Three arrivals in York that say ‘Christmas is coming…’

There may still be six weeks to go but Christmas is making its unmistakable mark on the city.

Here are three arrivals in York on Monday (November 14) which make the festivities that bit closer…

1. Christmas trees

The Christmas tree in St Helen’s Square is the centre of the city’s celebrations. The giant fir was hoiked into place today by a crane and a team armed with chainsaws and a steady nerve…

It is donated by St Leonard’s Hospice, as part of the charity’s Light Up A Life campaign.

There’s also a Chrimble tree in the fountain on Parliament Street, in the middle of the St Nicholas Fair stalls.

The switch on is Thursday (November 17) from 6pm. More here.

2. Berwick and the gang

It’s day one of rehearsals for that festive tradition, York Theatre Royal’s pantomime Cinderella.

Writer and co-director Berwick Kaler will be joined as an Ugly Sister by AJ Powell who will be stepping into Martin Barrass’s shoes, who is still recovering from his accident.

Best baddie David Leonard takes the role of Baroness von Naff, Suzy Cooper takes the title role of Cinderella, with Hermione Lynch (daughter of David Leonard) playing Prince Charming, Harry Hughes as Buttons and Danielle Mullan as the Fairy Godmother.

Lauren Newton, Jake Lindsay, Jack Lansbury, Charleigh Webb and newcomer Scott Wallace make up the rest of the cast.

3. Helter skelter

What’s Christmas without thrills and spills? A funfair, complete with helter skelter and merry-go-round is being put up in King’s Square ready to get people young and old in a spin…