BECOME a friend of the York Festival Of Food & Drink and become part of one of the biggest culinary celebrations in the country.

That is the message from director Michael Hjort, as the countdown to the ten-day September eating extravaganza continues.

For the first time, businesses and individuals can become a "friend" of the festival, and share in the rich atmosphere of enjoying regional food and drink.

Friends will be invited to exclusive events during the year, receive mailings and a festival guide, get free tickets to workshops and exhibitions and be among the first to find out about new developments.

Mr Hjort, who is also secretary of York Hospitality Association, said friends did not have to be "foodies" - anyone could get a flavour of the festival.

He said: "The most important reason people should become friends of the festival is because it's about promoting Yorkshire food and the accessibility of local food.

"The principal elements of the festival programme are there, every night has event and most of the day events are booked in too.

"We are already taking reservations on our booking line - 01904 466687 - which shows the huge appetite that there is for the festival."

It costs £30 for an individual or couple to become a friend of the festival and £100 for businesses.

The year for membership can start at any time.

To join phone the booking line.

The ninth York Festival Of Food & Drink begins on September 16 and this year's theme will be promoting quality Yorkshire produce.

For the first time, visitors will be invited to the Guildhall and Mansion House where demonstrations, dinners and tastings will be staged.

A covered market within a marquee in St Sampson's Square will also be part of the event for the first time and taste workshops will take place at the Mansion House.

Contributors to the festival include Mark Hix, chef of London's Ivy restaurant, Paul Rankin, Shaun Hill and many famous regional chefs, including Anthony Flinn, Andrew Pern and Frances Atkins.

Traditional elements of the festival, including the gourmet dinner, restaurant meal deals and roving feasts, will remain.

Updated: 09:48 Saturday, June 04, 2005