01/10/2009

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A York Christmas

Ice Factor
14th November 2009- 3rd January 2010  
Get your skates out for the return of York's open air ice rink.  Set in the stunning historic surroundings of York's Castle Museum and Clifford's Tower, this is a Yuletide tradition that will be sure to get your heart racing.

Festive First Night
Thursday 19th November 2009
York celebrates the start of its Christmas celebrations this year with an evening of family fun and late night shopping.  York city centre will come to life with a magical evening of festivities, choir singing and street entertainment.  York's Festive First Night coincides with the start of the Children's Christmas Fayre (19-22 November 2009), where the stalls on Parliament Street will offer toys, sweets and games to amuse every child - the weekend promises a visit from Santa and other yuletide characters to start the season off in true festive spirit.

St Nicholas Fayre
26th - 29th November 2009 
The busiest and most popular of all York's Christmas markets, offering everything from gifts and crafts to the best of local produce, at this traditional festive weekend.  Visit one of the Victorian costumed traders at Parliament Street or Coppergate Square for gifts, arts and crafts from across the UK.  You'll also find roast chestnut sellers and warming hot chocolate drinks laced with brandy to keep the cool winter breeze at bay.  Visit St Sampsons Square for the best in regional produce, warm up at an indoor market in  one of York's historic halls and houses and wander along to the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York at The Mansion House for the first festive Flower Festival on the Friday to Sunday of the Fayre.

International Christmas Fayre
2nd - 20th December 2009  
With a stylish, modern flavour, this Christmas market brings with it a sweep of global Christmas traditions, decked out in seasonal livery, with gentle festive music to enjoy as you shop.

‘Made in Yorkshire' Christmas Market
3rd - 13th December 2009 
This market at St Sampsons Square brings together some of the finest arts and crafts from around the North & East Yorkshire region, including ceramics, textiles, paintings, woodwork, pottery and glass.  Just the place to find those unique, high-quality gifts that are sure to impress and delight your loved ones.

Festival of Angels
12th-13th December 2009
York's ‘Quarter' brings us the enchanting ‘Festival of Angels'.  Experience a winter wonderland of ice sculptures, snow, stalls, and food and drink at this true winter festival, bringing the magic and excitement of our childhood Christmases back to us.

Farmers Market
22nd December 2009
For a final chance to fill your larder with goodies in time for Christmas, visit the ever-popular Farmers Market in Parliament Street for a selection of Yorkshire favourites.  Specialising in the very best of the region's food produce, you'll be able to indulge in venison, ostrich or organic lamb burgers accompanied by home-grown organic vegetables and a fine bottle of Yorkshire Punch.

Public contact:  To request your free guide to Christmas in York, telephone the Visitor Information Centre on 01904 550099 or email info@visityork.org  - or visit www.visityork.org/christmas
Press contact: Kay Hyde, PR Manager, Visit York Tel: 01904 554451 Email: kh@visityork.org  

For a host of other Christmas activities in York, please see individual attraction listings below.

November Events 2009

York Minster

Saturday 7 November 2009
Cantamus Girls Choir
7.30pm
Cantamus Girls Choir - described by Radio Times as ‘a choir that could stand comparison with anything in the world' will be performing at York Minster this November.
 
Cantamus Girls Choir originally formed in 1968 and since then successive choirs, all consisting of girls between the age of 13 and 18, have been awarded 28 first prizes in International Choral Competitions. The choir has performed in festivals all over the world, with its varied and part-choreographed concerts thrilling audiences in East and West Europe, Japan, Israel, China, USA and Canada.

Public contact: Don't miss the opportunity to see this sublime choir performing in the beautiful setting of York Minster. To find out more, or to book your tickets for this highly-anticipated concert, please visit https://www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org/public/  or call 01904 557208
Press contact: Kendal Chalk, 0844 939 0014, ext 2842 kendalc@yorkminster.org  

National Railway Museum

Brief Encounters
 26th November 2009 - 3rd January 2010
Make some Brief Encounters this Christmas at the National Railway Museum! Experience the Museums famous Turntable transformed into a spectacular light installation in the Great Hall, enabling you to embark on journeys from cities and time zones around the world. Explore the relationship between time and distance through this amazing display of light, making a series of chance encounters on the way.
There will also be an array of festive family events and educational workshops taking place throughout the Christmas school holidays.
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 

Barley Hall

St Nicholas Fayre - Medieval Market
26th November - 29th November 2009 
10am - 5pm
Barley Hall, Coffee Yard
£2 adult, £1 conc., £5 family of four
Medieval traders gather to sell their wares. Living history and unique gifts. Traditional wine and ale at the bar.

Press contact: David Scott, York Archaeological Trust, Tel: 01904 543426 or email dscott@yorkat.co.uk  

Clifford's Tower

Victorian Father Christmas & Christmas Shopping Weekend
Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th November 2009 
11am - 4pm
A Victorian Father Christmas, dressed in sumptuous traditional colourful costume will tell tales of Christmas past and recite famous yuletide stories and poems. Join the audience to relax and listen to these heart warming stories, there will also be opportunity for photo's. Regular sessions throughout each day from 11am - 4pm. Plus opportunities to shop for seasonal treats with liqueur and food tastings of seasonal treats.  Adults £3.50, concessions £3.00, child £1.80, familu £8.80.  English Heritage members - free.

Public contact: Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/cliffords  for more information or telephone 01904 646940
Press contact: Danielle Bradley, email danielle.bradley@english-heritage.org.uk  

Treasurer's House

Ghostly Myths Tour
2-30 November, 11am-3pm, closed Friday (note earlier closing & change to access arrangements)
Venture deep inside the historic house on a dark tour of the unexpected, where history is revealed alongside fascinating ghostly experiences suggesting links and explanations of the famous stories that remain to this day. Note that some rooms are closed for conservation work & some objects have conservation covers. 

New for 2009 Fascinating Frank
2-30 Nov 11am-3pm, closed Friday (note earlier closing & change to access arrangements)
Visitors can indulge themselves in some rarely seen collection items on show for November only, and delight at the stories connected to the pieces that reveal a fresh perspective on the remarkable Yorkshireman, Frank Green. A voracious collector of furniture, paintings, antiques and a man with more than one twist to his life. Plus some of the legacies the other famous inhabitants left us are revealed, including Fairfax, astromomer Goodricke, wit, writer and blue stocking Elizabeth Montegu. Guided visit to most of the historic rooms, not all, collection covers on various items.

Public contact: For more information please contact Jane Lewis, Administrator 01904 624247  Email: treasurershouse@nationaltrust.org.uk
Press contact: Jane Whitehead, Property Manager or Lisa Holden, Visitor Services Manager, Treasurer's House, Minster Yard, York. Tel 01904 624247; Fax 01904 647372; email treasurershouse@nationaltrust.org.uk ; www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Castle Howard

NSPCC Christmas Shopping Fair
Friday 6 November 2009
One of North Yorkshire's most popular Christmas shopping events featuring over 50 stalls brimming with inspirational gift ideas for all the family.  Open 9.30am until 3.30pm.  Admission costs £6.00 per person with all proceeds to the NSPCC. 
 
Christmas at Castle Howard
Open daily between Saturday 28th November and Sunday 20th December 
The Howard family once again open their doors for a special Christmas viewing.  Highlights include giant Christmas trees in the Great Hall and Long Gallery, as well as a display of traditional Christmas ‘twigs'. Festive music performances, seasonal menus and gifts ideas galore add to the magic.  Children can also visit Father Christmas at his Lakeside Grotto (separate ticket applies - weekends only).  Admission - Adults £11.00, Concessions £10.00 and Children 4 to 16 years £7.00 (under 4 years free of charge).

Father Christmas at his Lakeside Grotto
Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 November, Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 December,
Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 December, Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 December
Take the Christmas Express to meet Father Christmas in his Lakeside Grotto.  Every child receives an age appropriate gift.  After your visit enjoy entertainment, seasonal food and drink at the Lakeside Café, and have a go on our new adventure playground.  Open 11.00am until 4.00pm.  Tickets cost £5.00 per child (whatever their age).  There is no charge for adults accompanying children to Father Christmas.
 
Christmas Contemporary Art Market
Sunday 29th November 2009
Castle Howard is pleased to welcome Artsmix (www.artsmix.co.uk) for a special Christmas market.  Enjoy a unique mix of up-and-coming Yorkshire-based designers and artisans who will be selling high quality ceramics, textiles, jewellery, sculpture, paintings and fashion and fashions in the Stable Courtyard.  Open 10.00am until 4.00pm with free admission.

Public contact: For more information about events happening at Castle Howard visit www.castlehoward.co.uk  or telephone 01653 648333.
Press contact: Please contact Rachel Jack at rjack@castlehoward.co.uk  

York Theatre Royal

Monday 9th November 2009
Script Factor
An evening of new writing presented by Script Yorkshire, York Settlement Players and York Theatre Royal
7.45pm, Tickets £5 (£4 Script Yorkshire and Settlement Players members)
Script Factor returns with 5 more brand-new plays by local writers. The theme for the 20 minute plays is: 'Brief Encounter' which is open to interpretation by the writers. As usual, you, the audience meet and talk to the writers and finally vote for your favourite play. Bring your white lace hanky and vote for the best 'Brief Encounter'!
 
Saturday 7th  - Saturday 28th November 2009 
Fresh Glory Productions and York Theatre Royal present ‘Up the Duff'
7.30pm (with 2pm/2.30pm matinees)
Tickets: £10-19 (students and u25s £5)
Written by Lisa Evans
Directed by Damian Cruden
 
5 women, one man and a knitted uterus...   A hilariously funny and touching comedy of big expectations and very uncomfortable exercises.   Having a bun in the oven is no joke, so how come it's so funny?
 
Midwife Sheila certainly knows all the joys, confusions and baffling indignities in store as she steers a group of four very different women safely through ante-natal class to labour and blissful motherhood.
 
Thursday 19th - Saturday 21st November 2009 
York Theatre Royal Youth Theatre presents ‘My Own Private Purgatory'
7pm
Tickets: Adults £7, Children, students & u25s £5  (part of a double bill with Animal Farm book for both get £2 off)
Written by Toby Davies
Directed by Kate Plumb
 
Since privatisation, Hades has become embroiled in diabolical bureaucracy, making it virtually impossible to create the perfect personal abyss for every new entrant. There are simply not enough cute kittens on spikes anymore, and working in Hell is a truly hellish proposition.
 
Thursday 19th  - Sat 21 November 2009 
York Theatre Royal Youth Theatre presents ‘Animal Farm'
8.30pm
Tickets: Adults £7, Children, students & u25s £5 (part of a double bill with My Own Private Purgatory book for both get £2 off)
George Orwell's Animal Farm adapted for the stage by Ian Woolridge
Directed by Julian Ollive
 
Adapted from Orwell's dystopian novel the play explores the corruption of power in a revolution. Taking over the farm, the animals think it is the start of a better life. Their dream is of a world where all animals are equal. But soon the pigs take control and become ‘more equal than others'. One by one the principles of the revolution are abandoned, until the animals have even less freedom than before.

Wednesday 25th  - Thursday 26th November 2009 
Box Clever presents ‘Time For The Good Looking Boy'
An Urban Ghost Story
7pm (with a 1.30pm Thursday matinee)
Tickets: £10, students & u25s £5
Written by Michael Wicherek
Directed by Iqbal Khan
 
A compelling, intimate new play, exploring the harsh realities of growing up, independence and the consequences of a journey which will change lives forever. Time for the Good Looking Boy presents the extraordinary story of an ordinary young man.
Box Clever is a London-based touring company dedicated to the creation of inspiring contemporary theatre for young people, with a focus on distinctive new writing about life in the here-and-now. www.boxclevertheatre.com

Public contact: For a full list of events happening at York Theatre Royal in November or to make a booking, visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk  or telephone 01904 623568.
Press contact: Abbigail Wright, Head of Communications Tel: 01904 550148 Email: abbigail@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

North York Moors

Hedge Laying Workshop
14th & 15th November, 21 & 22nd November 2009
Cost: £20
Our hedgerows provide vital foraging and nesting sites for many birds including yellowhammer, linnet and tree sparrows but their construction isn't as straightforward as it may seem. Come along to this two-day workshop and try your hand at the traditional country craft of hedge laying. Working on the North York Moors National Park Authority's Levisham Estate, you will learn how to use traditional tools such as billhooks and pleachers to build a hedge.
 
Light on Land
20th November - 2nd December 2009
Renowned local landscape photographer Chris Ceaser will be showcasing some of his breathtaking images of the North York Moors, the North Yorkshire and Cleveland Heritage Coast, the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland at Sutton Bank National Park Centre. Inspired by the regions' exhilarating natural views, he strives to capture natural light to bring his images to life and capture the essence of each location. Prints of the images in various sizes will be available to buy and Chris will be on hand throughout the exhibition to answer any questions. Entry to the National Park Centre and the exhibition is free and the Centre is open between 10.30am and 3.30pm

Christmas craft fairs
20th - 30th November 2009 & 28th - 29th November 2009 & 5th-6th December 2009
Get Christmas all wrapped up this year by popping along to a series of seasonal craft fairs taking place in the North York Moors National Park. From 20 to 30 November, arts collective Brigantia will be exhibiting at The Moors National Park Centre in Danby featuring an eclectic mix of crafts from some of the best artists in the region. On the 28 and 29 November at The Moors National Park Centre, there will also be a Christmas Fair with food and craft stalls, children's activities and a visit from Father Christmas. The Christmas Fair will be repeated on 5 and 6 December at Sutton Bank National Park Centre.
 
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
Sunday 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 November 2009
1.30pm
Normal admission prices apply
Join a free tour to discover fascinating facts and stories about the Abbey and monks.

A Walk Through Time
Saturday 14 November 2009
10.30am
Normal admission prices apply
Discover more about the landscape of Studley Park and the Abbey grounds on this 2 hour walk. 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

December Events 2009

York Minster

York Minster Christmas Carol Concert
Friday 11th December 2009
7pm
The Christmas Carol Concert at York Minster is one of the most highly-anticipated and popular concerts of the year. Visitors are invited to celebrate Christmas by coming along to the Carol Concert at York Minster on the 11th December, where they will be able to hear York Minster Choir inside the spectacular setting of the Minster's Nave. They will also be able to join in with some classic and well known Christmas carols.

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 0844 939 0015.  Press contact: Kendal Chalk, 0844 939 0014, ext 2842 kendalc@yorkminster.org

National Railway Museum

Stephenson Locomotive Society Centenary Celebrations    
10th Dec 2009 - 5th Jan 2010
Take an insight into the Stephenson Locomotive Society as they celebrate their centenary with this special display in the Great Hall. This unique occasion will see Gladstone, 87001and Orion exhibited together at the Museum. Free admission.

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 Castle Museum

Carols in Kirkgate
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 8th December 2009
Get that Christmas feeling and go along to join the carol singers at the famous, atmospheric Victorian Street in York's Castle Museum.
Tickets are priced at £12.50 for adults and £10.50 for concessions.  Programmes included.
Public contact: For more information, visit www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk  . (Tickets on sale from 12 October at admissions desk. Also available from 13 October by calling 01904 650333)
Press contact: Lee Clark, York Museums Trust. Tel: 01904 687670 Email: lee.clark@ymt.org.uk

Barley Hall

Monday 1st - Wednesday 23rd December 2009
Deck the Hall - A Medieval Christmas
Standard admission prices apply
See the Hall dressed for Christmas and full of festive cheer.

Thursday 3rd / 10th / 17th  December 2009
Barley Hall by Candlelight
7pm
Barley Hall, Coffee Yard
£10 adult, £8 conc. Includes a glass of mulled wine. Pre-booking essential.
Enjoy a festive atmosphere with Lord and Lady Snawsell, with tales and music to entertain you into the night.

Saturday 12th - Sunday 13th December
Christmas Fayre
10am - 5pm
Barley Hall, Coffee Yard
£2 adult, £1 conc., £5 family of four
Unique Christmas presents and mulled wine in a serene festive setting.

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

Merchant Adventurers' Hall

Thursday 3rd December 2009 
Winter Wedding Fair
Merchant Adventurers' Hall
4pm - 7pm, Free admission
Come and join us in our Magnificent Medieval Guild Hall for an evening Wedding Fair and be inspired for your special day with our variety of
wedding experts to help you plan a wedding to remember.

Public and press contact: For more information, please contact Lauren Marshall - Hall Manager and Audience Development Officer, E-mail: hall.manager@theyorkcompany.co.uk , Telephone: 01904 654818

Fairfax House

The Keeping of Christmas
1st - 31st December 2009 
This annual Christmas exhibition sees the House decorated for Christmas based on evidence from the Georgian period and this year includes a new Christmas commission from the world-famous flower arranger George Smith inspired by the 18th century.

Public contact: Further details of events at Fairfax House can be found on the Fairfax House website at www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk
Press contacts: Peter Brown, Tel: 01904 654443, Email: peterbrown@fairfaxhouse.co.uk   or Melanie Paris, Tel: 01904 647408, Email: hello@melanieparis.com

National Centre for Early Music

York Early Music Christmas Festival
2nd - 8th December 2009
The York Early Music Christmas Festival, promoted by the National Centre for Early Music takes place in December each year and is a popular way in which to start the Christmas season.
Public contact: For further information contact The National Centre for Early Music, St Margaret's Church, Walmgate, York, YO1 9TL. Tel (01904) 632220 or visit the website at www.ncem.co.uk
Press contact: Gill Baldwin, email gill.Baldwin@ncem.co.uk  

York Theatre Royal

Thursday 10th December 2009 - Saturday 30th January 2010
Berwick Kaler in ‘HUMPTY DUMPTY'
Times: 2.30pm/4.30pm/7.30pm/8.00pm
Tickets: £10 - £25
Written by Berwick Kaler
Directed by Berwick Kaler and Damian Cruden
 
Humpty sat on a wall then had a fall...  Not much of a plot even by Kaler's standards - or is it?

Let the team that brought you the acclaimed Dick Turpin stretch your imagination to Herculean proportions with a brand new hilarious version of this classic nursery rhyme.

Will the orphaned Humpty find a mother?  Can he protect the tiny Kingdom of Pantoloon from the evil Eggula?  What happens when our Panto Heroes are forced to venture into the real world?

Book now for the panto event The Sunday Times consistently rates one of the top five attractions to see anywhere in the UK during the winter season.
 
‘York boasts the most pant-wettingly funny pantomime in the country' The Guardian
 
Public contact: For a full list of events happening at York Theatre Royal in December or to make a booking, visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk  or telephone 01904 623568.
Press contact: Abbigail Wright, Head of Communications Tel: 01904 550148 Email: abbigail@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Castle Howard

Christmas Wine Tasting Dinner
Tuesday 3 December 2009
Let Castle Howard take you on a journey from starter to Stilton introducing seven wonderful wines to accompany all the flavours of the festive season.  Tickets cost £65.00 per person, including three-course dinner with wine, from 7.30pm.  
 
Christmas Craft and Produce Markets
Tuesday 8 December, Wednesday 9 December, Tuesday 15 December 2009
Our popular craft and produce market returns for Christmas with over 15 stalls in the Stable Courtyard selling a wide range of gifts and foods.  Open 10.00am until 4.00pm with free admission. 
 
A Classical Christmas Dinner
Wednesday 9 December 2009
Enjoy a fabulous evening of traditional Christmas fare in the elegant Long Gallery with musical accompaniment. Tickets cost £55.00 per person, including three-course dinner with wine, from 7.30pm. 

Public contact: For more information about events happening at Castle Howard visit www.castlehoward.co.uk  or telephone 01653 648333.
Press contact: Please contact Rachel Jack at rjack@castlehoward.co.uk 
  

North York Moors

Free Astronomy Evening
Saturday 12th December 2009
8pm
Celebrate the International Year of Astronomy with a free ‘star party' at Sutton Bank National Park Centre. Join experts from York Astronomical Society for a tour of the night sky. Telescopes will be provided.

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

Christmas Theatre - The Twelve Days of Christmas
Thursday 3 December 2009
7.30pm, Tickets £12
Guaranteed to rouse your Christmas spirit, a great start to the season for all the family. Why not also enjoy a pre-theatre festive supper in Fountains restaurant. Booking essential, Tel. 01765 643164 / 643199.

Winter Abbey Tours
Sunday 6, 13, 20 & 27 December 2009
1.30pm
Normal admission prices apply
Join a free tour to discover fascinating facts and stories about the Abbey and monks.

Music & Lights at Christmas*
Saturdays & Sundays 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 27 December 2009
3.30pm - 5pm
Normal admission prices apply
Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the Abbey and Hall bathed in coloured lights with seasonal music (recorded). Last admission 4pm.

Christmas Sparkle
Saturdays & Sundays 5-6 & 12-13 December 2009
11am - 3pm
Normal admission prices apply
Make your own Christmas decorations for our trees or to take home. Drop in self-led activities for children.

Christmas Lunches
Monday 7 - Wednesday 23 December (Mon-Thu only) 2009
12pm - 1.30pm
Bring your family and friends to enjoy a Christmas lunch in Fountains restaurant. £25.50 for 3 courses or £20 for 2 courses. Booking essential, tel 01765 643198 / 643197

Christmas Theatre - A Regency Christmas
Thursday 10 December 2009
7.30pm
Join us for a festive theatre. We invite you to step back in time for a merry Christmas evening in the Age of Elegance. A yuletide treat for all the family. Tickets £12. Why not also enjoy a pre-theatre festive supper in Fountains restaurant. Booking essential, tel. 01765 643164 / 643199.

Traditional Christmas Evening
Saturday 12 & 19 December 2009
6.30pm - 10pm
Enjoy a seasonal 4 course dinner with live Christmas entertainment in the floodlit Abbey ruins and Fountains restaurant.
£45 per person, booking essential tel 01765 643198 / 643197

On the Hoof
Saturday 12, Sunday 13 & Sunday 27 December
Between 10.45am - 12.30pm
Normal admission prices apply
Enjoy the sight of 500 wild deer herd munching through their winter feed. 15 minute walk from the Visitor Centre, by St Mary's church.

Carols by Candlelight
Sunday 13 December
3pm
Normal admission prices apply
Traditional carol service in the Abbey with candles for children. Seasonal refreshments available.

School Holiday Fun - Christmas Sparkle
Saturday 19 December - Sunday 3 January 2010
11am - 3pm
Normal admission prices apply
Make your own Christmas decorations for our trees or to take home. Drop in self-led activities for children.

Christmas Story-telling in the Hayloft
Monday 21 December 2009
2pm
Lots of Christmas stories. Suitable for 4 - 9 year olds. Meet at Swanley Grange. Booking essential, tel. 01765 643166. £1.50 plus normal admission (including refreshments). Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Christmas Abbey Tour
Sunday 27 - Wednesday 30 December
1.30pm
Normal admission prices apply
Join a free tour to discover fascinating facts and stories about the Abbey and monks.

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 November and December 2009

York Art Gallery

Japanese Sashiko Textiles Exhibition
10 October 2009 - 24 January 2010
The first large scale exhibition of Japanese Sashiko Textiles to be displayed at a major UK art gallery opened on 10th October 2009. 

The show at York Art Gallery and subsequent national tour presents traditional and contemporary textiles and garments, designed to decorate and protect the wearer both physically and spiritually.  Entitled Japanese Sashiko Textiles, it sets out to present a sense of time and place in which these works were created.

In total around 75 -100 garments and related objects, including videos and significant works from Japanese photographer, IWAYIMA Takeji (1920-1989) will be displayed in the exhibition. Most of the exhibits are being shown in the UK for the first time.  The exhibition will launch at York Art Gallery 10 Oct 2009 - 24 Jan 2010, and will then tour around the UK.

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

Grand Opera House

Annie (2-7 November) - from its Broadway beginnings to the classic film musical, this heart-warming rags-to-riches story of Annie's adventures, from the New York orphanage to the luxurious home of Oliver Warbucks, is a tale that has been told all over the world for decades and will continue for many years to come. Su Pollard plays Miss Hannigan in this show which features a cast of over 40 talented artistes Annie has a brilliantly memorable score including "It's A Hard Knock Life", "Easy Street" and of course the legendary "Tomorrow", fantastically visual choreography, and a side-splittingly funny script...
 
We have more for the kids with Horrible Histories - Frightful First World War and Woeful Second World War (9-11 November), which involves amazing 3D special effects.  Historical figures and events come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips.
 
For those a little bit older there's the award winning musical Cabaret (16-21 November), starring Wayne Sleep and Siobhan Dillon, the popular finalist from the BBC's hit show How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? 
 
For music lovers Three Decades of Soul in One Evening! (30 November) is a must see. With 24 UK top 40 hits between them, witness three great artists from three amazing decades of Soul in one incredible evening of live music. Alexander O'Neal ('Saturday Love', 'Criticize', 'If you were here tonight'). Kenny Thomas ('Thinking about your Love'); and runner-up in TV's 2005 'X Factor', the freshest voice on the current soul scene, Andy Abraham ('The Impossible Dream').
 
This year's pantomime is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (11 Dec 09 - 3 Jan 10'), starring Lynne McGranger from Home and Away, The Royal's Michelle Hardwick , Gladiator Mark Griffin (Trojan) and Yorkshireman Stuart Wade, featuring all the main ingredients: beautiful princess, wicked queen, handsome prince, plus bucket loads of song and dance. 

Public contact: For all productions over November and December 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

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.