Eye Lights

Britain's bibliophiles should head for York this weekend to witness the country's largest antiquarian book fair. 170 dealers will show their wares at the two-day event starting today at the York Barbican Centre. Delights for sale include early 16th century works, comic book art and collectible modern first editions. With prices starting from as little as pounds 5 there is sure to be something to tempt everybody. For more information call 01904 624414.

The French Baroque golden age is celebrated by Arts Florissants under William Christie's direction. Tonight's concert, taking place at the Barbican, in London, is Monteverdi's "Il Combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda" and the Madrigals from Books seven to eight.

For details call 0171-638 8891.

On a lighter note, the Camelot Festival of Craft & Entertainment recreates the Arthurian court at Lloyd Park in South Croydon this weekend. There will be fancy dress, craft stalls and "unusual" food for visitors to sample.

For information call 0171-263 4657.

Open House `97 takes place all over London this weekend. Over 500 historic buildings of all periods and sizes, including the Foreign Office and the home of the Bank of England, will throw their doors open to the public in a European-wide programme.

For information call 0891 600061.

The Buckinghamshire Railway Centre near Aylesbury is hosting its annual Fire Fighting Day on Sunday.

The collection of fire engines dating back to Victorian times will be on display, together with a demonstration of wartime fire fighting methods. No, it's nothing like Backdraft.

Details 01296 655720.

AN EYE ON...

crime

Argentina: Police in Buenos Aires have arrested three men aged 67, 72 and 74, who are believed to have stolen around pounds 10,000 from 22 department stores having planned the crime spree from their old people's home.

Iraq: Baghdad police have arrested three men for trying to extort money from a shopkeeper. Threatening notes were delivered by carrier pigeon, with instructions to send back money attached to the pigeon's leg.

Hong Kong: A man, described by his barrister as an "amateur", was jailed in Hong Kong after being found guilty of extortion. His crucial mistake lay in giving a receipt, complete with his name and Identity Card number, for the protection money he had extorted.