01/12/2009

January Events 2010

York Art Gallery

Japanese Sashiko Textiles
Until 24 January 2010
Curated by textile artist Michele Walker, this exhibition brings together traditional Japanese Sashiko work-wear and textiles from contemporary makers who are influenced by sashiko. Sashiko is a patterned stitching technique similar to quilting that offered protection to the wearer. The exhibition gathers together examples of sashiko and examines the un-recorded lives of the women who wore it.

Public contact: Visit www.yorkartgallery.co.uk  Tel: 01904 687687
Press contact: Lee Clark, York Museums Trust. Tel: 01904 687670 Email: lee.clark@ymt.org.uk

York Theatre Royal

Humpty Dumpty
Until 30 January 2010
Although Santa has been, Berwick Kaler and his team will still be performing the hilarious pantomime, Humpty Dumpty.  Join them on their adventure through the world of Pantaloon and help them defeat the evil Eggula. 

Public contact: For a full list of events happening at York Theatre Royal in January or to make a booking, visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk  or telephone 01904 623568.
Press contact: Rebecca Storey, Press & Media Manager, York Theatre Royal, Tel: 01904 658162, Email: Rebecca.storey@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk  

Grand Opera House

Jethro 2010 - Too Late to Grow Up
17 January
After 35 years in the business, Jethro is still packing theatres up and down the country, and is still as mischievous as he was as a child. A show for those who want to laugh until it hurts - suitable for adults only.

Rockin' on Heaven's Door
21 January 2010
Rockin' on Heaven's Door sends shivers down the spine with spookily convincing portrayals of musical giants Presley, Orbison, Holly, The Big Bopper and ‘Jerry Lee Lewis' whose piano bursts into ‘flames' during Great Balls of Fire.  Now in its 12th year, this show has received acclaim throughout the UK and Europe.  Backed by a superb five piece band, this show delivers the feel-good factor from start to finish.

Huge - The Ultimate Party Band
23 & 30 January 2010
Big Ian and the boys return with their brand of musical mayhem playing music from Amy Winehouse to Queen and from Abba to Take That.  Returning to the Grand Opera House York for their annual shows and always a sell out - booking early is advised.

Public contact: For all productions at the Grand Opera House York in January 2010 visit www.grandoperahouseyork.org.uk  Tel: 01904 678700 or to book by telephone call 0844 8472322
Press contact: Celestine Dubruel, Press Officer, Tel: 01904 678711 Email: Celestine.Dubruel@LiveNation.co.uk

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

Winter Abbey Tours
Saturdays & Sundays 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 January
1.30pm
Normal admission prices apply
Join a free tour to discover fascinating facts and stories about the Abbey and monks. Meet at Porter's Lodge

Winter Bird Walk
Sunday 24 January
10.30am
Normal admission prices apply
Discover the resident winter bird life on a 2 mile walk around this beautiful estate. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

Public contact:  For further details on all events, telephone 01765 608888.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Admission Prices:
Adult   £8.25
Child   £4.40
Under 5  FREE
Family  £22.00

National Trust and English Heritage Members FREE

Open daily 10am-5pm
Further information, Tel: Estate Office, 01765 608888 / www.fountainsabbey.org.uk

Press contact: Jenny Coupland, Communications & Activities Officer. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, Estate Office, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY.  Tel: 01765 643199 Fax: 01765 601002

February Events 2010

JORVIK Viking Festival
Saturday 13 - Sunday 21 February 2010
From mass battles to have-a-go kids' sword combat, from ancient tales to ancient crafts, the 25th JORVIK Viking Centre Annual Viking Festival offers a bumper programme of events in celebration of its 25th anniversary. 

Join in the action as hundreds of Vikings from all over the world descend on the city for the nine-day programme which will include Vikings fighting in ferocious and bloody battle; a spectacular celebratory fireworks display; a newly commissioned theatre piece from one of the North's most admired theatre groups and an atmospheric candlelit evening of poetry and music performed for the Viking King.  The Festival also includes an anniversary conference with international Viking experts in celebration of the original astounding archaeological discovery of the Viking city in York 25 years ago.

With such a selection of specially organised arts, music, drama and action events taking place, there will be something for everyone in our city-wide celebration of the Viking Age in York.

Public contact: For more information about events happening throughout the festival visit www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/festival2010-Intro.htm , or call 01904 543400
Press Contact: Emma Hunt Email ehunt@yorkat.co.uk  

Come Rain, Come Shine', The Archers come to York!
Sunday 7 February, 7.30pm
Joseph Rowntree Theatre
Five of the most famous voices in the land - actors from the cast of Radio 4's The Archers - will present ‘Come Rain, Come Shine', a funny and heart-warming evening of poetry, prose and anecdotes at 7.30pm on Sunday 7th February 2010 at Joseph Rowntree theatre in York.

The evening will include the likes of Alan Bennett, Noel Coward, Roger McGough, Flanders & Swann, Gilbert & Sullivan, Laurie Lee ,and much more, in celebration of the British countryside; the seasons, the landscape, the characters and the weather!
 
‘Come Rain, Come Shine' will be performed by five regular actors on the world's longest-running radio drama serial. Guests will be able to match faces to voices as they see Caroline(Sara Coward), Lillian (Sunny Ormonde), Neil (Brian Hewlitt) and Mike (Terry Molloy) take to the stage.

The evening has been organised by ETC, the Events Team for the Campaign at York Minster, following the Big Sale in the summer and a successful Georgian Wine and Antiques Evening which took place in October. All the proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Development Campaign at York Minster.

Tickets are available from the Minster Box Office on Ogleforth, YO17JN, 01904 557208 or by visiting www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org .  Press contact: Kendal Chalk, 0844 939 0014, ext 2842 kendalc@yorkminster.org

York Minster

Fit for a King (part of the JORVIK Viking Festival)
Friday 19 February, 7.30pm
York Minster Quire
Join King Erik Bloodaxe in the splendid, candlelit surroundings of York Minster
for an evening of music and poetry from throughout history.
Tickets £10 adult, £8 conc. Available from www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org
01904 557208

Vocis
Tuesday 23 February, 7.30pm
York Minster Quire
A contemporary setting of the famous thirteenth century Latin hymn Dies Irae (Day of Wrath), thought to be written by Thomas of Celano. The text describes the Day of Judgment, the last trumpet summoning souls before the throne of God, where the saved will be delivered and the unsaved cast into eternal flames. This premier composed for choir and large organ by an undergraduate student at York University shall fill the glorious acoustic of the Minster and stir all those within.  Ticket prices tbc.
 
The Ebor Singers - FAURÉ:  Requiem
Saturday 27 February, 7.30pm
York Minster Quire by Candlelight
PHILIP MOORE: O quam gloriosum; Pilgrimage with David Pipe on the organ.
Of the many settings of the Requiem, Fauré's is possibly the most widely-loved.  Compared with versions by other Romantic composers, Faure's seems gentle and unassuming, yet it is this very quality of understatement which contributes so eloquently to the work's universal appeal.  Philip Moore retired as organist of York Minster in July 2008 but has continued to be active as composer and performer.  We perform a selection of his works, including Pilgrimage, commissioned by the choir for its 15th-anniversary.
Tickets: £12 / £10 / £3 Available from www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org 01904 557208

Public contact: For more information, or to book your tickets online, please visit www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org . Alternatively, you can pick up your tickets from the Box Office at Church House, on Ogleforth, from Monday until Friday, 9am-5pm. To book over the phone please call 01904 557208.  Press contact: Kendal Chalk, 0844 939 0014, ext 2842 kendalc@yorkminster.org

National Railway Museum

NEW EXHIBITION
Once Upon a Tide - North Sea Ferry Tales
10 February 2010 to 6 September 2010
This new exhibition, in partnership with the National Railway Museum in the Netherlands, will use the Museum's rich poster collections to explore the past, present and future of the Harwich-Hook ferry route. Explore the personal recollections of travellers throughout over 100 years of North Sea crossings from back-packers to fine dining and family holidays. Visitors will have the chance to walk onto the deck of a ‘roll-on roll-off ferry' and  see the turntable as it has never been experienced before.

Public contact: For more information, visit www.nrm.org.uk , telephone 08448 153 139 or email nrm@nrm.org.uk   Press contact: Roy Gibson, Tel: 01904 686262 Email: press.office@nrm.org.uk  

York Art Gallery

NEW EXHIBITION
100 Years of Gifts: The centenary of the Contemporary Art Society
6 February - 9 May 2010
This exhibition celebrates the centenary of the Contemporary Art Society. It will bring together highlights from York Art Gallery and other Yorkshire galleries acquired via the Society, giving a fascinating snapshot of British Art over the last 100 years.
It will include work by William Roberts, David Bomberg, Ivon Hitchens, Christopher Wood, Gaudier Brzreska, Allen Jones, Gillian Wearing and Sarah Lucas.

Public contact: Visit www.yorkartgallery.co.uk  Tel: 01904 687687
Press contact: Lee Clark, York Museums Trust. Tel: 01904 687670 Email: lee.clark@ymt.org.uk

Barley Hall

Mucky Vikings with Dr Andrew Jones of York Archaeological Trust (part of JORVIK Viking Festival)
15 February 2010
Learn some of the filthiest, smelliest secrets of the Viking period with this fun, family lecture, and find out what today's archaeologists have uncovered in York's Viking-era rubbish pits and toilets.

Public contact: Pre-booking line: 01904 615505. For more details on these and other forthcoming events at Barley Hall, please visit www.barleyhall.org.uk  
Press contact: David Scott, York Archaeological Trust, Tel: 01904 543426 or email dscott@yorkat.co.uk

York Theatre Royal

Ruby Turner Band
5 February 2010
Starting February off with a bang, Ruby's voice has been likened to Aretha Franklin and is best known for her acclaimed performances as special guest vocalist for Jools' Holland's Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.  Ruby's solo career has spawned many hits including It's Gonna Be Alright, making number 1 in the US R'n'B charts.

Stewart Lee
6 February 2010
Writer, director and comedian Stewart Lee returns to the live circuit with a new show, which begins in a High Street coffee chain and ends in a pear cider which is 100% disappointment. 

The Einstein Plan
7 February 2010
The world premiere of Donald Freed's new play, which will be performed live by James Cromwell in Los Angeles and streamed on to a screen in York Theatre Royal's auditorium.  A new Trans-Atlantic experiment in interactive theatre which shouldn't be missed.

A Ghost Walk
5 February - 6 March 2010
Belt-Up Theatre return to York after their successful run at Southwark Playhouse.   In their new production at York Theatre Royal, they are inviting theatre-goers to step onto the streets of York to pursue a blood-thumping execution of ghostly storytelling.  An intimate theatrical experience set to unlock the secrets of the world's most haunted city.

Hull Tuck Theatre present ‘Men of the World'
9 - 13 February 2010
Written by BAFTA Award winning John Godber, join Stick, Frank and Happy Larry (two men and a woman!) as they embark on another coach journey down the Rhine Valley...these long suffering drivers have seen it all and done it all; so as they lead towards the Channel Tunnel with thirty old age pensioners in Paris, search for lost teeth in Koblenz and witness love affairs in Boppard...and after a four-day ‘Umpah' party they make the long journey back. 

Beauty and the Beast
17-27 February 2010
York Light Opera Company return with the classic ‘Beauty and the Beast'.  Adapted from the Oscar-winning animated feature film, Beauty and the Beast is the story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial French town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell by an evil enchantress.  Seen by over 25 million people, this multi-award winning musical is one of the biggest of all time, bringing to life the beloved ‘tale as old as time' with a burst of theatrical magic.

Public contact: For a full list of events happening at York Theatre Royal in February or to make a booking, visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk  or telephone 01904 623568.  All tickets can be booked online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Press contact: Rebecca Storey, Press & Media Manager, York Theatre Royal, Tel: 01904 658162, Email: rebecca.storey@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk  

Grand Opera House

Joe Brown in Concert
1 February 2010
This country's premier Rock & Roll legend Joe Brown comes to the Grand Opera House fresh from the best year of his illustrious career.  His 50th Anniversary Spring & Autumn tours were complete sell outs at every venue.  Now is the chance to see this all time great talent, live.  Joe, with his long serving band and special guest Pete Brown will be on stage all evening and the musical styles incorporated into his show are as unique as the man himself.  This sensational show is a musical journey not to be missed.

Yvette Fielding & the team from Living TV's Most Haunted
12 February 2010
The Most Haunted Team have explored some of the spookiest and infamous locations in the UK and across America, in an attempt to uncover the truth behind tales of restless spirits and mysterious visions.  Now for the stage, experience a supernatural thrill-fest, the Most Haunted teams of mediums and ghost hunters will report on purported paranormal activity, show unseen film footage, and attempt to explore paranormal or scientific explanations for the various phenomena that occur.

Noddy in Toyland
17-18 February 2010
It's an exciting day in Toy Town, it's Noddy and Tessie Bear's sing-a-long, dance-a-long party and everyone is invited to join in the fun... everyone that is except those two naughty goblins, Sly and Gobbo who are out to spoil the fun with another of their crazy machines from Goblin Gizmo's - The Sound Sucker!  One big fun-filled adventure for families - 90 minutes running time.

Dave Gorman - Sit Down, Pedal, Pedal, Stop and Stand Up Tour
19 February 2010
In 2009, Dave Gorman set off on a unique national tour.  The intention: to cycle over 1500 miles across Britain in 33 days... with a gig each night.  The demand for the show has been so high that he's decided to keep performing it...but this time without cycling from venue to venue.

Lee Mack - Going Out
21 February 2010
Critically acclaimed BAFTA-winning comedian Lee Mack returns to the live stage with a hotly anticipated new show.  Lee will be bringing his trademark brand of high energy banter, well crafted gags and sharp one-liners to venues across the country on his biggest ever live stand-up tour.

Public contact: For all productions at the Grand Opera House York in February 2010 visit www.grandoperahouseyork.org.uk  Tel: 01904 678700 or to book by telephone call 0844 8472322
Press contact: Celestine Dubruel, Press Officer, Tel: 01904 678711 Email: Celestine.Dubruel@LiveNation.co.uk

North York Moors 

Have a crafty half term in the North York Moors National Park
15-19 February 2010
There are lots of hands on activities taking place at The Moors National Park Centre in Danby during the February half term. On Monday 15 February, use natural materials to decorate your own plant pot before planting it with summer flowering bulbs (cost £5). Find out some fascinating facts about bees at a ‘Bee-friend a bee' event on Wednesday 17 February. Make a bee hotel to take home for the bees in your garden and find out what you can make with beeswax (cost £7). Get ready for the bird nesting season on Friday 19 February by building a bird box, bird feeder and tasty bird cake to take home for your feathered friends (cost £10).
 
All events are suitable for children aged seven and over and take place at The Moors National Park Centre between 1.30pm and 3pm apart from the event on Friday 19, which finishes at 3.30pm. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Public contact: For more information or to book an event, telephone 01439 772738.
Press contact: Rachel McIntosh, Communications Officer - North York Moors National Park Authority, Tel: 01439 770657 Email: r.mcintosh@northyorkmoors-npa.gov.uk

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

Winter Abbey Tours
Saturdays & Sundays 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 February
1.30pm
Normal admission prices apply
Join a free tour to discover fascinating facts and stories about the Abbey and monks. Meet at Porter's Lodge

Wildlife Wander
Sunday 7 February
2pm
Normal admission prices apply
A gentle 2 mile walk discovering the wonders of the estates wildlife. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

World Heritage Site Tour
Saturday 13 February
10.30am
Normal admission prices apply
Take a tour to find out what makes Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal a World Heritage Site. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

Bird Box Making
Saturday 13 February
1.30pm & 2.30pm
Make a bird box and discover the many ways you can attract birds to your garden. Meet at Swanley Grange. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £5 per box. Booking essential, tel. 01765 643166.

School Holiday Fun - Deer!
Saturday 13 - Sunday 21 February
11am - 3pm
Normal admission prices apply
Free trails and drop in self-led activities for children in Swanley Grange.

Story-telling in the Hayloft - Woodland Creatures
Monday 15 February
2pm
Normal admission prices apply
Lots of stories for 4 - 9 year olds at Swanley Grange. £1.50 plus normal admission (including refreshments). Booking essential, tel. 01765 643166. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Medieval Industrial Tour
Saturday 27 February
11am
Normal admission prices apply
Discover more about the many industries of the medieval world the monks' were involved with at Fountains Abbey and Mill.

Public contact: For further details on all events, telephone 01765 608888.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Admission Prices:
Adult   £8.25
Child   £4.40
Under 5  FREE
Family  £22.00

National Trust and English Heritage Members FREE

Open daily 10am-5pm. Further information, Tel: Estate Office on 01765 608888 / www.fountainsabbey.org.uk  

Press contact: Jenny Coupland, Communications & Activities Officer. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, Estate Office, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY.  Tel: 01765 643199 Fax: 01765 601002

Events running throughout January and February 2010

JORVIK Viking Centre

JORVIK Viking Centre will be fully closed from 5 January to 31 January 2010.

From the 1st February until 11th February a 25% discount on the admission fee will apply for all members of the public, due to certain areas being closed.  Admission tickets can be bought from the ticket office by the shop entrance, by calling 01904 615505 or online at www.jorvikbookings.com  Throughout this period the JORVIK shop will remain open but will be closed all day on the 5th and 6th January 2010.

JORVIK 3 will officially be open to the public on the 13th February, 2010.  Plans for the new development include an underfoot reconstruction of the original Coppergate excavation on which the Viking Centre was built; new, state of the art animatronics and the reconstruction of a new Viking-age house and backyard.

Press Contact: Emma Hunt Email ehunt@yorkat.co.uk

York Art Gallery

Bird in The Hand
Until 28 March 2010 in the Little Gallery
This intimate exhibition takes its inspiration from a poignant installation by ceramicist Eve Bennett. It will see a range of avian themed objects and works of art, complimented by specimens of common and exotic birds.
Bennett's ceramics have personal meaning, using narrative which creates an almost whimsical and touching dialogue.

Public contact: Visit www.yorkartgallery.co.uk  Tel: 01904 687687
Press contact: Lee Clark, York Museums Trust. Tel: 01904 687670 Email: lee.clark@ymt.org.uk

Visit York Press Contact Details:
Kay Hyde, PR Manager, Visit York Tel: 01904 554451 Email: kh@visityork.org , Katie Porter, PR Executive, Visit York Tel: 01904 554436 Email kp@visityork.org

Public Contact Details:
York Visitor Information Centre Tel: 01904 550099 or visit www.visityork.org  for details of all events happening in and around York.