Warm welcome for festival as seasonal temperature rises

While many other events have fallen victim to the Arctic weather – including Lincoln Christmas Market – Beverley's Festival of Christmas could enjoy temperatures nudging seven degrees above zero.

The event will be opened on Sunday by the film and TV actor Vincent Regan and his actress wife Amelia Curtis.

Organising committee chairman Councillor John Bird said: "I think people will welcome the fact it's happening because Lincoln was cancelled and people have been marooned in their houses for almost two weeks.

"It will be great to get out and about and have some free entertainment.

Coun Bird said they'd been assured that the reindeers, who will be pulling Father Christmas through the streets, are coming to the event which features a Victorian Market and fairground, as well as a classic car rally, military, pipe and brass bands.

The Treasure House will be opening on the day, as will the Guildhall, with the Mayor's Parlour decorated in Victorian style.

The festival opens at 10am and closes at 4pm.

The customary park-and-ride service will be operating from the racecourse.