RECENTLY we exhibited for your viewing pleasure selections of photographs from the 1951 York Festival. This was our city's contribution to the post-war celebration of nationhood, the Festival of Britain.

That inspired a flurry of letters, and a phone call from Arthur Rosewarne. Now 81, he has always delved deep into York history, having acted as a guide to both the city and the Minster. And he recalls the festival as one of York's great triumphs.

The Fulford home he shares with his wife Mary is filled with books. In a backroom, you can find a visitor's guide to almost every country, testament to Mr Rosewarne's 31-years as travel manager at York Co-op.

There are many local history books, too, plus a personal archive of local events. Among his souvenirs of the York Festival is a copy of magazine The Sketch, dated July 4, 1951, which has a pictorial spread devoted to the highlight of the year, headlined "York's Brilliant Georgian Ball".

The report was written in the same enthusiastic spirit: "With a brilliance which could hardly have been surpassed even in the immortal Augustan Age, York's early eighteenth century Assembly Rooms brought back to life that glittering period with its Georgian Ball on June 15, under the patronage of the Princess Royal...

"Fans fluttered, bewigged and powdered heads bowed and the graceful days when York was the metropolis of the North and England's sporting capital returned for five sparkling hours."

The report revealed that the floral displays were arranged by Miss Patricia Bowes-Lyon, a niece of the Queen, and Miss Susan Studdy.

In the background of one of the pictures is Arthur Rosewarne himself, in wig and mask, next to the girl he escorted that special night. Her name escapes him - wife Mary came on the scene a little later.

"She was a Quaker," Mr Rosewarne recalls. "We were in the Young Friends. She was a geography teacher at the ladies grammar school at Bridlington."

The young woman bought her own ticket. "We had to get girls who could afford to pay for themselves. It was three guineas, and you had to be dressed in Georgian costume."

As a grocer's assistant for the Co-op at the time, Mr Rosewarne's £7 wage did not stretch far, but both he and his brother Kenneth were determined to be a part of the celebrations.

"I saved up when I heard about the festival, and I went to all the major concerts and all the cabarets," he said. "Our feet never touched the ground for the two weeks of the festival.

"It was wonderful."

He went twice to the revived Mystery Plays, to poetry readings and to events at the art gallery. But it was the Georgian Ball at the Assembly Rooms he remembers with most affection.

A trip to a Leeds theatrical costumier's secured the fancy dress, complete with buckled shoes, breeches and elaborate cuffs and ruff.

Mr Rosewarne said most of York turned out to witness the extravaganza. One report put the crowd at 50,000 strong.

"They had barriers right beyond Lendal Bridge right through the centre of town. Everybody came to watch," he said.

"We had to travel by taxi, but still we were cheered by the crowds who watched us arrive."

In honour of the Lord Burlington, the designer of the Assembly Rooms, which was built between 1730 and 1735, 32 descendants of the original subscribers to the building fund had been invited to dance a special minuet.

Among them were George Howard and Lady Cecilia Howard, descendants of the Earl of Carlisle and the Duke of Grafton respectively; and Oliver Worsley, descendant of Thomas Worsley.

Later, according to the official programme, Miss Shirley Hall sang a selection of songs from the Beggar's Opera.

Some of North Yorkshire's aristocratic families arrived at the Assembly Rooms in stately coaches, complete with footmen.

The more flamboyant among them turned up in sedan chairs.

Some of the outfits were works of art. The reporter from the Sketch was particularly taken by "Lady Deramore's dress of white and gold brocaded satin, embroidered with tiny gold fleur-de-lis, worn with heirloom diamonds in eighteenth century settings".

"It was as big as the royal wedding," Mr Rosewarne said, referring to the wedding of the Duchess of Kent ten years later. "The crowds were fantastic."

The Sketch was equally enthusiastic. "All the colour and grace of the eighteenth century was seen at its best during the dancing of the minuet. Priceless heirlooms in lace, jewels and gold ornaments were worn."

It reported how "mob-capped waitresses served refreshments" to the "gay and gorgeously dressed guests".

Mr Rosewarne, who attended both Poppleton Road and Priory Street Schools, said: "It was a glimpse into a world we had read about or seen pictures of, but never thought we would take part in.

"For the evening of the ball, York was Georgian again. It was lovely. You were transfixed.

"It was a wonderful night which I have always remembered."

The ball came to an end at 3am, when the waitresses served turtle soup. "Our girl partners left like Cinderellas with their princes. It was a moment when the world stood still, and we were privileged to take part in it."

The festival "put York on the map. But like everything else, they always let other people come and take over". So while Edinburgh went on to develop an internationally-renowned festival, York never quite managed to do the same.

Updated: 11:47 Monday, February 10, 2003