Events
York is a year round city of festivals. For further information try out our dedicated events site www.whatsonyork.com
February (13-17) - Jorvik Viking Festival
The JORVIK Viking Festival has become something of an institution in York, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The festival returns once again and promises to be as spectacular as ever, bringing Viking mayhem and madness to the streets of York. A packed five-day themed programme will celebrate the richness of Viking life offering an exhilarating mix of spectacle and culture, surprise and intrigue with storytelling, traditional craft making and Viking combat drills among the events.
The focal point of this year's programme is the explosive invasion day with Vikings from all over the world descending on the city to wage a fiery battle that will light up the night sky. Public Contact: Tel: 01904 543403, website www.viking-jorvik.com
May(14-16, 30 & 31), June(13&14), July(11 & 12, 25& 26), August (19-22) -Horse Racing
York Racecourse, known as the Knavesmire, has been a favourite amongst racegoers since it was founded in 1731. This year 17 meetings combine top class horseracing with world-class facilities to make it a sporting and social occasion for all to enjoy. Even if your horse fails to come up with the goods, it's a fabulous day out in a beautiful location, a chance to dress up, and jolly good fun into the bargain. Public Contact: Tel: 01904 620911. website: www.yorkracecourse.co.uk
June(6-14) - York Late Music Festival
York Late Music Festival 2006 season saw another wide-ranging programme, celebrating a number of significant anniversaries of major composers. The festival's main aim is to promote twentieth century British music and new works and the new season promises to be another wide ranging programme of concerts. website: www.latemusicfestival.org
July(3-12) - York Early Music Festival
What is early music - not early morning, nor for early years - rather music written in medieval times through to the 18th century - perfect match for York - mix of old, historic and best of the new. Britain's premier festival of early music, attracts visitors from all over the world to enjoy a mix of medieval architecture and world class musicians - concerts take place in unique venues including York Minster and the National Centre for Early Music - an award-winning restoration of a medieval church creating a national resource for performance of early music. Public Contact: Tel: 01904 632220, Box Office: 01904 658338. website: www.ncem.org.uk
September (19-28)- The largest UK Festival of Food and Drink
The York annual Festival of Food and Drink is the largest event of its kind in the UK, and a massive showcase for the restaurants, hotels, shops and food manufacturing companies, which are so much a part of the city, its history and its economy. For ten days food simply takes over as the city hosts an extravaganza of specialist markets, celebrity chef demonstrations, themed dinners, product launches and any number of special events. UK celebrities support the festival, and it's growing every year. Website: www.yorkfestivaloffoodanddrink.com
October (25-26) - York Roman Festival
The fifth York Roman Festival will take place between 27 - 29th July 2006. This popular and highly colourful, cultural and enjoyable event will include: breathtaking Roman military displays, living history with the skills of Roman cooks and crafts, as well as historic guided walks and lots of free activities for children. Public Contact: 01904 628343, website: www.yorkromanfestival.com
November (27-30)- St Nicholas Fayre
The run-up to Christmas finds York in truly festive spirit with the St Nicholas Fayre. This is when the city becomes a sparkling, enticing concoction of decorations, lights, Christmas trees and old-fashioned Victorian street stalls, all helping to create the kind of cheerful, authentic Christmas atmosphere you thought had gone for ever. St Nicholas Fayre is one of the most popular Christmas markets in the UK, with thousands of visitors coming to York over the four-day event. The Fayre offers a range of markets specialising in gifts, crafts, and the very best in local farm produce. The city comes alive with bustling stalls, carol singers, and buskers, just at the right time to get you in the spirit of Christmas. Public Contact: Tel: 01904 554430. website www.yuletideyork.com
December (11-15)- York Early Music Christmas Festival
Organised by the National Centre for Early Music, York's Early Music Christmas Festival takes place in a wide variety of uniquely attractive venues including the Chapter House of York Minster, the stunningly simple beauty of St Mary's Church, Bishophill and the National Centre for Early Music, Walmgate. Guest artists include the Orlando Consort, Joglaresa and The Bach Players. Public Contact: Tel: 01904 658338.
December(13-14) - Festival of Angels
The Festival of Angels takes place in The Swinegate Quarter of York. The two day festival includes a stunning display of ice sculptures exhibited in the streets, plus a parade of angels of all ages and sizes, street artists, music, outside food and bars, children's Santa and guaranteed snow, not forgetting quality Christmas shopping in The Quarter's unique, individual shops.
For more information click here for the official York visitor website: www.visityork.org