01/09/2009

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September Events 2009

Tour of Britain Cycle Race 2009 - first stage finish in York
Saturday 12th September 2009
Ninety-six of the world's top cyclists will descend on York this September, when the city hosts the finish of the first stage of the 2009 Tour of Britain. Riders will cycle over the finish line of the first stage in York and the eight day race will finish in the heart of London on Saturday 19th September.

Yorkshire Forward, Welcome to Yorkshire in partnership with Visit York, East Riding, City of York and North Lincolnshire Councils are proud to host the opening stage of the Tour of Britain 2009.

Public contact: For more information about the Tour of Britain and what's happening at the first stage finish, visit www.visityork.org/tourofbritain
Press contact: Kay Hyde, PR Manager, Visit York Tel: 01904 554451 Email: kh@visityork.org

‘Wild about Wood' Festival
Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September 2009
Castle Howard
The Arboretum at Castle Howard is delighted to be hosting its first ‘Wild About Wood' Festival on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September 2009. This new festival promises to be the best annual event of its kind in the North of England.

‘Wild About Wood' aims to inspire, educate and entertain members of the public of all ages and tree festival fun will include chainsaw sculpting, heavy horse logging, coracle making, willow weaving, and an authentic Viking encampment.

Public contact: For more information about the ‘Wild about Wood' Festival visit www.wildaboutwood.org or contact Anna Porter on email: anna@wildaboutwood.org or telephone: 01904 643282
Press contact: Rachel Goddard, Intandem Marketing and PR on Tel: 01757 289696, Mob: 07774 486237 or email: rachel@intandem-marketing.co.uk
Or Anna Porter, Ignite Meetings Tel: 01904 643 282 or email: anna@wildaboutwood.org

York Food and Drink Festival
18th - 27th September 2009
The York Festival of Food and Drink is the region's annual showcase of the very best of food and drink from Yorkshire and beyond. Building on the 2008 them, ‘Better Food Less Waste', this year's theme of ‘Crude Food' will focus on simple, well prepared ingredients.

With over 130 events within the Festival Programme, there will be things to see and do all day long.

Public contact: For a full list of events and more information about what's going on in this year's festival, visit www.yorkfoodfestival.com
Press contact: Michael Hjort or Debbie Waite, Tel: 01904 635149, email: admin@yorkfoodfestival.com

York National Book Fair
Friday 11th and Saturday 12th September
Knavesmire Suite, York Racecourse
York 2009 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. Public Contact: Email: info@yorkbookfair.com Website: www.yorkbookfair.com

National Railway Museum

Rails & Reels Film Season
12 September 2009 - 11 October 2009
Visit the National Railway Museum this September and October to enjoy a series of free film screenings exploring the influence of railways on cinema from 1899 to the present day - a first for the National Railway Museum! We'll have something for everyone, ranging from fascinating archive films revealing a unique glimpse of York's past, to railway classics like North by Northwest.
There is also plenty of family fun to be had with children's animation workshops with Yorkshire Film Archive and film screenings by the Children's Film Foundation.
Admission Free to all film screenings. There are a limited number of seats available for all screenings and all places will be on a first come first served basis. Please note a small charge may apply to the animation workshops. Full programme of film screenings to be confirmed soon, keep checking www.nrm.org.uk for more details.

Drive in Movie - Trainspotting
17 September 2009
Doors will open at 6.30pm. Film to be screened at approx. 8.30pm
Gather with friends in the NRM's Main Car Park for our entertaining Drive in Movie, Trainspotting! Advanced purchase tickets cost £10 per car and are on sale from Monday 6 July. Tickets can also be purchased on the evening at £15 per car.
Limited places are available, to book please call 0844 8153 139 or 01904 685724. Please note this film is a certificate 18 and ID may be requested. Onsite catering will be available.

Brief Encounter Dinner
19 September 2009, 7pm - 11pm
Enjoy a special screening if the 1945 classic Brief Encounter starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard, with three course dinner and live band in the period setting of the NRM's Station Hall.
Tickets cost £35 per person and can be prebooked by calling 01904 686222 or by emailing nrmevents@nrm.org.uk
Press contact: Gemma Sneyd, Press Officer, Tel: 01904 686271 Email: gemma.sneyd@nrm.org.uk

York Minster

Wednesday 9 September
Nave, 7.30pm
St Wilfrid - a European Anglo-Saxon
Tickets: £5
The lecture is given by Professor Richard Bailey (Emeritus Professor of Anglo-Saxon Civilization, University of Newcastle).
This lecture precedes the St Wilfrid 1300th Anniversary Conference, held in St William's College 10-11 September 2009 (tickets £50).

Public contact: York Minster Box Office, www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org 0844 939 0015 boxoffice@yorkminster.org
Press contact: Kendal Chalk, 0844 939 0014, ext 2842 kendalc@yorkminster.org

York Art Gallery

NEW EXHIBITION
The Pot Gallery
Opens 12 September 2009

A new gallery dedicated to one of the country's most important pottery collections will open at York Art Gallery this summer.

The opening exhibition, entitled, 3 Collectors, will showcase some of the finest pots from the nationally important WA Ismay, Eric Milner-White, the Very Reverend Dean of York, and Henry Rothschild collections - many never seen by the public before.

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

Fairfax House

‘Silver Screen Week'
13 - 20 September 2009

‘Silver Screen Week' at Fairfax House remembers Fairfax House when it was owned by St George's Cinema Company (1921 to 1965). A temporary marquee cinema space will be in the back of the House allowing some of the old films that were originally shown to be screened again.
There will also be a chance to find out more about cinema in York in The History of Cinema in York illustrated lecture (20 Sept, 10am -12 noon) - at one time there were 10 cinema buildings in the City.

Tickets for the film screenings are £8.50, for the ‘History of Cinemas in York' lecture and discussion £12.50 and for ‘The General' Gala night £20.00. They are available from Fairfax House on 01904 655543 or by calling into the House in Castlegate, York during opening hours.

Public contact: More details about the Silver Screen Week are also available 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

Treasurer's House

Hidden Treasures
7-13 September 2009
Stories behind the staff and volunteers' favourite objects.

York artists exhibit work -
Jane Wright - 17 October - 12 November 2009
Alison Bramley 14 November - 18 December 2009
Two professional York artists to exhibit and sell work for first time at Treasurer's House. The work forms a contemporary contrast to the historic paintings and textiles within the Treasurer's collection of antiques. Entrance to the gallery is free.

Ghost Cellar Tour
Daily (closed Fridays) No prior booking required - £2.30, child £1.80 (8 years+) plus normal admission charges.
The Roman road runs under the house and it is there that a very famous sighting was believed to have been made in the 1950's by Harry Martindale. The reasons why this story has remained so famous until the present day and is told in books and on television, is revealed through historical and archaeological facts.

Attic Tours
Daily (Weather permitting and closed on Fridays)
A chance to visit the servants' quarters in the attics and learn about how they lived and worked in the house during Frank Green's time as owner. Please telephone Treasurer's House for dates and times. £3 tour plus normal admission charges.

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

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 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

Barley Hall

Wedding and Special Occasions Fayre
20 September, 11am - 4pm
A day to explore this magnificent hidden venue in York, and see for yourself what we can offer to suit all budgets and individual themes for any special occasion.

Whether it's a medieval wedding, civil partnership, christening or anniversary, Barley Hall offers an exceptional, historic venue for all types of functions.

For more details please telephone either Hayley or Maria on 01904 610275.
Press contact: David Scott, York Archaeological Trust, Tel: 01904 543426 or email dscott@yorkat.co.uk

York Theatre Royal

Sat 19 Sep - Sat 10 Oct
TakeOver09
TakeOver09 is an exciting and brave idea. We will be giving the theatre over to a team of under 26s from 19 Sep - 10 Oct and they have been working hard over the last few months to create a fantastic programme of events for people of all ages! Check out the website for more information: www.takeoverfestival.co.uk

Tue 22 - Sat 26 September
The Factory Theatre present
Hamlet
7.30pm (2.00pm on Thu 24), Main Stage
Tickets: £10 - £15, Students & u25s £5, concessions available, FREE to holders of YTR Free Pass
Directed by Tim Carroll (Shakespeare's Globe & RSC).

This version of Hamlet will be entirely determined by the audience! Moments before the beginning, the audience chooses which actor plays which part. The only props used in the performance are the objects the audience has brought along with them.

ALL AUDIENCE MEMBERS SHOULD BRING AN OBJECT OF THEIR CHOOSING TO BE INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION. (We don't know what will happen so take no responsibility for damaged props!)

Public contact: For a full list of events happening at York Theatre Royal in September 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

Yorkshire Air Museum

Battle of Britain Commemoration Day
Sunday 6 September 2009
Newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Stephen Dalton KCB BSc FRAes FCMI RAF will be Guest of Honour at the forthcoming Battle of Britain Commemoration Service and Parade, taking place at the Allied Air Forces Memorial (Yorkshire Air Museum) on Sunday 6th September.

Organised in conjunction with Royal Air Forces Association, the event will mark the 70th Anniversary of the outbreak of WWII and the famous battles that were fought in the skies and fields of Europe and other occupied territories. The event will feature a huge parade of veterans old and young and National Standards of RAFA and other Service Associations. A formal Military Parade, March-past and Salute will take place with veterans, serving airmen and women and ATC.

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

Pedal Power
Sunday 27 September, 10am
With miles and miles of tracks and bridleways criss-crossing the moors, forests and dales of the North York Moors National Park, the area is fast gaining a reputation as a great place for mountain biking.

If you've yet to experience what it has to offer, join a National Park Ranger on a 24 mile ride from Sutton Bank National Park Centre on Sunday 27 September. Leaving at 10am, the ride will involve some challenging sections to improve ability for those who want to and will predominantly be off-road with a few short, on-road links.

You'll need to bring a bike, helmet, packed lunch and suitable clothing. The ride costs £3 per adult and £1.50 per child (aged 16 to 18). To book a place call 01439 772738.

Coastal walk
Did you know that the tranquil Ravenscar on the North Yorkshire and Cleveland Heritage Coast was very nearly a bustling resort that could have rivalled neighbouring Whitby and Scarborough? Hard to imagine given the peace and unspoilt views found there today but if you look closely you can spot signs of why Ravenscar is known as ‘the resort that never was'.

Find out more about this and other hidden gems along the coastline of the North York Moors National Park on an eight mile circular walk starting at Cloughton and returning along the old railway line. The walk is free but booking is advisable - call 01439 772738

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

Abbey Tours
Tuesday 1 - Wednesday 30 September
Daily. 11am, 1pm and 2pm
Normal admission prices apply
Join a free tour to discover fascinating facts and stories about the Abbey and monks.

A Grand Tour of Studley Royal
Tuesday 1 - Wednesday 30 September
Daily. 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.

Taster Tour
Saturday 5 September, 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.

St Mary's Evensong
Sunday 6 September, 3pm
Ecumenical service in St Mary's church. Everyone welcome.

St Mary's Church Tour
Thursday 10 September, 11am
Free tour of the Victorian High Gothic church designed by William Burges. Meet at St Mary's church.

Fountains By Floodlight
Saturday 12, 19 and 26 September, Dusk - 10pm
Normal admission prices apply
Experience the Wonder of the North bathed in floodlight. Guided tours at 7pm and 7.30pm, recorded Gregorian chant, hot seasonal food and a different choir performing in the Abbey each week from 8pm - 9pm. Last admission 9pm.

Photography Exhibition - Northern Landscapes
Friday 18 - Wednesday 30 September, 10am - 5pm
Normal admission prices apply
Yorkshire photographer Chris Ceaser hosts an exhibition of his work in Fountains Hall.

Deer Walk
Saturday 19 September, 2pm
Normal admission prices apply
Enjoy the view of 500 wild deer in the medieval deer park. 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: Alexa Morton, Communications and Activities Officer,
Email: alexa.morton@nationaltrust.org.uk Tel: 01765 643199

October Events 2009

Illuminating York
23rd October - 1st November 2009
Experience York after dark during Illuminating York with cutting edge outdoor, light-based artwork, exhibitions, site specific performances and tours in some of the ancient city's many special places. The event is a showcase for York as a contemporary, creative city but Illuminating York is also an ongoing project, which aims to use light and innovation to breathe new life into York's historic but urban environment after dark attracting visitors from far and wide.

Details of the Illuminating York festival for 2009 will be announced shortly, watch www.visityork.org for more information.

Press contact: Kay Hyde, PR Manager, Visit York Tel: 01904 554451 Email:kh@visityork.org

York Minster

Wednesday 7 October
Nave, 8.00pm
I Hear Too: Live!
Tickets: £10
I Hear Too: Live, funded by the AHRC/EPSRC Science and Heritage programme, is a unique event showcasing sound, art and music in the historic setting of York Minster.

Saturday 10 October
Nave, 7.30pm
A Yorkshire Celebration
Tickets: £25, £20, £15, restricted view: £10 concessions available
The Yorkshire Foundation is bringing together some of the world's finest performers in their own fields for a musical celebration of the county of Yorkshire.

Friday 23 October
Chapter House and Maclagan Hall, St William's College, 7.00pm
Georgian Antiques & Wine Evening
1 ticket: £40, 2 tickets: £70
John Bly, well known from his many television appearances, and Conal Gregory, Master of Wine, host an evening which celebrates Georgian graciousness in furniture, wine and antiques.

Wednesday 28 October
Chapter House, 7.30pm
The Hilliard Ensemble
Tickets: £18 - £5 concessions available
Settings of Dante and Petrarch by Pisano, Arcadelt and Roger Marsh.
Also music by Arvo Pärt and from the Eastern Orthodox Church.


Saturday 31 October
Nave, 7.30pm
A Dragon's Tale
Tickets: £20 - £7

The much celebrated award winning male voices of Côr y Penrhyn join forces with the Brass Band National Winners of 2008 - Beaumaris Band. Join the best of Wales in a night of captivating music, as they present ‘A Dragon's Tale'.

Public contact: York Minster Box Office, www.boxoffice.yorkminster.org Tel: 0844 939 0015 boxoffice@yorkminster.org  
Press contact: Kendal Chalk, 01904 557248 kendalc@yorkminster.org

National Railway Museum

Children's Activities for October half term
24 October - 2 November
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 the Indian objects in our collections and Indian inspired craft activities.
Public contact: Visit www.nrm.org.uk for more information.
Press contact: Gemma Sneyd, Press Officer, Tel: 01904 686271 Email: catherine.farrell@nrm.org.uk

JORVIK Viking Centre

Halloween for Creepy Kids
Saturday 31st October, 7pm. £9 child, £5 adult.
PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Call 01904 615505.
Late night spooky tour, including scarystories, gruesome ghouls, goody bags and refreshments. Creepy Kids in 2009 promises to be JORVIK's spookiest event ever! The spirits of JORVIK's past return once more to haunt its galleries and corridors. Dangerous Vikings lurk at every turn of the JORVIK ride, waiting to ambush the unsuspecting children as they pass!

Public contact: Visit www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk for more information or telephone 01904 615505.
Press contact: David Scott, York Archaeological Trust, Tel: 01904 543426 or email dscott@yorkat.co.uk

Barley Hall

Medieval Mysteries
29th October, 7pm
Tickets: £10, £8 concessions
Enter if you dare! Flickering candles and shadowy chambers await brave visitors to Barley Hall on this chilling evening, inspired by some of the greatest ghost tales in the English language. Unravel the clues to solve a dark riddle from the past, but beware: the unquiet spirits of the Hall do not take kindly to being disturbed...

Public contact: PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL - please call 01904 615505
Press contact: David Scott, York Archaeological Trust, Tel: 01904 543426 or email dscott@yorkat.co.uk

DIG

Artefacts and Exploding Bugs
The Big Draw - 24 October 2009, 11am - 4pm

Come and explore the world of micro fauna, and explode it into a giant work of art. Highlights include ‘Petwise Zoo', ‘Artefacts and Habitats', ‘Have a go Crafts' and ‘Explode a Bug'. For more information, visit www.digyork.co.uk

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

Merchant Adventurers' Hall

Big Draw - Painting the Past
Sunday 11 October 2009, 11am-3pm
Be inspired by a building which has stood in the centre of York for over 650 years. Imagine what the Hall may once have looked like and be creative with different materials. Come along and help us paint the past! Aimed at Families with no charge for admission for those taking part in the event.

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

Treasurer's House

Plant a bulb week
Saturday 24 October - Sunday 1 November (*closed Friday)
A public appeal for help to plant 1,000 tulip bulbs in the new garden scheme a at Treasurer's House. Each visitor can plant one bulb, or more, and make a permanent ‘natural' mark in the historic garden open free to the public. Ideal for 2yrs - 80yrs plus!
Free, small optional donation for bulb

‘Haunted History' - Trails that track the stories behind the ghostly tales
Saturday 24 October - Sunday 1 November (*closed Friday)
A Witches brew with toads & snails; blood, skeleton's, cigar's, cats all clues to help families delve into the haunted past and uncover the truth behind some strange and famous ghost stories at this historic house. Free trail with normal admission charges.

Halloween Evening of Ghostly Myths Open House & Refreshments
31 October 2009
Halloween isn't just for children! Treat yourself to a most unusual visit & warming refreshments. 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. Contact 01904 624247 or email treasurershouse@nationaltrust.org.uk for details.

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

York Theatre Royal

Thu 1 - Fri 2 October, 7.30pm, Main Stage
Edinburgh International Festival Award Winners, Belt Up present The Tartuffe

Tickets: £10 - £12, Students & u25s £5, concessions available, FREE to holders of YTR Free Pass
Adapted from Molière by James Wilkes.

Straight from the Edinburgh festival, here to take the main stage by storm, expect lightning fast comedy and ridiculous calamity from this outrageous troupe of clowns, mime artists and actors (featuring some very low tech special effects!)

Tue 6 - Fri 9 October, 7.30pm/9pm
Belt Up Theatre present The Trial
Tickets: £10, Students & u25s £5, concessions available, FREE to holders of YTR Free Pass
Only 40 places available.
Adapted from Franz Kafka by Dominic J. Allen

A nightmarish immersive experience winding around the corridors and rooms of York Theatre Royal. One morning Josef K is arrested. He does not know his crime. He does not know if he is guilty or innocent. He does not know when his trial is. All he knows is that he feels doomed.

Sat 10 October @ 9pm
COMEDY NIGHT
Tickets: £10 - £12, Students & u25s £5, concessions available, FREE to holders of YTR Free Pass
Acclaimed for her role as ‘Holly' (following Norman Lovett) in the cult comedy series ‘Red Dwarf' Hattie Hayridge is a "deceptively timid comedienne who's shy wit masks razor edged humour..." - The Daily Mail.) Jim Tavare starred in BAFTA award-winning ITV comedy series ‘The Sketch Show'. Compere Dave Thompson has appeared in Ben Elton's ‘Maybe Baby' as well as ‘The All New Harry Hill Show' and ‘TV Burp!' Anthony King's "(one-liners) condense an entire sketch into a single sentence" THE GUARDIAN.

*May contain strong language.
** Lineups may be subject to change.

Sat 24 October, 8pm
Off the Kerb presents JEREMY HARDY
Tickets: Dress Circle £15, Stalls £15, Upper Circle £12, Gallery £10, students & u25s £5
Jeremy's perhaps best remembered as a much younger man, but there is nothing he can do about that now. Still alive and able to speak unaided for lengthy periods, this show will be not so much be a one-man show as an under-staffed cavalcade.

‘One of the sharpest comedians on the circuit' The Guardian

‘Hilarious, detailed, gently self-depreciating act from a stand-up comic in complete control' The Independent

Public contact: For a full list of events happening at York Theatre Royal in October 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

Yorkshire Air Museum

Target Falklands
17 October 2009
On Saturday 17th October, Yorkshire Air Museum will play host to an exciting lecture presentation by RAF Falklands War Veterans Barry Neale and Martin Withers, about their experiences in the famous Black Buck raids - the bombing of Port Stanely airfield.

Following this event is the ‘Victor Nightshoot', joined by legend of the skies, the De Havilland Mosquito. This is the only restored Nightfighter version of this aircraft, so presents a unique opportunity to photograph these two aircraft in an evening setting with external / internal lighting on for dramatic effect.

These events can be booked individually or in a package: Target Falklands Lecture Presentation £12, Victor / Mosquito Nightshoot £25 or Lecture plus Nightshoot £30. All prices include museum admission.

Public contact: Book online at ‘Shop/Tickets' at www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk  or send a cheque made payable to ‘Yorkshire Air Museum' to Target Falklands /Nightshoot, YAM, Halifax Way, Elvington, York, YO41 4AU. For further information please call 01904 608595.
Press contact: Ian Richardson: Tel: 01904 608718 or email pr@yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk

North York Moors

Party with the Stars
Saturday 24th October 2009 , 8pm
Celebrate the International Year of Astronomy 2009 with a night of star gazing at Sutton Bank National Park Centre on Saturday 24 October. With dark skies and clear unpolluted air, the North York Moors National Park is an ideal spot for exploring the universe - with the help of a telescope!

Experts from York Astronomical Society will be on hand to give helpful tips and answer any questions and telescopes will be provided. The event is free and starts at 8pm.

Help our Feathered Friends
Sunday 25th October 2009
Home to the largest expanse of heather moorland in England and with nearly a quarter of its area covered in woodland and forests, the North York Moors National Park is a haven for all sorts of birds.

Find out more about the species that live and breed in the North York Moors on a fun and informative afternoon at The Moors National Park Centre near Danby. The event costs £4.50. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Public contact: To book a place call 01439 772738. The Moors National Park Centre can be accessed by Moorsbus (www.moors.uk.net/moorsbus) and the Esk Valley Railway (www.eskvalleyrailway.co.uk)
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

Abbey Tours
Thursday 1 - Saturday 31 October, Daily. 11am and 1pm
Normal admission prices apply
Join a free tour to discover fascinating facts and stories about the Abbey and monks.

A Grand Tour of Studley Royal
Thursday 1 - Saturday 31 October, Daily. 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.

Photography Exhibition - Northern Landscapes
Thursday 1 - Sunday 11 October, 10am - 5pm
Normal admission prices apply
Yorkshire photographer Chris Ceaser hosts an exhibition of his work in Fountains Hall.

Fountains By Floodlight
Saturday 3, 10 and 17 October, Dusk - 10pm
Normal admission prices apply
Experience the Wonder of the North bathed in floodlight. Guided tours at 7pm and 7.30pm, recorded Gregorian chant, hot seasonal food and a different choir performing in the Abbey each week from 8pm - 9pm. Last admission 9pm.

Taster Tour
Saturday 3 October, 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.

The Big Draw
Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October, 11am - 4pm
Normal admission prices apply
Draw inspiration from Fountains Abbey. Materials provided.

Taster Tour
Saturday 17 October, 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.

Deer Walk
Saturday 17 October, 2pm
Normal admission prices apply
Enjoy the view of 500 wild deer in the medieval deer park. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

School Holiday Fun - Spiders and Webs
Saturday 24 October - Sunday 1 November, 11am - 3pm
Normal admission prices apply
Free trails and drop in self-led activities for children in Swanley Grange.

Fountains in Autumn
Sunday 25 October, 10.30am
Normal admission prices apply
A gentle walk to discover the delights of autumnal nature around the estate. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

Autumn Drive-Through
Sunday 25 October, 6pm - 8pm
A free floodlit drive through the estate for less able visitors. Enter at Studley Gates, exit at West Gate. Light refreshments available.

It's A Monk's Life
Wednesday 28 - Friday 30 October, 2pm
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.

Halloween Story-Telling
Saturday 31 October, 2pm
Spooky stories for 4 - 9 year olds. Dress up and win a prize for the best costume. £1.50 per person (including refreshments), booking essential, Tel: 01765 643166. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Swanley Grange.

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

Events running throughout September and October 2009

Grand Opera House

The new season kicks off with one of the most beloved British musicals, OLIVER! York Stage Musicals bring to life Dickens' timeless characters with its ever-popular story of the boy who asked for more.

JIMMY CARR, TIM MINCHIN, RHOD GILBERT, SIMON AMSTELL, STEPHEN K AMOS, JULIAN CLARY, FREDDIE STAR and JOE PASQUALE provide the much needed comedy this autumn. Music will also be represented by performers such as RICHARD HAWLEY, NEWTON FAULKNER, WISHBONE ASH, MAXIMUM RHYTHM AND BLUES - THE ALAN PRICE SET featuring ZOOT MONEY & BOBBY TENCH with special guests CHRIS FARLOWE & MAGGIE BELL; WALTER TROUT, PAUL CARRACK, GILBERT O'SULLIVAN and THE UKELELE ORCHESTRA.

Celebrating 50 years since Berry Gordy created the Tamla record label, THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN provides, live on stage the music of The Temtations, Diana Ross, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Martha Reeves, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie and more.

Join BARRY CRYER, GRAEME GARDEN, TIM BROOKE-TAYLOR, JEREMY HARDY and special guest host JACK DEE in BBC Radio's multi award-winning I'M SORRY I HAVEN'T A CLUE - an unmissable evening of inspired nonsense.

Not forgetting the kids we have DOROTHY THE DINOSAUR, one of the most endearing and best loved stars of the smash hit Nick Jr. TV show The Wiggles has now been brought to the stage in her very own fully interactive live stage show!

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

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.