BUSINESSES are being encouraged to target the over 50s by holding events to coincide with the York 50+ Festival.

The eighth 50+ festival will take place from September 29 to October 7 and Sue Lister, co-ordinator, said: “The door is open for special offers, events, tasters, advice or whatever else comes to mind. In past years big businesses and firms have created attractive offers, small shops and cafés have invented reasons for people to drop in, a music store offered guitar lessons, a café offered cooking demonstrations, legal firms offered advice, there were computer and lifelong learning courses, there was advocacy and healing, exercise at gyms and beauty treatments, hearing and eyesight offers, and discounts of various kinds.”

Events will be listed in the 3,500 programmes if submitted before July 20.

Application forms can be found at yorkassembly.org.uk/festival or phone Sue Lister on 01904 488870.