SLEEPY old York is waking up. The city which offers an unrivalled insight into extinct civilisations is about to come alive.

Today is the launch of the City Of Festivals. Never before has York looked forward to such a strong and varied programme of events.

Whatever time of year it is, we are never far away from fun and entertainment, thanks to the work of York@Large. With festivals celebrating food, Vikings, ghosts, music and Guy Fawkes, not to mention Royal Ascot and the prospect of a giant ferris wheel spinning by the river, if anyone should ask what's going on in York there is only one answer.

It's all happening.

Updated: 10:59 Thursday, January 27, 2005