A YORK group has secured National Lottery support for a festival celebrating the city’s heritage.

The Friends of York Walls charity has received a grant of £10,000 to fund an enhanced version of the York Walls Festival, which drew hundreds of visitors to its inaugural event last year.

The Heritage Fund money will also help them produce a schools pack, a dedicated website, improved visitor information, expert talks and volunteer training in the run up to the festival.

The project aims to enable both residents and visitors discover more about the fascinating history of the walls and various landmarks around them, which will be given additional prominence during the festival.

These will include Fishergate Postern Tower, which will have a display documenting a recent archaeological dig, and Baile Hill, in Bishophill, a less well-known feature, which was the site of a former 11th-century castle.

Workshops will help people understand the technical properties of the stone used and how to enhance the ecological value of the ramparts to various species.

Friends group chairman and archaeologist Glen McGowan said: “We have been given a terrific opportunity to give real momentum to the York Walls Festival this year, to the benefit of both the people of York and visitors.

“Needless to say, I’m delighted.”

City Archaeologist John Oxley added: “Well done the Friends of York Walls and thanks to the National Lottery players.

“York’s historic walls are a jewel in the crown of the city and the more people can get the bug of cherishing them and enjoying them the better.”

This year’s York Walls Festival takes place on August 10-11. More details will be released soon.

See yorkwalls.org.uk