York was heaving on Saturday afternoon as crowds flocked to the city centre on what was the start of the first weekend of Advent.

They thronged the busy Christmas market; applauded buskers in St Helen's Square and at Minster Gates; and even braved the cold weather to sit out at pavement cafés.

Here is a glimpse of the city centre on Saturday afternoon in pictures...

 

The carousel in King's  Square was one centre of attraction...

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In Petergate, visitors braved the cold weather to sit out at pavement cafés...

York Press: In Petergate, visitors braved the cold weather to sit out at pavement cafésIn Petergate, visitors braved the cold weather to sit out at pavement cafés (Image: Stephen Lewis)

 

... while at Minster Yard, the statue of Constantine stood guard over the  Minster's 'winter village', where the open-air tables were busy.

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Minster Gates, where a lone busker stood entertaining passers-by, was crowded with people.

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As was Davygate, where the crowds were so thick it was hard to push through.

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A busker in front of St Helen's Church in St Helen's Square managed to create a small oasis of calm...

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... while the colourfully-lighted trees in Parliament Street brought an undeniable cheer to the Christmas market

York Press:

York Press: