CITY SCREEN was alive with the sound of music as City of York Council unveiled plans for York Music Live Festival.

Members of the council's arts services and YORtime office, beat drums and shook maracas during a music circus at City Screen Cinema yesterday.

This year's extravaganza, from May 1 to May 31, will see famous names such as singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading, Shed Seven, jazz group Jaques Loussier Trio, the Guildhall Orchestra, Blazin Fiddles, John Kirkpatrick and Last Night Fun.

The festival will have an international feel, with performances from Chinese group Uyghur, on May 4, and Asian underground music on May 24.

Members of the public can take part in a similar music circus on May 25, at free workshops in Parliament Street and St Sampson Square.

Wesley Zepherin, arts officer for City of York Council, said: "Everybody is welcome to come along to the workshops to have a bash and a bang. No experience necessary. We want people to come along and have a great time."

The re-launch of Tang Hall Community Centre on May 17, will be celebrated with a day of free dancing, live bands, stalls, activities and a bouncy castle.

Full details of the events are available at council receptions and leisure venues, or on www.york.gov.uk/whatson.

Updated: 11:12 Thursday, April 10, 2003