Following the success of its fundraising campaign to save a rare 17th Grinling Gibbons sculpture from sale and export, Fairfax House has extended its contract with Cicada to cover the festive period.

Cicada is managing a media relations and social media campaign while working with bloggers around the region to publicise the family friendly attraction in York. Creative initiatives have included the appointment of a five-year-old director of fun and an awareness-raising ticket campaign with Minster FM to capitalise on the house being dressed for an authentic Georgian Christmas.

From now until 31 January, visitors can enjoy seeing Fairfax House in all its festive glory and hear about the merrymaking, decorations, feasting and activities that surrounded this festival in the 18th century. There are also winter tales and games events for younger visitors. It’s all topped off with mulled wine and mince pies served in the atmospheric Georgian kitchen.

You can vote for the Grinling Gibbons sculpture in a poll to find the nation’s favourite Art Fund Work of the Year 2017. The poll runs until 12 noon on 11 December and all those taking part will be entered into a prize draw to win a lifetime National Art Pass worth £1,850 – www.artfund.org/workof2017

The house will stay open until 8pm for late night Thursdays throughout December.

For more information about Christmas events at Fairfax House go to www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk

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