ANOTHER festival for the over-50s in York is to be staged later this year, preceded by a major fundraising auction of promises.

The seventh York 50+ Festival will run from September 24 to October 2, with the auction to be held on September 22 at the Guildhall in partnership with the York Festival of Food & Drink.

Festival co-ordinator Sue Lister said the event, with BBC TV presenter Harry Gration as the celebrity auctioneer, would follow a candlelit three-course dinner for 150 prepared by restaurateur Michael Hjort.

Items donated to York Older People’s Assembly (YOPA) for the auction by generous local businesses and individuals included “feet-nibbling fish” vouchers, tickets to the Jungle Book, massive discounts on spectacles and hearing aids, comfortable shoes, afternoon teas and dinners, studio photo sessions and personal poems.

“It promises to be a memorable evening for everyone,” she said.

She urged people to start planning events for the festival now. The deadline for submissions is July 20.

“If you would like your event to be included in the festival programme, applications are now available at yorkassembly.org.uk/festival and from the YOPA office at 01904 634661,” Sue said.

“We had more than 100 events last year and hope the 50+ Festival can continue to provide a focus for the incredible diversity of interests and contributions of York’s older community.

“But to do this, we need individuals, groups and organisations to fill in the event form and return it to me within the next couple of months.”

She said the main annual 50+ Information Fair at the Guildhall would be held on Thursday September 8, but YOPA was also reaching out into the communities with a 50+ Information Fair and Falls Awareness Day to be staged at Bishopthorpe Village Hall from 10am – 12.30 pm on June 23.

“It is our first major event out of the city centre and we hope that it will attract many local people from the surrounding villages and pave the way for further events of this nature in different wards,” she said.

“There will be a dozen information and advice stands, a sloppy slipper exchange, nail clipping service, blood pressure and ear checks and a 30-minute guided walk. It’s a perfect opportunity to ask questions and get the advice you need.”