01/07/2009

Further Info & Photographs From: Katie Porter, PR Executive, Visit York. Tel: 01904 554436, Email: kp@visityork.org

If you're interested in a particular event or would like to do an outside broadcast from York we'd love to hear from you.  Looking for a different angle?  Why not visit the media room on our website www.visityork.org/media and click on themed fact sheets for ideas...

July Events 2009

York Early Music Festival
10th - 18th July 2009
What is early music - not early morning, nor for early years - rather music written in medieval times through to the 18th century - a 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 with concerts taking place in unique venues including York Minster and the National Centre for Early Music - an award-winning restoration of a medieval church. 
  
For 2009, the theme of the festival will be ‘Lifelines: an exploration of the universal themes of life and death'.   Inspired by the centenary celebrations of Purcell, Handel and Haydn, guest artists include The Tallis Scholars, Ensemble Peregrina, The Clerks' Group, Stile Antico, Alla Francesca, I Fagiolini in a new programme entitled ‘Tallis in Wonderland', The Sixteen directed by Harry Christophers and Academy of Ancient Music directed by Pavlo Beznosiuk.  Highlights also include the York Early Music International Young Artists Competition with Evelyn Tubb.  

Public Contact: For a full programme of events, lectures, talks and entertainment taking place during the festival, please contact Tel: 01904 632220, Box Office: 01904 658338.
Press Contact:  Gill Baldwin, Tel: 01904 632220, email: gill.baldwin@ncem.co.uk

‘The Railway Children'
Thursday 23rd July - Saturday 5th September 2009
E. Nesbit's - ‘The Railway Children'
Tickets are £10 - £18
Family Tickets (at least 1 adult & 1 child) £40 - £50

Following the huge success of last year's collaboration, the National Railway Museum and York Theatre Royal will once again be joining forces to stage a magical production of ‘The Railway Children'.
 
Join Bobby, Peter and Phyllis as they tell the story of how they became The Railway Children. One of the country's best loved novels come to life using a unique theatre setting in the Museum that allows the audience to sit on station platforms either side of a real rail track. Featuring the Stirling Single, a beautiful 60 tonne steam locomotive in one of the most breath taking theatrical events York has ever seen.
 
Winner of the Visit York Visitor Experience of the Year award 2009.
 
***** The Guardian
 
Public contact: For tickets please contact the Box Office 01904 623568 or book online at www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk For general enquiries call the theatre reception on 01904 658162.
 
Press contact: Abbigail Wright, Head of Communications (01904 550148 abbigail@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Big City Read
City of York libraries are celebrating its second Big City Read throughout July and August.

To coincide with the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's accession to the throne, as many people as possible will be encouraged to read 'Sovereign' by C. J. Sansom - set in York in the Autumn of 1541, Sovereign follows fictional events surrounding Henry VIII's ‘Progress to the North'.

A number of events will held in venues across the City to support this including an evening with Philippa Gregory - author of ‘The Other Boleyn Girl', screenwriting tips from Michael Hirst (BBC's The Tudors) and, of course, C. J. Sansom himself . For more information call City of York libraries on 01904 552815.

Festival of British Archaeology 2009
18th July - 2nd August

Free Admission to Young Archaeologists
18th July - 2nd August
Free admission to all 3 YAT attractions (JORVIK, DIG and Barley Hall) for the duration of the Festival of British Archaeology for anyone holding a current Young Archaeologists' Club membership card. Club members should be accompanied by a paying adult. Maximum of three free children per paying adult. A Young Archaeologists' Club card should be presented on admission to the attraction.

Kids Go Free at Barley Hall
18th July - 2nd August
Barley Hall, Coffee Yard.
Maximum of three free children per paying adult. Make yourself at home at Barley Hall and get hands-on discovering more about medieval life. Our Barber Surgeon will be on hand with gruesome tales of surgery in our new exhibition, 'Plague, Poverty and Prayer', on 18th and 25th July and on 1st August.

Hungate tours
20th July - 2nd August (excluding 26th July)
10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 3pm
Meet at DIG, St Saviour's Church, St Saviourgate. Free. Pre-booking required (01904 615505). 
Free visits to the Hungate excavation to find out more about the history of the city from this fascinating site. 

Battlefields Archaeology - Uncovering Marston Moor
24th July, 11am
Meet at the War Memorial, Marston Moor (walk lasts until 1pm approx.).
Free. Places are limited: pre-booking required (01904 615505).
Visit the site of the Battle of Marston Moor. Your costumed guide will take you to places and tell stories of a battle that shaped our history forever. Wear stout footwear and outdoor clothing. As the walk is over uneven ground, it may be unsuitable for wheelchair users.

Behind the Scenes at Conservation, York Archaeological Trust
29th July / 5th August, 10am - 11.30am
Free. Places are limited: pre-booking required (01904 615505).
Meet at YAT front gate at 10am (47 Aldwark, YO1 7BX).
Find out what happens to artefacts after archaeologists have unearthed them with this exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of YAT's renowned Conservation Department.

Hands on Finds
21st / 23rd / 28th / 30th July, 11am - 12pm / 2pm - 3pm.
DIG, St Saviour's Church, St Saviourgate.
Your chance to find out more and handle finds excavated by York Archaeological Trust not normally on display. Places are limited at these sessions. First come, first served! Suitable for ages 9 and over. Normal admission charges for DIG apply.

Hungate Open Day
1st August 2009,10am - 3pm
Free.
Visit York's largest archaeological excavation for 25 years for free! Meet the archaeologists and find out what they have uncovered about the history of this important area of York, from modern times back to the Roman era.  The visit to site includes the chance to see recently unearthed finds.

Public contact: Visit www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk or call 01904 543400 for more information. Press contact: Emma Hunt, Tel: 01904 543 413

York Castle Museum

NEW EXHIBITION!
York Castle Prison
Opens 17th July 2009
Rouges, thieves, killers, debtors, revolutionaries - York Castle Prison once was home to them all. From July, York Castle Museum is using its authentic cells to show what life was like in an 18th Century prison. Experience a brutal and crooked prison system and meet the unfortunate people imprisoned there - inlcuding the infamous highwayman, Dick Turpin.  

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

National Railway Museum

Signed Performances
The NRM is delighted to launch a series of special signed performances at the Museum throughout the year. Taking place on the first Saturday of each month, children and adults alike can experience an informative talk about the Japanese Bullet Train (10.30am) and the famous locomotive Turntable (11.30am) as well as entertaining performances from Platform4 Theatre in the afternoon (1pm & 2.50pm).

Duchess of Hamilton ‘Streamlined' Exhibition
Opened 20th May 2009
Free Admission
Discover the magnificent Duchess of Hamilton restored to her streamlined form.  The locomotive is a stunning piece of Art Deco opulence built in 1938 that wowed design critics on both sides of the Atlantic.  The streamlined Duchess was a modern machine for a modern age and can now be viewed at the NRM as she takes pride of place in this new exhibition exploring the links between 1930s fashion, engineering and design.

Duchess of Hamilton - An NRM Talk 
8 July 2009, 2pm - Great Hall
Free Admission
Want to find out more about the perfectly streamlined Duchess of Hamilton? In the 1930s streamlining evolved from a means of reducing air resistance, to a design movement and even a whole philosophy. This talk explores the rise and fall of the streamlined ideal, through the story of one of the eras most significant survivors, the LMS streamlined locomotive, Duchess of Hamilton. It's a story of good design, great marketing and a legacy we still enjoy today!

Children's activities: Summer School Holidays
18th July - 2nd September 2009 
Enjoy a range of family activities including the chance to meet our Explainers and find out the stories behind some of the more unusual objects in our collections, storytelling sessions, workshops, the chance to explore objects in our collections and craft activities.

All the fun at the fair!
Every day throughout the summer holidays (20th July - 31st August 2009)
Every weekend until 31st August 2009
Free Admission to the Museum
Rides available 10am to 5pm and a charge of £1.50 per person per ride applies.
The kids can also enjoy their favourite fairground rides everyday during the school holidays!  Why not go dizzy around the carousel or whiz down the helter skelter!

Public contact: www.nrm.org.uk Tel: 08448 153139
Press contact: Catherine Farrell, Press Officer, Tel: 01904 686281 Email: catherine.farrell@nrm.org.uk

York Minster

4th-26th July 2009
Henry VIII: Man and Monarch on location - British Library Touring Exhibition
2009 marks the 500th anniversary of the accession of Henry VIII.  Henry is not only England's best-known king, he is also our most important single ruler.

This touring display is being hosted at eight heritage sites from 13th May 2009 - 17th January 2010 as part of the wider programme surrounding the major new exhibition Henry VIII: Man and Monarch at the British Library in London, from 23rd April to 6th September 2009.

The exhibition will also be supported by a range of exciting educational and family events at York Minster including a Henry VIII Family Fun Day on Saturday 18th July. There is a wide range of activities planned on this day, including theatrical performances of Shakespeare's ‘Henry VIII', an outdoor Tudor camp, Tudor craft exercises such as writing with a quill and a variety of displays, including how knights get ready for battle.

Public contact: For more information, visit www.yorkminster.org

Saturday 4th July ~ Quire
8.00pm, Micklegate Singers
Tickets £10, concessions £6
Praise Him upon the Loud Cymbals
Organ, harp and percussion join to celebrate American Independence day
Bernstein: Chichester Psalms
O'Regan: Dorchester Canticles
Kodàly: Missa Brevis

Friday 10th July ~ Nave
7.30pm, Tallis Scholars
Tickets £25, £15, £10 concessions Rear Nave only £13 young people & students £6
Part of the YORK EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Crown of Thorns
With works by Cornysh and White

Monday 13th July ~ Chapter House
7.30pm, Stile Antico
Tickets £20, concessions £17
Part of the YORK EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Retire My Soul: Choral Swansongs and memorials by the Renaissance masters
Works by Lassus, Gombert, Schütz, Byrd, Dufay, Josquin, Lobo, Sheppard.

Wednesday 15 July ~ Chapter House
8.00pm Alla Francesca
Tickets £20, concessions £17
Part of the YORK EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Music for the Black Death
Hebrew chants, penitential Minnesinger prayers, Machaut's  love songs; for voices, harp, percussion, lute, fiddle, recorders, flute and bagpipes.

Friday 17th  July ~ Nave
7.30pm, The Sixteen
Tickets £25, £15, £10, concessions Rear Nave only £13, young people & students £6
Part of the YORK EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Purcell and MacMillan Bright Orb of Hamony
Harry Christophers: Director
Marking the 350th birthday of Purcell and the 50th of James MacMillan.           

Public contact: For more information please visit www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org  or telephone the Box Office on 01904 557208.  Press contact: Kendal Chalk, Communications and Marketing Officer, Tel: 01904 557248, Email:kendalc@yorkminster.org

Clifford's Tower

Time Travellers Go....Medieval
Sat 25th July - Mon 31st August 2009
From 11am - 5pm
Admission: £3.50/ £3.00/ £1.80/ £8.80
English Heritage Members free.
It's Medieval Makeover time.  Medieval dressing up costumes for children.  Come and try on, and mix and match colourful medieval costumes.  Learn about medieval costumes from Lords and Ladies to Peasants and Peddlers.  Learn how to meet and greet and to bow and curtsey.  Bring a camera for your own souvenir.

York Art Gallery

St Ives (Arts Council)
2nd May - 27th September
Free
Featuring works of art from the Arts Council Collection and York Art Gallery, this exhibition looks at some of the artists working in and around St Ives from the 1930's until the 1960's, when it was a centre of the avant garde in Britain.  Includes work by Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson, Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Terry Frost, Roger Hilton, Alfred Wallis and Patrick Heron.

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

And for those who enjoy the exhibition at York Art Gallery...

St Ives Artists - Original Prints
Until 12th July 2009
Janette Ray Rare and Out of Print Books - Bootham, York

A rare opportunity to buy St Ives prints in York.

For one month, from the 12th June, the little bookshop in Bootham, Janette Ray Rare and Out of Print Booksellers will be transformed to stage a prestigious exhibition of original prints by artists associated with the  St Ives contemporary art colony which developed in the late 1930a following the arrival of Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth and Naum Gabo.

The exhibition has been organised in association with Austin/Desmond Fine Art London, who specialise in modern British art. All the prints will be for sale and the prints can be seen during shop hours 9.30am - 5.30pm Wednesday - Saturday and other times by appointment.

Public and Press Contact:  Janette Ray Rare and Out of Print Books, 8 Bootham, York YO30 7BL, Tel: 01904 623088 Fax: 01904 620814, Email: books@janetteray.co.uk

York St Mary's

Five Sisters
Until November 2009
Free
More than six thousand shards of medieval pottery have been used to create the new thought provoking installation Five Sisters.

Mosaicist Emma Biggs and artist and art critic Matthew Collings have intricately arranged the fragmented pieces to create a mosaic that almost fills the entire floor space of the church. Oil paintings echo its beautiful, shimmering, geometric appearance.

The installation draws inspiration from the church and the history locked within the 500,000 pieces of glass that make up the great 13th century Five Sister window at York Minster.

The innovative concept using medieval pottery is believed to be the first of its kind.

Public contact: For more information, visit www.yorkstmarys.org.uk
Press contact: Lee Clark, York Museums Trust. Tel: 01904 687670 Email: lee.clark@ymt.org.uk

York Theatre Royal

Friday 26th June - Saturday 4th July 2009
Lipservice in association with York Theatre Royal present
‘Desperate to be Doris'
Tickets: £10-£19 (Matinee £10) Students & under 25s £5
By Maggie Fox and Sue Ryding
 
A new play with music from award-winning theatre company Lipservice, featuring some of Doris Day's best known hits. Joining the Doris sing fest will be a community choir specially recruited for York Theatre Royal.
 
Tickets £10 - £19 (Matinee £10)
Students & under 25s £5

Press contact: Abbigail Wright, Head of Communications (01904 550148 abbigail@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

The Quilt Museum and Gallery

Friday 10th July
Dorothy Osler at the Quilt Museum
Quilt Museum and Gallery, Education Room
1pm - 2pm, Museum Admission Prices Apply
Internationally respected Historian and author Dorothy Osler comes to the Quilt Museum to celebrate 30 years of the Quilters' Guild.
Delve into the wonderful world of whole cloth with Dorothy's talk 'North Country Quilts and Quilters' and discover the history behind our current exhibition 'The Wholecloth Tradition'.

Booking recommended due to space restrictions - please call 01904 613242 or email info@quiltersguild.org.uk . Some spaces will be available on the day for drop-in visitors.
 

Friday 24th July
Crazy for Cream - Adult Learning One-Day Workshop
Quilt Museum and Gallery, Education Room
10am - 3.30pm (refreshment and lunch breaks provided)
£10 per participant inclusive of Museum admission, payable on the day
Join us in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Quilters' Guild of the British Isles with an exciting one-day workshop courtesy of embellishing expert, Sally Holman. Sally will take you through a specially designed workshop, giving you plenty of creative inspiration and new ideas. Perfect for intermediate and experienced quilters or textile enthusiasts!

Please book early as spaces are limited - call 01904 613242 or email info@quiltersguild.org.uk

Wednesday 29th July
Embellishing with the Experts! - Half Day Workshops
Quilt Museum and Gallery, Education Room
10am-12.30pm (Adult's Workshop) 1pm-3.30pm (Children's Workshop 7-16 years)
Museum Admission Prices Apply
A full day of workshops with VSM, sewing machine and equipment specialists. Join us for an adults only session in the morning and learn how to embellish with felt and then bring your family along for the childrens' session in the afternoon! Everyone will get to have a go on the latest embellishing equipment and make a project to take home.

Please book early as spaces are limited - call 01904 613242 or email info@quiltersguild.org.uk    Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Thursday 30th July
Summer Holiday Workshops for Young People (ages 7-15yrs)
Quilt Museum and Gallery, Education Room
Our friendly quilter Sarah will guide you through different sewing projects using hand and machine stitching. Why not bring a packed lunch and stay with us the whole day? You can try a different project in the morning and afternoon and go away with loads of new skills and ideas!

10am to 12.30pm -  Summer Fete Bunting,
1.30pm to 4pm -  Perfect Picnic Placemats

£2 per participant per session. Accompanying adults go free but for admission to galleries standard charges apply. Please book early to avoid disappointment

Book on 01904 613242 or email info@quiltersguild.org.uk for more information. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Press contact: Janet Rae, Email: janrae@ednet.co.uk

Yorkshire Air Museum

1st July 2009
Engineering Inspirations
Schools education challenge and showcase event. Over 600 pupils will showcase their GCSE and out of hours club projects to compete for the prizes on offer. Who will be this year's overall winner and take the prestigious Sir George Cayley Cup back to their school. We are delighted that the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight are supporting this event with an aerial salute from the legendary Spitfire.
 
12th July 2009              
East Yorkshire Thoroughbred Car Club Rally
A fantastic gathering of classic cars from all era's as this well established club once again support the Museum with their annual charity run.  With hundreds of entries, this show provides some superb examples of British and international motoring heritage with some fine and rare examples on display. A superb spectacle for visitors to enjoy, with the vehicles parked amongst the aircraft exhibits and the Museum's award winning parklands and gardens. The Yorkshire Air Museum has won the Yorkshire in Bloom Silver / Silver Gilt commendation over the past three years and we are going for Gold in 2009!
 
19th July 2009               
‘Battle of the Bombers' Veteran Signing Day
A unique signing event to be attended by up to 20 Bomber Command veterans representing the two famous bombers of WWII - the Halifax and Lancaster. Which was the best - the debate continues! Additional fee for items to be signed with proceeds supporting the Bomber Command Association and the Allied Air Forces Memorial (Yorkshire Air Museum). We can now confirm that the Dakota from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight has been allocated to perform a flypast for this event. A spectacle not to be missed.

Admission to all these events is at standard entry rates of £6 Adult, £5 Senior Citizens and £4 Children and include full admission to the museum and the event.

Public contact: Visit www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk For further information, please call the Museum on 01904 608595 or e-mail: museum@yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk
Press Contact: Ian Richardson 01904 608718 or e-mail: pr@yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk

North York Moors

National Parks Week
27th July to 2nd August
National Parks Week is an annual celebration of the UK's 14 national parks. This year is a bit out of the ordinary as it is 60 years since the legislation that gave the green light to national parks - the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act - was passed.

In the North York Moors National Park there are lots of fun events for all ages taking place throughout the week that will help you to understand what makes this place so special.

There's archery, climbing and canoeing for the adventurous with dry stone walling and willow weaving workshops for those who fancy learning a new skill. There are also guided walks, children's craft events and trails and exhibitions from local artists. The week finishes in style with a Roman Re-enactment at Cawthorn Camps near Pickering.

Public contact: For more information on all the events taking place during National Parks Week, go to www.visitthemoors.co.uk/events or tel: 01439 772738 (events information/booking line)

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

Wednesday 1st - Friday 31st July
Abbey Tours, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Normal admission prices apply
Join us for a free tour to discover fascinating facts and stories about the Abbey and monks.

Wednesday 1st  -  Friday 31st  July
A Grand Tour of Studley Royal, 2pm
Normal admission prices apply
Free tour taking in the grand design of the Georgian landscape including Deer Park and Water Garden. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

Saturday 4th July
Open Air Shakespeare - Twelfth Night
6pm Gates open, 7pm Play Begins
Bring a picnic, rug and chairs and enjoy open air Shakespeare performed in the Abbey ruins. Limited seat hire available. Adult £15. Child £12 Booking essential, Tel: 01670 773939 online: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

Monday 13th July
Mass for St Benedict, 12pm
Normal admission prices apply
Ecumenical service in the Abbey. Everyone welcome.

Saturday 18th - Friday 31st July
School Holiday Fun - Walk on the Wild Side!
11am - 4pm
Normal admission prices apply
Free trails and drop in self-led activities in Swanley Grange.

Wednesday 22nd July
Taster Tour, 10.30am
Normal admission prices apply
As the name suggests enjoy a taste of everything this World Heritage Site has to offer. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

Wednesday 22nd  - Friday 31st July
It's A Monk's Life, Every Wed, Thurs & Fri Only, 2pm.
Normal admission prices apply
Join us for a family tour of the Abbey. Dress in monks' robes and learn about their daily life. £1.50 plus normal admission. Suitable for 7s and over. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

Saturday 25th July
Fountains in Summer, 10.30am
Normal admission prices apply
A gentle walk for anyone wishing to begin to discover the delights of nature in summer. Meet at Swanley Grange.

Sunday 26th July
Songs of Praise in the Abbey, 3pm
Normal admission prices apply
Ecumenical service in the Abbey. Everyone welcome.

Wednesday 29th July
Mowgli Stories at the Abbey, from midday
Normal admission prices apply
A magical afternoon for kids: Face painting, games, story telling, fancy dress parade and a children's trail all inspired by the tales from Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book.  Free admission for children in fancy dress.

Wednesday 29th July
Children's Open Air Theatre - Mowgli Stories
5.30pm Gates open, 6.30pm Play Begins
Illyria bring to life the stories of the man-cub Mowgli who was raised by wolves in the Indian jungle.  Bring a picnic, rugs and chairs and enjoy this classic tale performed in the Abbey ruins.  Limited seat hire available.  Adult £12 Child £10 Booking essential. Tel: 01670 773939 Online: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

Thursday 30th July
St Mary's Church Tour, 11am
Free tour of the richly decorated Victorian High Gothic church designed by William Burges. Meet at the Visitor Centre. 

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: Alexa Morton, Communications and Activities Officer,
Email: alexa.morton@nationaltrust.org.uk Tel: 01765 643199

August Events 2009

City Under Siege - English Civil War Festival
Saturday 22nd August - Monday 31st August 2009
The stage is set for York's first English Civil War festival which will see over a thousand re-enactors from all over Europe commence battle in the biggest re-enactment that York has ever seen.
York Archaeological Trust and Sealed Knot are working in partnership to organise the ten-day festival which is hoped to attract thousands of Civil War enthusiasts to the city.

Public contact: Look out for more information on the Events section of www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk
Press contact: Louise McKenzie at The Partners Group on 01904 610077 or Emma Hunt at York Archaeological Trust on 07711 844893

York Minster

York Minster Organ Recitals 2009
Celebrating the 200th anniversary of Felix Mendelssohn
7pm Saturdays
Tickets £8 per concert including series programme, £50 season ticket for the complete series
 
25th July                 David Pipe, York Minster
1st August              Darius Battiwalla, Royal Northern College of Music
8th August              Mark Blatchly, Charterhouse School
15th August            Francis Jackson, Organist Emeritus, York Minster
22nd August            Simon Preston, International concert organist
29th August            David Sanger, Royal College of Organists
5th September      Robert Sharpe, York Minster
12th September    John Scott Whiteley, York Minster

Each concert features a major work by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) German pianist, organist, composer and conductor of the early Romantic period.

Mendelssohn composed for the organ from the age of 11 to his death at the age of 38, and in Victorian Britain his work achieved a popularity which has lasted into the 21st Century.
York Minster Box Office Church House, 10-14 Ogleforth, York 01904 557208 www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org
 
Public contact: For more information please visit www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org or telephone the Box Office on 01904 557208.  Press contact: Kendal Chalk, Communications and Marketing Officer, Tel: 01904 557248, Email:kendalc@yorkminster.org

DIG

Historical Summer Camp
8th - 16th August 2009
Get face to face with people from the past and meet our friendly medieval or Viking characters who can tell you all the gossip from the neighbours and ask you to help them out with their chores.

Public contact: Visit www.digyork.com or call 01904 615505 for more information. Press contact: Emma Hunt, Tel: 01904 543 413

The Quilt Museum and Gallery

Thursday 6th August & Thursday 13th August -
Summer Holiday Workshops for Young People (ages 7-15yrs)
Quilt Museum and Gallery, Education Room
Our friendly quilter Sarah will guide you through different sewing projects using hand and machine stitching. Why not bring a packed lunch and stay with us the whole day? You can try a different project in the morning and afternoon and go away with loads of new skills and ideas!

Thursday 6th August
10am -12.30pm Perfect Picnic Placemats
1.30pm - 4pm Neapolitan Ice Cream Bags

Thursday 13th August
10am -12.30pm Neapolitan Ice Cream Bags
1.30pm - 4pm Summer Fete Bunting

£2 per participant per session. Accompanying adults go free but for admission to galleries standard charges apply. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Book on 01904 613242 or email info@quiltersguild.org.uk for more information. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Friday 7th August - Annual Quilters' Guild Lecture - Lynne Edwards MBE
Regarded as one of the finest patchwork and quilting experts in the world, Lynne Edwards will be coming to the Museum this August to give a special lecture in celebration of the Guild's 30th anniversary.
Venue: Quilt Museum and Gallery, St Anthony's Hall, York
10.00-16.00     Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th August - Dip 'n' Dive Quilters' Retreat weekend
Times:  18.30-20.30, Pimms and strawberries reception from 18.30, lecture begins at 19.00pm. Book signing to follow.
 Cost: £16.50 including refreshments on arrival
Please send cheques marked 'Lynne Edwards Lecture' payable to 'Quilters Guild of the British Isles' sent to: The Administator, Quilters' Guild of the British Isles, St Anthony's Hall, Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PW
 

Friday 14th and Thursday 27th August
Fabric Fun for Families, 11am-1pm & 2pm-3.30pm
Quilt Museum and Gallery, Education Room
Free, drop-in activities for families with children from tots to ten! Come along to have some fun with fabric and make a special project to take home. There are lots of different ideas to try  - you can try a bit of sewing or just have lots of fun with materials from our craft cupboard!

Free, drop-in session (no need to book)  Note: All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Press contact: Janet Rae, Email: janrae@ednet.co.uk

Yorkshire Air Museum

2nd August                  
Thunder Day!
Once again, the Blackburn Buccaneer and Victor will be thrilling the crowds with their live engine runs. Hear the thunder as these Cold War ‘veterans' are powered up live on the museum's historic site. The Buccaneer will conduct two performances, morning and afternoon, featuring a throttle blast of the twin Rolls Royce Spey engines that can develop 22 000lbs of thrust, with a short taxi and then the wing-folding, bomb bay rotation, rear airbrake and aileron activation. The Handley Page Victor, a veteran of both the Falklands War and the first Gulf War, will power up its 4 Rolls Royce Conways in turn, giving the audience an impression of the power of the 88 000lbs of thrust that these engines can develop. A fantastic opportunity to see and hear these aircraft at close quarters.

Admission to all these events is at standard entry rates of £6 Adult, £5 Senior Citizens and £4 Children and include full admission to the museum and the event.

Public contact: Visit www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk For further information, please call the Museum on 01904 608595 or e-mail: museum@yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk
Press Contact: Ian Richardson 01904 608718 or e-mail: pr@yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk 
 

North York Moors

Canoe the Esk
30th July and 6th,11th, 20th and 25th August 2009
The beautiful River Esk gently meanders its way from high on the moorland of the North York Moors National Park for 25 miles to the sea at Whitby. Learn more about this tranquil place and the wildlife that can be found there as you canoe between Ruswarp and Whitby. This two mile stretch of the River Esk is relatively flat and calm so no previous canoeing experience is needed, but instructors will be on hand to give some tips on steering the boats which hold between two and six people (individual canoes can also be booked).

Canoe the Esk costs £30 per person and all children under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Public contact: Visit www.visitthemoors.co.uk/events or tel: 01439 772738 (events information/booking line)

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

Saturday 1st - Monday 31st August
Abbey Tours, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Normal admission prices apply
Join us for a free tour to discover fascinating facts and stories about the Abbey and monks.

Saturday 1st - Monday 31st August
A Grand Tour of Studley Royal, 2pm
Normal admission prices apply
Free tour taking in the grand design of the Georgian landscape including Deer Park and Water Garden. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

Saturday 1st - Monday 31st August
School Holiday Fun - Walk on the Wild Side!, 11am - 4pm
Normal admission prices apply
Free trails and drop in self-led activities in Swanley Grange.

Sat 1st - Mon 3rd August
Get Medieval, 11am - 5pm
Normal admission prices apply
Join the costumed re-enactors around their Abbey encampment. Watch and take part in activities and demonstrations based on 15th century life. *

Wednesday 5th - Thursday 27th August
It's A Monk's Life
Every Wed, Thurs & Fri Only, 2pm.
Normal admission prices apply
Join us for a family tour of the Abbey. Dress in monks' robes and learn about their daily life. £1.50 plus normal admission. Suitable for 7s and over. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

Thursday 6th & Thursday 27th August
Taster Tour, 10.30am
Normal admission prices apply
As the name suggests enjoy a taste of everything this World Heritage Site has to offer. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

Saturday 8th - Sunday 9th August
Bees at Fountains!
10.30am - 4pm
Normal admission prices apply
If you've ever wanted to become a beekeeper - or just find out about bees - watch and meet the experts. Meet at Swanley Grange.

Saturday 8th - Sunday 23rd August
Art Exhibition - Paintings by Ian Scott Massie, 10am to 5pm
Normal admission prices apply
Yorkshire based artist Ian Scott Massie hosts an exhibition of his work in Fountains Hall.  

Sunday 9th & Wednesday 19th August
Deer Walk, 2pm
Normal admission prices apply
Enjoy the view of 500 wild deer in the medieval Deer Park. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

Tuesday 11th August
St Mary's Church Tour, 11am
Free tour of the richly decorated Victorian High Gothic church designed by William Burges. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

Sunday 16th August
Regency Dance, From midday
Normal admission prices apply
Watch and take part in performances of Regency dances in the Georgian Water Garden. Bring a picnic and enjoy the atmosphere in the elegant 18th century designed landscape. No need to book.

Thursday 20th August
Eucharist for St Bernard, 12pm
Normal admission prices apply
Ecumenical service in the Abbey.  Everyone welcome.

Saturday 29th August
Open Air Theatre - Emma
6pm Gates open, 7pm Play Begins
Bring a picnic, rugs and chairs and enjoy one of Jane Austen's best loved novels performed in the Abbey ruins.  Limited seat hire available. Adult £15 Child £12 Booking essential. Tel: 01670 773939 Online:www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

Wednesday 26th August
St Mary's Church Tour, 11am
Free tour of the richly decorated Victorian High Gothic church designed by William Burges. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

Monday 31st August
Fountains Hall Day
Normal admission prices apply
A day of activities at Fountains Hall; the Elizabethan gardens and herb garden will be open to the public with behind the scenes tours of the hall and seasonal refreshments available in the gardens.
 
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:  Alexa Morton, Communications and Activities Officer,
Email: alexa.morton@nationaltrust.org.uk  Tel: 01765 643199

Events running throughout July and August 2009

JORVIK Viking Centre
25 Years of JORVIK

Open Air Art at Hungate
From July 2009
The launch of 24 Viking-inspired works of art created by groups from throughout the city, on view at the Hungate excavation. 

Teatime Tours
23rd July, 6th and 20th August ,5.30pm - 7.30pm
Adults £11.50, conc. £9.50. 
Places are limited:  pre-booking required (01904 615505)
See real life archaeological discovery in action at Hungate, then experience JORVIK Viking Centre guided by one of the archaeologists who originally dug the Coppergate dig 25 years ago! 

Public contact: Visit www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk or call 01904 543400 for more information. Press contact: Emma Hunt, tel: 01904 543 413

Grand Opera House

The Grand Opera House York has a variety of shows coming up to suit all ages and all tastes, such as music from 10cc, one of the most successful groups of the 70's, comedy from Roy 'Chubby' Brown, the king of controversial comedy, and for the kids there's The Wiggles, an interactive song and dance show; and for the fist time ever Milkshake is hitting the road with a colourful live concert. Familiar characters such as Fifi & Bumble, Peppa & George, Rupert Bear, Little Princess, Noddy & Tessie Bear all together on one stage.
 
Former principal ballerina with the Royal Ballet, Marguerite Porter, is back in July with an evening of song and dance in aid of the Yorkshire Ballet Seminars.  This is a unique event with a spectacular guest list: Stars of The Royal Ballet, Ballet Boyz, Wayne Sleep, Samantha Bond, Ronnie Corbett, Derek Jacobi, Anthony Dowell, Mara Galeazzi, Richard Clifford and with other guest stars yet to be announced, this promises to be an evening not to be missed.
 
Our 2009 Live Nation Stage Experience (LNSE) is Fame - The Musical, and Leeds based director/choreographer Louise Denison is back on board after a very successful production of Bugsy Malone last year. Nearly 100 aspiring actors and theatre technicians will take part, working alongside professionals, to 'light up the sky like a flame'!

Public contact: 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

York Castle Museum

The Sixties
Admission: Adult - £7.50, Child - £4, Under 5s - Free, Concessions £6.50, York Card - Free.
Any two adults with:  one child -£16.50, then £3.50 after that for additional children.

Reel back the years and travel back to a time when the cultural changes were massive but the cars and skirts were mini.

Swing back to The Sixties and change your perspective on one of the most explosive decades in recent times.

The gallery will bring the spirit of the decade back to life, looking at the iconic images but also offering alternative viewpoints in an exciting and interactive way.

Rare items from a range of collections across the Trust - social history, art, fashion and textiles, militaria, astronomy and decorative art - will all be included together with sound, light, moving images and innovative design.

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

Visit York 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.