DOZENS of York’s favourite visitor attractions will be opening their doors to residents for free this weekend.

The city’s Georgian gem, Fairfax House, is among the venues forming part of the 19th York Residents’ Festival, organised by Visit York and City of York Council as a thank you to the people of the city for the welcome they give to visitors.

The event will offer 60 free attractions and events – 15 of them new for this year – including the chance to see behind the scenes at some of York’s hidden treasures, tours and restaurant deals.

The festival’s main sponsor is bus operator First, whose York business manager Will Pearson was given a preview inside Fairfax House in the build-up to the event.

First will be offering a discounted FirstDay Group ticket for YorkCard holders, costing £5, this weekend.

Mr Pearson said: “We’re delighted to be the lead sponsor of the York Residents’ Festival and this partnership will enable us to engage more closely with the York community.”

Visit York’s head Kate McMullen said: “The 2014 Festival is set to offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy a holiday at home.”

As well as Fairfax House, other new additions include All Saints Church in North Street and Jacob’s Well, a medieval building originally home to the priests of Holy Trinity Priory.

More information is at visityork.org and from Visit York’s information centre in Museum Street.

YorkCards are needed to gain free admission to venues.