ALMOST 2,000 years after they first arrived in York, the Romans have finally returned - with the city's first Roman Festival.

The city's streets will be filled with Roman soldiers practising their military skills, exhibitions showing off Roman culture and displays of dancing.

The statue of Constantine, beside York Minster, will provide a focal point for the event. He was the only Roman emperor to be crowned outside Rome and the first to embrace Christianity.

Historians believe Constantine was proclaimed emperor on July 25, the first day of the planned festival, at a site close to York Minster.

The Roman Festival, which is supported by City of York Council, will be held in the city over the weekend of July 26 and 27.

Updated: 10:51 Monday, June 02, 2003