FEROCIOUS gladiators, courageous legionnaires, skilled weapon masters.

Hold on to your helmets the Romans are coming back to York as part of the city's fourth Roman Festival.

Organisers are expecting more than 30,000 people to flock to a range of themed events in the city centre and at Castle Howard, near Malton, between July 21 and July 30.

There will be gladiator competitions, wrestling, a Romans versus Barbarians battle, Roman talks, a Spirit Of The Lost Legion ghost event, music and dancing, and a living history camp with the Ninth Legion in the York library gardens.

Among the main attractions lined up for this year's extravaganza will be the celebration of the 1,700th anniversary of the proclamation of Constantine The Great as Roman Emperor in York.

He reigned for 31 years and is credited with bringing the Roman Empire back together.

Church leaders celebrate Constantine as he embraced Christianity, then a religion practised by a persecuted minority, and accorded everyone the religious freedom to worship whichever gods they chose.

Meanwhile, for the first time, a Roman Coliseum-style arena will be created in St Sampson's Square with raised seating.

All manner of events will be taking place there, including weapons and battle drills, barbarian fights, talks on the Roman baths and costumed tours.

At Castle Howard, a living history camp will be in place and a number of events for children including, shield painting, sword making and the opportunity to dress up as a Roman soldier.

Specially-trained gladiators from across the country will do battle during the week.

Festival organiser Keith Mulhearn said: "This will be by far the biggest and best Roman festival we've done to date, and there will be something for everyone.

"St Sampson's Square will become like a genuine Roman arena with many more things going on.

"It will feel like the real thing, with children given the opportunity to dress as Romans and barbarians. To the victor the spoils!

"As well as being entertaining, it will also be educational."

For more information, log on to the festival website at www.yorkromanfestival.co.uk