YORK'S Gillygate will be renamed 'Jollygate' when it comes alive with the sound of music next week.

Christmas shoppers will be able to enjoy live music gigs at different shops along the street, followed by a headline act and after-party at the Gillygate pub.

The 'Christmas extravaganza of sound and shopping' is being organised on Thursday December 11 by the Gillygate Traders' Association, in partnership with Access to Music, said spokeswoman Sophie Humphreys.

"Between 5 and 8pm, Gillygate shops will come alive with the beautiful sounds and talent from Access to Music students, past and present," she said.

"Shops all the way down Gillygate will have their own bespoke gigs for customers to be a part of while they finish off their Christmas shopping.

"All this musical mayhem will culminate in a headline act at The Gillygate pub after-party from 8pm onwards, once shops have ceased trading, and if people buy something on Gillygate they can take the receipt to the pub to receive a free glass of mulled wine."

She said Gillygate was an 'overlooked gem' in York's rich and vibrant shopping culture, boasting mainly independent traders selling a real variety of goods, from handmade crafts and gifts to jewellery and handbags, vintage clothes, maternity clothes and records, electronics and toys.

"There really is everything on this street from the small and affordable to the high end designer items."

She said Access to Music, a music college based at The Jam Factory in the Groves, ran courses in contemporary music for young people aged 16-plus.

"We are proud to be nurturing the next generation of musical talent, including Beth McCarthy who appeared on BBC’s The Voice earlier in the year and has gone on to play major festivals and gigs all over the country," Ms Humphreys said.

She added that the acts in Jollygate were set to include Laura Kindelan, Issie Dalby, Armonia, Rich Vallance, Amber Warren, Blind Eye, Cynthia Khumalo, Otis Farnhill, Elliot McCabe, Daisy Woollett, Asios Eyes, Kirby Howarth, Mark Cottrel, Emily Leeman, Alex Winters, Chlee Pullan, Matt Philpott and Bryony Drake.