GALLONS of beer have been consumed at York's first Bavarian Festival.

Over the past week, residents and visitors to the city centre have been supping at a wooden beer house that has been shipped over to Parliament Street for the fortnight-long extravaganza, which ends on Sunday, April 17.

The council secured a special licence enabling those visiting the attraction to enjoy a beer in the open air in Parliament Street for the first time. Lord Mayor Janet Looker was among those enjoying a traditional Bavarian beverage this week.

There are also a number of wooden chalets nearby, which have been selling Bavarian drinks and produce, while traditional Bavarian-style music and entertainment has also been on offer. Stall holders wore traditional dress and cooked food over charcoal on a traditional Bavarian "swing grill".

The festival is open from 11am until 10pm daily.

Updated: 10:09 Friday, April 08, 2005