Arts festival comes to York this autumn

York will host a new festival of comedy, spoken word and music this autumn.

Taking place in the city’s theatres, music venues and pubs, York Alive begins in late September and runs until the end of October.

Acts performing include the musicians Paul Carrack and Gabrielle, while comedian, author and presenter Ruby Wax will open the festival on 28 September.

Festival director Miles Salter previously programmed the York Literature Festival from 2008 to 2016. He said: "I'm still driven by the same desire to see York have an exciting, inspiring arts festival”, adding that he hopes York Alive will become “a regular yearly event”.

Salter said that although York is popular with visitors, he wants to show the city is "more than Romans and Vikings".

He said, "It's home to many talented writers, filmmakers, musicians, artists, actors, comedians and dancers. That's why we want York Alive to celebrate this talent, as well as our great venues and fantastic city."