TRADERS in York are dusting off their wings and harps to get into the Christmas spirit.

For the Annual Festival of Angels, in the Quarter, is happening this weekend.

There will be plenty of events to watch and take part in, including live music.

Organisers were even guaranteeing snow for the event, with a generator being brought in to pump fake flakes.

The Minster Stone Carvers will be showcasing some of their work, and letting members of the public have a go themselves.

Included in the ice sculptures will also be a special ice statue with a carved channel into which schnapps will be poured.

Ice sculptures of angels will also be on display for both days, along with a 9ft angel built out of wire and rags that will be in Grape Lane.

On Sunday, children from primary schools across York will be dressed up for the Parade of Angels, starting from St Sampson's Square at 2pm.

Laura Miles, from El Piano, one of the traders taking part, said: "It will be fantastic. Because it's Christmas, so many people are stressed, and it really lifts their spirits."

The Annual Festival of Angels takes place this Saturday and Sunday in the Quarter, off Low Petergate, from noon to 6pm each day.

Updated: 11:08 Thursday, December 13, 2001