A Promenade Through the City

A Promenade Through the City runs from Clifford's Tower to York Mansion House on Saturday 8 August, from 11:00am to 11:30am. It's one of the highlights of the York Georgian Festival, which is the fourth annual celebration of 18th-century life in York, hosted by the Mansion House. The festival brings the period back to life across the city with talks, tours, performances and workshops, and the promenade is the part that actually takes to the streets.

Leading the way is the infantry of His Majesty's 33rd Regiment of Foot, resplendent in their redcoat uniforms. They're recreating the fashionable 18th-century practice of strolling through smart city streets and parks as a proud display of status, and the whole walk is open for you to join in. If you've got some Georgian attire tucked away, you're encouraged to wear your finest and walk along with them.

There's more to the festival than just the promenade, too. The Galliard Dancers will be performing, and you'll find military drills in St Helen's Square. There's a Masquerade Ball at the Grand Assembly Rooms, and the Mansion House itself runs children's trails and historic cookery demonstrations, so it's a good look at the tastes, smells and daily life of the Georgian period. The promenade is free, though you'll need to book online in advance.