INDEPENDENT shopkeepers in part of York city-centre are putting on a street festival this Sunday.

The Fossgate Festival is being organised by the various independent shops and cafes that line the vibrant, historic street.

Locals and visitors are invited to come along to enjoy the fun, and take advantage of a one-day traffic ban on the street.

The festival will kick off proceedings at 9am, finishing at 8pm, with the car-free rule in place throughout the day.

This will be the third monthly Fossgate Festival since it began in May. The first coincided with the Tour de Yorkshire and saw the street packed with food stalls, music, dancing and of course, beer.

The second festival was a much lower-key event according to Swirl Clothing’s, Sal Wilson, who is expecting the summer festivals to be “bigger and better”, with a larger variety of food, more entertainment and more sun.

York Press: Fossgate Picture Frank Dwyer (14882919)

Sal said it was “absolutely vital” to support independent businesses and it will be clear from the festival just how much these shops have to offer away from the mainstream.

She said Fossgate was a "beautiful street with amazing architecture”, and said the festival aimed to create a “European cafe culture” and a vibrant atmosphere for the public to explore and take advantage of.

Street food on the day will include everything from Tapas and Paella from Ambiente, to BBQ food and even a taste of Korea, courtesy of Oshibi Bistro.

There will also be a huge range of entertainment, with the likes of Flamenco guitar, classical violin, swing dancers and tribal dancers, all showcasing their talent over the course of the day. If art is your passion, the festival included an open studio at Rogue Ateliers, exhibiting and selling art to festival goers.

Sarah Lakin from the Fossgate Social cafe bar said: “Walk York’s best independent street if you want something different, something away from the mainstream businesses and to celebrate everything that is independent."

Many traders hope Fossgate will eventually become fully pedestrianised, but are embracing the one-day festivals for the time being, to help promote local businesses and attract new visitors.