A NEW Festival of Rivers is planned for York in a bid to attract more visitors to the city.

City of York councillors are discussing plans to give £75,000 of extra funding to support a colourful calendar of festivals in York.

The Festival of Rivers, which is in the early stages of planning, could receive a £25,000-a-year grant over three years.

Other events, which are in line for grants, include York Music Live, York Dance Week and Sightsonic.

Executive members of York's the leisure and heritage committee have been asked to discuss a raft of budget proposals, which could be fully approved by next month, aimed at "making York more eventful".

Gill Cooper, City of York Council's head of arts, said a Festival of Rivers would be an opportunity to highlight the city's river frontage and could include events such as a riverside market, waterfront festival or water sports activities.

She said culture and leisure workers were committed to creating a "buzz" by increasing the number and profile of events for visitors and residents alike.

"It's something about giving people the feeling that things are happening in York and giving people a buzz of enjoyment," she said.

She said the council was looking for "new and creative ways" of consulting the York public about what cultural events they would like to see staged in the city.

Arts and culture officer Peter Boardman said a festival based on rivers was one of many "aspirations" of arts workers and no fixed date or schedule had been set.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of York Tourism Bureau, said the concept of a Festival of Rivers was a "fabulous idea".

She said: "We would be extremely keen to work with the city council on any new projects, which highlight the benefits of York's scenic waterways."

The extra fund includes cash to secure the future of York Music Live, Sightsonic - York's International Festival of Digital Arts - and York Dance Week.

Updated: 12:23 Monday, January 13, 2003