Dignitaries declare their city the Christmas capital of the country

YORK dignitaries have revealed their Christmas lists early this year, asking for the medieval city to be recognised as the festive capital of Britain.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Nov 2010, 20:20 BST
Updated 21st Nov 2010, 20:23 BST

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, and the city's Lord Mayor Susan Galloway have today declared York the most Christmassy place in the country as it prepares itself for an influx of hundreds of thousands of visitors over the festive period.

Dr Sentamu, who is also tourism ambassador for the city, said: "Nowhere gets into the Christmas spirit quite like York does and there is a real buzz around the entire city as preparations for this very special time of year get under way.

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"Across York local people are determined to show visitors the warmest of welcomes and to ensure everyone enjoys the city's unique atmosphere and the many Christmas events and activities it has to offer.

"I know what an extremely hectic time of year this can be.

"The Minster in York is one of the busiest cathedrals in the country at this time of year and we are looking forward to welcoming thousands of people to our special Christmas services.

"But whether it's the spiritual or the more festive side of the season you are looking for, taking some time out in York in the run up to Christmas is a wonderful experience."

The Lord Mayor of York says: "From our Christmas fairs to the beautiful Service of Nine Lessons and carols in York Minster on Christmas Eve, we want everyone to know that nowhere in the country can beat York for throwing itself into the festive spirit.

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"Whether it is a contemporary or classic Christmas experience, anyone coming to York over the next month will be amazed by what this extraordinary city has to offer.

"I'd encourage anyone in search of some festive fun to come and see for themselves – I truly believe York is the country's Christmas capital."

Tourism plays a pivotal role in York's economy, with 7.1 million visitors descending on the city every year spending 443m and creating 23,000 jobs.

Christmas is a particularly busy time. Highlights of the city's festive celebrations include The Festival of Angels, a production of Handel's Messiah in York Minster, an open air Nativity in King's Square and Christmas carols on Victoria Street at York's Castle Museum.

For more information visit www.visityork.org/christmas.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of Visit York, said: "No other city does Christmas with such aplomb."

Related topics:YorkBritainMayor