EIGHTY-TWO years of a York's park life will be celebrated in style with one of the city's biggest-ever public birthday parties.

Rowntree Park turns 82 tomorrow, and a full range of family events has been organised to celebrate the occasion.

The party will see live music, children's crafts, henna tattoos, charity stalls and animal bun workshops.

Famous panto dame Berwick Kaler will perform the traditional cutting of the birthday cake, while the Lord Mayor of York, Charles Hall, and Sheriff of York, Keith Orrell, will be joining in the fun.

Partygoers will be able to travel to the bash Oriental-style, as a rickshaw taxi has been organised.

People travelling to the party by car are asked not to use the park's car park, but instead park at St George's car park then take the rickshaw.

Finishing touches are being put in place to a programme of restoration works at the park.

This includes repainting the Grade II listed Terry Avenue gates, installation of the new gates off Butcher Terrace, and the 1920s Richardson Street gates, kitted out with a new lamp.

The newly-restored canal and cascade are set to burst into action in time for the big celebration.

On top of the various events, City of York Council and the Friends of Rowntree Park have organised Warrington's traditional fairground, Sportsmania, and a model boat regatta.

From 7pm Brownies, Cubs, Scouts and Guides from the York area will take to the stage for the gang show.

Leader Myra Puckrin said: "The show will see a selection of traditional gang show tunes performed, it promises to be great fun for all the family.

"Admission is free so come along and enjoy it, just bring something to sit on."

For more information about the birthday celebrations phone 01904 553440. For details about the gang show phone 01904 411593.

A photograph in Wednesday's Evening Press featured Rowntree Park's new gates, in Butcher Terrace, and not as stated.

Updated: 10:46 Saturday, July 12, 2003