's residents first

IT'S the time of the year when local folk get the chance to be VIP visitors - and for a fraction of the cost.

Local people will receive special treatment this weekend, with free entry to visitor attractions, and cut-price restaurant meals.

The annual Residents 1st weekend gives people the chance to see why the city attracts four million tourists every year.

Fifty of the city's museums, tours and attractions will open their doors free of charge to local people.

There will also be concerts, comedy, a Chinese New Year festival, and special prices on two-course meals in 14 of York's eateries.

Events on offer include free entry to attractions such as the Jorvik Viking Centre, Clifford's Tower and Waterworld, a Queen tribute night at the Grand Opera House, several walking tours, a river trip on Yorkboat, and a ghost hunt.

Well-known local bands Huge and The Goosehorns will be playing in Parliament Street, from 1pm, on Saturday and Sunday.

The Evening Press will also be taking part in the event, by throwing open our doors to the public, and offering free guided tours of our publishing centre, in Walmgate.

Other highlights include entry to Flamingo Land in Kirby Misperton, near Pickering, for £1, the chance to gain a year-long pass for four York visitor centres, a farmers' market in Parliament Street, and an Oriental market in the Coppergate Centre.

To take part in the Residents 1st weekend, everyone aged over five will need a valid YORKcard to gain admission at each venue.

York residents can apply for the cards at the city's library by taking along two items of identification, one of which must have proof of address, such as a utility or council tax bill.

Further information on the Residents 1st weekend will be available from the information point in Parliament Street on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Your full guide to the attractions taking part in this weekend's Residents 1st spectacular:

A SENSE OF PLACE

January 26 to March, Bootham Bar

The dark and confined space on the first floor of Bootham Bar, one of York's four main medieval gateways, will be transformed into a sonic representation of York Minster.

ALL SAINTS' CHURCH

North Street (01904 629640), Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11.30am-5pm

Discover the secrets of one of the best medieval churches in York.

ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY GUIDES

De Grey Rooms, Exhibition Square (01904 640780), Saturday and Sunday, tour departs at 10.15am

Two-hour walking tour of York. Walk includes part of city walls, with access and exit via steps. Large pushchairs may create a problem.

BARLEY HALL

2 Coffee Yard (01904 610275), Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm

A weekend of handy history. Make a crown or princess hat, try out games from the past and get into some medieval costumes.

BEDERN HALL

Bedern (01904 424651), Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm

The 14th Century refectory of the vicars choral of York Minster, with a display of their records and artefacts.

BORTHWICK INSTITUTE FOR ARCHIVES

University of York (01904 321160), Saturday 10am, 11am, noon and 2pm

Tours of the world class archives in the country's leading new archive building. Free tours by ticket only, available from Borthwick Institute.

CLIFFORD'S TOWER

Tower Street (01904 601974), Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm

Since medieval times, Clifford's Tower has played a turbulent role in York's history, surviving fire, flood and treason. Find out why the tower has played such a key role in the control of northern England.

FARMERS' MARKET

Parliament Street (01904 551355), Saturday 9am-4.30pm

Bringing a taste of the countryside to the city centre. Sample from a wide range of local produce from the region's farmers, producers and growers.

FLAMINGO LAND

Kirby Misperton (08707 528000), Saturday and Sunday 11am-4pm

Visit the zoo at Flamingo Land and see many rare and exotic species, including tigers, giraffes and lions. There will also be a sea lion and a parrot show, as well as penguin feeding. There will be a nominal charge of £1 per person.

GHOST TRAIL

West Doors of York Minster (01904 633276), Saturday 6pm

The Ghost Trail is free to residents who make themselves known to the guide before 6pm.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN

Cumberland Street (01904 678701), Saturday 7.30pm

Starring Gary Mullin & The Works. The first 50 York residents who present their YorkCard (one ticket per YorkCard) will be given a ticket. Tickets available on first come, first served basis.

HIDDEN SECRETS OF YORK

Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm

York residents will get a family pass for the year to the Hidden Secrets Of York if they visit all four attractions in the group - Barley Hall, Merchant Adventurers' Hall, Micklegate Bar Museum and Richard III Museum - this weekend.

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH - FOUR AGES OF MUSIC

Goodramgate (01904 613451), Saturday 2pm-2.15pm, 2.30pm-2.45pm, 3pm-3.15pm, 3.30pm-3.45pm

Free afternoon recital by internationally-renowned classical guitarist and composer Peter Smith, who will perform pieces of music from four ages.

JORVIK

Coppergate (01904 543402), Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm

A visit to Jorvik, pictured below, is the perfect way to discover Viking-age York. Free tickets will be available on both days, pre-book only, subject to availability. Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis (maximum five per person). Phone Jorvik reservations on 01904 543402.

MANSION HOUSE

St Helen's Square (01904 551011), Saturday and Sunday noon

A guided tour looking at the collection of paintings, revealing some of their hidden and fascinating details. Each tour is limited to 30 people, and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

MERCHANT ADVENTURERS' HALL

Fossgate (01904 654818), Saturday 9am-3.30pm (last admission 3pm)

Finest medieval guildhall in Britain, including the timbered Great Hall where merchants conducted their business. An audio tour is available for £1.

MERCHANT TAYLORS' HALL

Aldwark (01904 468572), Sunday 10am-4pm

One of England's best-preserved medieval craft guildhalls, built in the 1400s. See the original arch-braced roof, the only timber-framed screen passage in the city.

MICKLEGATE BAR MUSEUM

Micklegate Bar (01904 634436), Saturday and Sunday 9am-dusk

The Royal Gateway into York for over 800 years, where the heads of traitors were displayed for all to see. The museum portrays a civil and social insight to the history of York.

National Railway Museum

Leeman Road (01904 621261), Saturday and Sunday 10am-6pm

Nowhere tells the story of the train better than the National Railway Museum, which is free all year round to York residents.

PARLIAMENT STREET CONCERT

Saturday and Sunday

Residents 1st will once again take over Parliament Street with live music from bands Huge and The Goosehorns.

RICHARD III MUSEUM

Monk Bar (01904 634191), Saturday and Sunday 9.30am-4pm

Analysis of England's most controversial King Richard III (King of England 1483-1485).

REGIMENTAL MUSEUM OF THE ROYAL

DRAGOON GUARDS AND THE PRINCE OF WALES'S OWN REGIMENT OF YORKSHIRE

3 Tower Street (01904 642036), Saturday 9.30am-4.30pm

This joint Regimental Museum features the pageantry and history surrounding the two famous regiments, including examples of Regimental Colours and Standards, uniforms, weapons and medals.

ST SAVIOURGATE UNITARIAN CHAPEL

St Saviourgate, Saturday 10.30am-4.30pm, Sunday 1pm-4.30pm

The 313-year-old chapel is open to the public, and will host an exhibition.

ST WILLIAM'S COLLEGE

5 College Street (01904 557233), Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm

The only surviving building of its kind in the country. Dating back to 1461, the spectacular medieval raftered halls are open to view.

THE OTHER SIDE COMEDY CLUB

City Screen, Coney Street (01904 541144), Sunday 7.30pm

York's weekly Comedy Club presents a showcase of the UK's finest stand-up comedians. First 50 tickets are free, then the rest at £7/£6.

THE WORLD TOUR OF YORK

St Helens Square (07981 242764), Saturday and Sunday 11am and 2pm

A guided walk presenting stories and images of York's development, and the lifestyles of its people through the ages. From the rugged swampland the Romans conquered in AD71, to the vibrant City of Festivals in AD2006.

WATERWORLD

Monks Cross (01904 642162), Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm

York's water adventure world, complete with white knuckle flumes and relaxing wave pool. 50 tickets available each day. Reserve by phone.

WORLD OF JAMES HERRIOT

23 Kirkgate, Thirsk (01845 524234), Saturday and Sunday 11am-4pm

Free admission to James Herriot's original house and surgery, as it was in the 1940s. See the television sets from the BBC Television series All Creatures Great And Small. Children's interactive rooms, and England's only veterinary medicine museum.

YORK ART GALLERY

Exhibition Square (01904 687687), Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm

Special exhibition - Spanish Masters - from January 28 to March 26. Spanish Masters showcases York Art Gallery's significant collection of Spanish paintings. Free drop-in art workshops in the Studio with a professional artist from 11am-12.45pm and 2pm-3.45pm on both days.

YORK BREWERY

12 Toft Green (01904 621162), Saturday and Sunday 12.30pm, 2pm, 3.30pm, 5pm

Visit York's friendly and independent brewery, where beer is brewed using traditional methods. A nominal £1 admission fee will be charged on production of a YorkCard.

YORK CASTLE MUSEUM

Eye of York (01904 687687), Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm

ONE of Britain's largest and most famous museums of everyday life, featuring the prison cell of highwayman Dick Turpin.

YORK CEMETERY

Cemetery Road (01904 610578), Sunday 10am-4pm

A rare look at one of York's best conservation areas. Visit the Grade II listed chapel, and have a look in the catacombs below. The cemetery database will be available to family historians. Short guided tours will be available.

YORK CITY SIGHT-SEEING TOURS

Saturday and Sunday 10am-3pm

Tours leave Exhibition Square every 30 minutes. 100 free tickets will be available on both days, from the visitor information centre, Exhibition Square. Otherwise a nominal fare of £1 per person will be charged on production of a YorkCard.

YORK & COUNTY PRESS

76-86 Walmgate (01904 567118), Saturday 9am and 10.15am

The Evening Press is opening its doors again to the public for office tours. Unfortunately, all tickets for Saturday's tours of our Walmgate premises,

pictured below, are taken, but because of the demand, further tours are being arranged for the future. Phone Jen Horsley on 01904 567118.

YORK DUNGEON

12 Clifford Street (01904 632599), Saturday and Sunday 10.30am-4.30pm

York Dungeon invites you to a unique feast of fun with history's horrible bits. Live actors, shows and special effects transport you back to those black, bleak times.

YORK MINSTER

4 Deangate (01904 557216), Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 12.30pm-4pm

Climb the 275 steps to the top of the tower for amazing views of historic York and the Minster's medieval gargoyles. No children under four. Children under 10 must be accompanied. Vouchers available from the group desk in the Minster, distributed on a first come, first served basis.

YORK MINSTER WORKS DEPARTMENT

Deangate (01904 557226), Saturday 10am, noon, 2pm, 4pm

Four tours of the masons' and carvers' workshops, pictured above, the plaster cast museum and setting out/drawing shop. To book a place, phone 01904 557226. 20 people per tour, first come, first served.

YORK MODEL RAILWAY

Tea Room Square (01904 630169), Saturday 8.45am-5pm, Sunday 10am-5pm

00, N gauge and Thomas The Tank Engine model railway exhibition. Fun for all the family, with push button interactive participation and day/night scene. A nominal £1 charge applies per person, for all those aged five or over.

YORKBOAT

The Boatyard, Lendal Bridge (01904 628324), Saturday and Sunday 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm (river conditions permitting)

Enjoy the sights of York city centre and country on a 40-minute guided river trip with live captain's commentary.

YORKSHIRE AIR MUSEUM

Halifax Way, Elvington (01904 608595), Saturday and Sunday 10am-3.30pm

AVIATION history museum based on an authentic Second World War bomber command station. Tremendous atmosphere, unique exhibits, attractive memorial gardens and exciting seasonal events. Many historic aircraft, including unique Halifax and modern jets, such as the Harrier GR3 and Tornado GR4.

YORKSHIRE MUSEUM

Museum Gardens (01904 687687), Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm

Set in ten acres of botanical gardens in the heart of York, the Yorkshire Museum houses some of Britain's greatest archaeological and geological treasurers. Museum highlights include the Romans, the Vikings, medieval

treasurers and geological marvels.

YORKSHIRE MUSEUM OF FARMING

Murton Park (01904 489966), Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm

200 years of farming history and a replica Dark Ages village, Roman fort and Tudor house.

YORKWALK

Museum Garden Gates (01904 622303), Saturday and Sunday 10.30am and 2.15pm

Guided two-hour walking tours of York, entitled Essential York, Roman York And Snickelways.

Serving up a real feast

Many of York's top restaurants will be celebrating Residents 1st weekend by offering people special set price Residents' Feast meal deals of either a two course lunch or dinner.

Simply take along your copy of the Residents' 1st weekend leaflet, your YorkCard and proof of residency to participating restaurants to qualify. All offers are subject to availability.

Reservations may be required in some establishments.

Residents' Feast is organised for Residents 1st weekend by members of the York Hospitality Association.

The Bar Convent, Blossom Street

Lunch: January 28 and 30 to February 3, £7.50. Phone 01904 643238.

DCH at the Dean Court, Duncombe Place

Lunch: January 28 and January 30 to February 3, £10. Dinner: January 29 to February 3, £17. Phone 01904 625082.

El Piano, 15-17 Grape Lane

Lunch: January 29 to February 4, £5. Dinner: January 29 to February 4, £5. Phone 01904 610676.

Holiday Inn York Hospitality, Tadcaster Road

Dinner: January 29 to February 4, £15. Phone 01904 777505.

Lady Anne Middleton's Hotel, Skeldergate

Four-course dinner: January 28 to 3, £12.50. Must pre-book. Phone 01904 611570.

The Lime House, 55 Goodramgate

Lunch: January 28 and 31 to February 3, £10.50. Dinner: January 31 to February 2, £15. Phone 01904 632734.

The Living Room, Merchant Exchange, 1 Bridge Street

Lunch: January 28 and 29, 30 per cent off total food bill. Dinner: January 28 and 29, 30 per cent off total food bill. Phone 08702 203001.

Mason's Bistro Bar, 13 Fossgate

Lunch: January 28, 29 and 31 to February 3, £12. Dinner: January 29 and 31 to February 3, £17. Phone 01904 611919.

Melton's Restaurant, 7 Scarcroft Road

Lunch: January 28 and 31 to February 3, £12. Phone 01904 634341.

Melton's too, 25 Walmgate

Lunch: January 28 to February 3, £10.50. Dinner: January 29 to February 1, £10.50. Phone 01904 629222.

Monkbar Hotel, St Maurice's Road

Lunch: January 28 to February 3, £7.50. Dinner: January 28 to February 3, £12.50. Phone 01904 638086.

One 19, 119 The Mount

Lunch: January 28 to February 3, £10. Phone 01904 619444.

The Brasserie at The Grange Hotel, 1 Clifton

Lunch: January 28 to February 3, £12. Dinner: January 28 to February 3, £17. Must pre-book. Phone 01904 644744.

The Worsley Arms, High Street, Hovingham

Lunch: January 29 to February 3, £12.50. Dinner: January 29 to February 2, £12.50. Phone 01653 628234.

Chinese New Year Festival

LANTERN-MAKING WORKSHOPS

Clifton Library, Saturday 2pm-4pm

National Centre For Early Music, Sunday 11am-1pm (01904 658338)

Make a lantern to mark Chinese New Year celebrations. To take part you need to book a place by phoning the NCEM box office on 01904 658338. Suitable for eight years and over. Children under 11 must be accompanied by a adult. Cost: £3.50.

KOREAN DANCE WORKSHOP

National Centre For Early Music, Saturday 2.30pm (01904 658338)

introduction to Korean traditional dance. Suitable for all, no dance experience necessary. Tickets: £3.50.

CHINESE GUITAR PLAYER

All Saints' Church (01904 658338), Saturday 1pm

opportunity to listen to the authentic sounds of talented Chinese guitar player Xuefei Yang. Tickets: £10, and £8 concessions.

ORIENTAL MARKET

Coppergate Centre, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm

market will include herbalists, food, calligraphy and Chinese souvenir stalls, plus a cookery demonstration.

FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

City centre, Sunday 3pm

Open air performances from the Choi Jung Im Dance Company and Chinese Dragon dancers, plus a chance to see a 100ft Chinese dragon made by local schoolchildren.

Updated: 11:33 Tuesday, January 24, 2006