MORE than 60 venues are throwing their support behind York Residents' Festival as it prepares to celebrate its 21st anniversary.

The annual event which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, January 30 and 31 in 2016, offers local residents the chance to explore what's on their doorstep for free as a way of thanking them for the welcome they offer the city's seven million global visitors each year.

Visitor attractions, eateries and retailers have signed up to the event which takes place to offer one-off behind-the-scenes access to some of the city’s hidden gems, special events and restaurant and shopping deals.

For the first time, the event is also being promoted to students who can take part with a valid York student ID card.

Organisers estimate that more than 300,000 free visits have been taken up since by York residents since the festival was launched 21 years ago.

This year enjoyed the highest recorded participation with 40,000 free visits made to participating attractions – a figure that has more than doubled since the festival’s first year.

Kate McMullen, head of consumer products and marketing, Make It York, said: "We’re delighted to be celebrating 21 years of this free event. When it was first set up, our Residents Festival was unique in the country.

"Since then it has gone from strength to strength and we’ve expanded the programme each year to include not only free entry to our world-class attractions but also a range of shopping and restaurant offers. We hope even more people will take part and benefit from the festival in 2016.’ New free additions for 2016 include the York Army Museum and a chance to visit the Victorian Ballroom in the De Grey Rooms at Exhibition Square, while getting up close to costumes in the hire department from past theatrical productions, including the famous pantomime, and take tea in the Cocktail Bar café.

Out of town there will be free entry to Beningbrough Hall and Gardens, Castle Howard’s grounds and Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum in Malton. People will also be able to take a trip on the Kirklees Light Railway for a scenic journey through the south Pennine foothills.

Dining deals, including some Buy One Get One Free offers and free starters or desserts will be available over the weekend too at a number of restaurants, while several retailers will be offering discounts.

Will Pearson, business manager for event sponsor, First in York, said: "As one of York's local bus providers, we’re proud to sponsor this event again and we're keen to help York’s community by supporting local initiatives."

Pre-booking is required for some attractions and guided tours while some venues have limited tickets available. People are encouraged to plan visits in advance. Full details will be available in the Festival brochure, from the Visit York Information Centre at 1 Museum Street, from early January.

Residents need to show a valid YorkCard - £5 for adults, and free for under 18s - or York Student ID Card to gain admission at each venue and for all shopping and restaurant offers.

YorkCards are available from Explore York Libraries.