THE Romans are back in York this weekend.

The York Roman Festival is this year commemorating the 1,800th anniversary of the death in York of Emperor Septimius Severus.

A host of events are being held across the city today and tomorrow including films at City Screen, a Roman bus tour and a new Gladiators Of York exhibition at York Dungeon.

The Black Swan Inn, at Peasholme Green, will be transformed into a gladiatorial arena for displays on both days.

The festival was launched yesterday with an inspection of York children dressed as Romans outside the Mansion House by the Lord Mayor.

Among the other festival highlights will be best-selling author Ben Kane who will be signing copies of his new novel Hannibal Enemy Of Rome today, from 12.30pm, at Waterstones in High Ousegate.

There is also an auction of promises, with prizes from local businesses which takes place at The Black Swan tonight, from 7pm, followed by a slave auction.

At the festival finale tomorrow night at 8.30pm, City Screen will be showing Monty Python’s The Life Of Brian.

To book tickets, phone the City Screen booking line on 0871 902 5726. For a full list of festival activities visit yorkromanfestival.co.uk