MINSTRELS Gill Page and Dan Osbaldeston go stilt-walking in Stonegate to promote the launch of St Nicholas Fayre in York.

Organisers say they hope the festival will bring many thousands of visitors to the city in the run-up to Christmas.

The Fayre opens in Parliament Street on Thursday, November 22, running from 9am to 8pm, and it continues on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm.

Yorkshire Pantry Association traders from across the county will be selling some of the county's finest fare, including cheeses, chutneys, pickles, wines and beers. Traders in the St Nicholas Fayre craft market will don period costume on the Saturday and Sunday.

The St. Nicholas Medieval Market takes place on the same days in the evocative surroundings of Barley Hall, York's unique medieval townhouse.

Children will have a chance to visit Santa at a new grotto being opened in St Sampson's Square on Monday, November 26

Updated: 11:01 Wednesday, November 14, 2001