Pop star Prince famously partied like it was 1999. Here in Yorkshire we want to go one better than that. The Let's Party initiative is the opportunity for everyone to make 2000 a year to remember.

North Yorkshire's low-key Millennium Eve celebrations left some revellers disappointed. Thousands gathered outside York Minster, as is traditional, to see in the New Year. But there was nothing to mark out the occasion as special.

That was because the emphasis locally is on providing year-round festivities, rather than a one-night spectacular. Plans for the Millennium Mystery Plays at the Minster are well underway. Despite a recent hitch, the Millennium Bridge is set to open later this year. And today we launched Let's Party.

The name of the initiative says it all. We want to see as many people as possible in York and North and East Yorkshire come together to indulge in some summer fun, raising money for St Leonard's Hospice at the same time.

These celebrations can take many forms. It could mean the return of street parties, like those that greeted VE Day, the Coronation and royal weddings. Or it might mean a games night, a bike ride - practically anything that takes your fancy, in fact.

The initiative has already won the backing of television personalities Harry Gration and Clare Frisby. Their close links with York mean they are familiar with the remarkable work of St Leonard's Hospice, and are only too willing to support this excellent cause.

The Millennium party weekend will also include York Carnival 2000. This promises to be the biggest parade the city has ever seen.

All we need now to make the event a success is your support. We want to see every school, club, pub and office taking part. So start sorting out your glad rags and get ready to party.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.