Cultural York - Cultural Calendar of Events
Cultural calendar of events – 2007
Below is just a small taste of York’s bursting cultural events calendar. To find out more about what else is on offer, or to get more details on the events listed below, please call Kay Hyde on 01904 554451 (press contact). For all public enquiries, please visit www.visityork.org or telephone 01904 550099.
January
Illuminating York 2007
Recovered Light: 6-28 January
An immense projection by ‘cutting edge New York artists Shelley Eshkar, Marc Downie and Paul Kaiser will illuminate York Minster’s Great East Window.LUX: 5pm to 8pm, 19-28 January
A mini festival of light which will reveal and animate historic Micklegate with a range of after dark artworks by local art students.
February
Jorvik Viking Festival: 14-18 February
Celebrating its 22nd year, the festival attracts thousands of visitors each year, bringing Viking mayhem and madness to the streets of York.
March
York Open Studios: 23–25 March
The annual York Open Studios weekend allows you to venture into the homes and studios of over forty of York’s top artists, some internationally renowned, giving a behind the scenes look at their work and a chance to buy original art. Includes ceramic artist Ben Arnup and jewellery maker Jo Bagshaw.
April
Relationships, York Art Gallery: 21 January – 13 May
Looking at work of contemporary artists who address and challenge ideas of what we expect from sculpture, the exhibition will include loans from the Arts Council Collection and features the work of Yorkshire’s own Damien Hirst.
May
York Live Music Festival: 25-28 May
For the eighth year running, the festival celebrates the city’s vibrant music scene. From folk to funk, blues to big band swing and guitars to gospel, the event provides a city-wide showcase for the best in local talent.
June
Late Music Festival: 1-10 June 2007
Taking place at the National Centre for Early Music, the ten-day event will feature new developments in classical, jazz and world music, plus concerts by the Hilliard Ensemble and Icebreaker (look out for the Dune Jazz Festival in July too).
July
York Early Music Festival: 5– 14 July 2007
Featuring music written in medieval times through to the 18th century and celebrating its 30th birthday, Britain's premier festival of early music attracts visitors from across the globe.
August
The Memory of Place by Keiko Mukaide: 4 May – 28 October
Internationally renowned Japanese artist Keiko Mukaide creates a contemporary installation at the medieval York St Mary’s church, transforming the interior using fire, water, glass, stone, light and sound.
September
National Book Fair: 14-15 September
York 2007 Antiquarian, Rare and Out of Print Book Fair is Europe's largest, and offers a wonderful range of books for experienced collectors and first-time buyers alike.
Festival of Food And Drink: 21-30 September
The largest event of its kind in the UK - for ten days, food takes over as the city hosts an extravaganza of specialist markets, celebrity chef demonstrations, themed dinners and a number of special events.
October
York Lesbian Arts Festival: October, dates tbc
The Libertas York Lesbian Arts Festival celebrates lesbian artists and their work, including writing, music and film. The festival includes concerts, a club-night and workshops.
SightSonic Digital Arts Festival: 26-28 October
See concerts with digital artists, innovative performances, club nights and ‘meet the artists’ sessions.
November
Illuminating York – throughout 2007
Beautifully illuminated architectural heritage sites make the city a joy to experience in the evenings. New light art installations are planned for January 2008. Also throughout November and December visit Yuletide York, York’s Christmas festival.
December
York Early Music Christmas Festival: 6-9 December
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, and the National Centre for Early Music.