GAME Of Thrones star Mark Addy will appear at an annual sports tournament in York.

Roses is the annual sports tournament which pits the University of York and Lancaster University in head to head competition for the Carter-James Trophy, with a special, family-friendly Roses Festival held alongside the opening ceremony on Friday.

Organised by the University of York's student union, the event will feature an outdoor stage with live performances from local and student groups, funfair stalls and a fireworks display on the lake at about 9.45pm, and will be screened live to Greg’s Place in Heslington West, from 7pm.

Addy, who played Robert Baratheon in Game Of Thrones, was made Doctor of Letters by the York St John University in 2015, and began his career on stage at York Theatre Royal and Hull Truck Theatre.

This week, the university announced the star would be appearing and would speak at the festival on Friday, ahead of a weekend filled with scores of sporting contests between the universities.

This year’s event will include The Rose Garden - a mindfulness space, where visitors can sit and relax and reflect on their own mental health and share any wellbeing tips with others.

The Rose Garden will also be the main base for the festival’s two charities, which help to look after students who are suffering mental health issues, or who need support.

A spokesman for the festival, said: “Over the Roses weekend we will be raising money for Student Minds and Beat.

“Student Minds empowers students and members of the university community to look after their own mental health, support others and create change. Beat is the UK’s leading charity supporting anyone affected by eating disorders or other difficulties with food, weight and shape.”

Give it a Go Families runs on Saturday between midday and 4pm at the university, allowing visitors to take part in free sessions to try out sporting activities run by both students and local clubs.

On Saturday, York Student Cinema will host an outdoor screening of Creed, rated 12a, which is open to all from 8pm at Greg’s Place. Visitors can relax on deck-chairs, or bring blankets to the event, which is free, but donations to the charities are welcome on site.

To donate to either of the charities, go to justgiving.com/campaign/roses2019 and to find out more about the festival, sporting events and timetable, go to roseslive.co.uk/timetable