11/06/2010

York Mystery Plays

11 July & 18 July 2010

  The Passion Plays of England are some of the oldest pieces of English literature. They were performed on the streets of our medieval cities on the church Feast Day of Corpus Christi, around midsummer.

The best preserved of these religious pageant performances are those of York which were staged by members of the City Guilds and performed on carts or wagons drawn through the streets. Each craft guild or 'mysterie' would perform its own play as part of an agreed cycle which would take a full day to view at various stations throughout the City.

The 2010 production will again fill the City streets with drama and spectacle, offering a truly unique experience for local and visitor alike.  The plays will be performed on wagons at various locations throughout the City, on Sunday 11th July and Sunday 18th July 2010. 

On 2 consecutive Sundays 12 plays will be performed on wagons moving through the City streets accompanied by music - a colour and vivid spectacle.

They will stop and perform at 4 different stations:

11th July - Deans Park (ticketed seating and free-to-view), College Green (free), Parliament Street (ticketed seating and free to view),  Eye of York (ticketed seating and free to view))

18th July - Deans Park (tickets & free to view), College Green (free), St. Sampson Square (tickets and free to view), Museum Gardens (tickets and free to view).

Performances start at Noon and will finish around 6.00pm. Because this is a long time, the production is in two parts, with ticketing available for either halves or both.  People can comfortably watch one part and then explore the City coming across other performances as they wander.

Public contact: For more information, visit http://www.yorkmysteryplays.co.uk/ or email info@yorkmysteryplays.co.uk

Press contact: Roger Lee, Tel: 01904 653698, email roger@yorkmysteryplays.co.uk

Big productions coming up from York Theatre Royal in July and August

The Wind in the Willows:

22 July to 21 August 2010

Adapted from Kenneth Grahame's novel by Mike Kenny

Directed by Damian Cruden and Katie Posner

This summer nature is taking over York Theatre Royal and four new friends are ready to meet theatre-goers. The foyer will become a grassy woodland, trees will sprout up from the floor and visitors can even enjoy a leisurely picnic on the indoor lawn

The same creative team that brought you The Railway Children have come together once more to create a magical world for all the family to enjoy. The main house will be like nothing like it has been before, as a new stage is built allowing the audience to sit all around the action at Toad Hall.

Performance times: 2.30pm and 7pm.  Tickets from £10 to £18.

Public contact: For more information or to book tickets visit http://www.beyondthewildwood.com/

Follow the characters on Twitter in the lead up to the production @YorkMole @YorkBadger @YorkRatty @YorkToad @YorkWeasel

Press contact: Rebecca Storey, Press & Media Manager, York Theatre Royal, Tel: 01904 550149, Email: Rebecca.storey@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

York Theatre Royal pulls into Waterloo Station

4 July - 4 September 2010

The Railway Children, a York Theatre Royal production, is presented in London in association with the National Rail Museum by Jenny King and Matthew Gale for The Touring Consortium (Railway Children), Tristan Baker, Oliver Royds, PW Productions and Sue Scott Davison.

Welcome to Yorkshire recently announced that it would be sponsoring York Theatre Royal's production of The Railway Children in its transfer to London this summer. Moving into a brand new theatre space to be created at the old Eurostar terminal, it's set to be THE summer event for 2010. The Welcome to Yorkshire Theatre will open its doors on the 4 July, where the magical family production is booking until the 4 September, 2010. Mike Kenny's adaptation of E. Nesbit's novel was first created by York Theatre Royal in association with the National Railway Museum in 2008 and its London transfer will coincide with the 40^th anniversary of the Academy Award nominated film.

Public contact: Visit http://www.railwaychildrenwaterloo.com/ for more information about the production and to book tickets, or call the box office on 0871 297 0740.

Press contact: Rebecca Storey, Press & Media Manager, York Theatre Royal, Tel: 01904 550149, Email: Rebecca.storey@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

July Events 2010

Festival of British Archaeology

The Battlefield of Marston Moor: In the Footsteps of Cromwell

22 July

7pm, £3.  Meet at the monument on the Tockwith Road, Long Marston.

An evening walk across Marston Moor with archaeologist and re-enactor Russell Marwood. Your guide will describe the known facts and explore the myths regarding the biggest battle on English soil. Very sturdy footwear and outdoor clothing are a must. Please be aware that the tour includes walking on some difficult terrain and crossing some fast roads.

Public contact: Pre-booking essential on 01904 615505.  This event can also be booked online at http://www.jorvikbookings.com/

Marston Moor: A Guide to the Battle

28 July

10am, £15.  Departs York City Centre.

An all-day visit to Marston Moor with archaeologist and re-enactor Russell Marwood. Very sturdy footwear and outdoor clothing are a must. Please be aware that the tour includes walking on some difficult terrain and crossing some fast roads. Includes lunch.

Public contact: Pre-booking essential on 01904 615505.  This event can also be booked online at http://www.jorvikbookings.com/

DIG

30 July - 1 August

Forgotten Crafts

10am - 4pm

Free

Learn how the crafts of Viking-era York are inspiring the world of computer games with the Dismorphia team, then see these ancient skills in action with a variety of expert crafters. Includes a chance to get hands-on to create your own artefacts.

1 August

Hungate Open Day

10am-3pm

Free

Behind the Scenes at Conservation, York Archaeological Trust (YAT).

11am

Free

Find out what happens to artefacts after archaeologists have unearthed them with this exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of YAT's renowned Conservation Department. Places are limited: pre-booking essential (01904 615505). Meet at YAT front gate at 11am (47 Aldwark, YO1 7BX).

York Archaeological Trust

Battlefield Walks

20 July 2010

York against the Vikings: Fulford

7pm, departs Bay Horse pub car park, Fulford; £5 adult, £3 concession (inc. Friends of YAT and Battlefield Trust members)

A walk across the controversial battlefield of Fulford with expert guides exploring the various theories that attempt to interpret this fascinating site.  Please wear outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear.

Public contact: Pre-booking is essential on 01904 615505.  This event can also be booked online at http://www.jorvikbookings.com/

26 July

York against the Vikings: Stamford Bridge

7.15pm, departs Swordsman pub car park, Stamford Bridge; £5 adult, £3 concession inc. Friends of YAT and Battlefield Trust members)

The second walk in the series of two Viking battle walks with expert guides.  An evening's stroll across farmland and along riverbank before settling down to a BBQ at the Swordsman public house (optional).  Please wear outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear.

Public contact: Pre-booking is essential on 01904 615505.  This event can also be booked online at http://www.jorvikbookings.com/

1 August

Dukes, Earls and Nursery Rhymes: Yorkshire at War in the 15th century

9.15am, departs York city centre, £20 adult, £15 concession (inc. Friends of YAT and Battlefield Trust members)

A coach tour to include a guided walk around Pontefract Castle, with a visit to their dungeon where Cromwell's soldiers carved their names in 1645, followed by a visit to Sandal Castle to explore the history of its many sieges.  The day closes with visits to Wakefield's Chantry Chapel and site of the Battle of Wakefield (1460).  Guide and author Helen Cox updates the battle's traditional interpretation.  Please wear outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear.

Public contact: Pre-booking essential on 01904 615505.  This event can also be booked online at http://www.jorvikbookings.com/

22 August

Bishops, Rebels and Excellent Fair: Yorkshire at War in the 14th century

2.30pm, meet outside Black Bull public house in Boroughbridge market place; £10 adult, £8 concession (inc. Friends of YAT and Battlefield Trust members)

An afternoon visiting the 14th-century battlefields of Myton-upon-Swale and Boroughbridge with guide Julian Humphrys, author and Development Officer at The Battlefields Trust.  The day will be completed with a short talk on the Battlefields Trust and optional meal in the 13th century Black Bull Inn, Boroughbridge. Please wear outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear.

Public contact: Pre-booking essential on 01904 615505.  This event can also be booked online at http://www.jorvikbookings.com/

York Mansion House

A Medieval Miscellany

16 July

5.30pm, 7pm, 8.30pm

£5 adult, £4 concession

To celebrate the advent of the York Mystery Plays, York Archaeological Trust presents readings and performances from some of the most beguiling texts of the Middle Ages, all in the splendid setting of the state room in York Mansion House. Includes a glass of wine or a soft drink option. Pre-booking essential: 01904 615505.

Public contact: Pre-booking essential on 01904 615505.  This event can also be booked online at http://www.jorvikbookings.com/

Press Contact: Partners PR, Karen Nixon 01904 610077 karen@partners-group.co.uk

Barley Hall

650th Birthday of Barley Hall

24 July 2010

Built with timbers that were felled in the summer of 1360, Barley Hall has witnessed hundreds of turbulent years in York's history. Celebrate its birthday and enjoy dances and medieval games. But beware: anyone caught misbehaving risks being put in the pillory...

Normal admission prices apply.

Press Contact: Partners PR, Karen Nixon 01904 610077 karen@partners-group.co.uk

Fairfax House

The Art of Sir Joshua Reynolds

Monday 5 July, 7pm

National Centre for Early Music

Part of the Fairfax House lecture series for 2010, ‘The Art of Sir Joshua Reynolds' will feature Professor Mark Hallett from the University of York who will take a closer look at the work of the famous Georgian artist, Sir Joshua Reynolds.  The focus will be on his celebrated portraiture and the ways in which he displayed his works at the new exhibitions that proliferated in the last decades of the 18th century.

Clocks, Cogs & Wheels

Tuesday 27 July, 7pm

Horologist  David Barker will reveal the intricate details of the Noel Terry collection of clocks and disassemble and reassemble one to reveal its construction and interior workings of a timepiece. 

Public contact: For more detailed information about any of the activities happening throughout 2010, please visit http://www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk/ , email info@fairfaxhouse.co.uk or ring 01904 655543.  Press contact: Hannah Philip, tel: 01904 655543 email: hannahphilip@yorkcivictrust.co.uk or Melanie Paris, tel: 01904 647408, email: hello@melanieparis.com

Treasurer's House

Breakfast Club

Sunday 11 July (also 12 September, 16 October (Sat), 21 November), 11am

Enjoy a full Edwardian-style breakfast in the historic Tearoom. A fabulous brunch of 4 courses including bucks fizz, fruit compote, creamy porridge, followed by a choice of hot main course (vegetarian option available) and toast served with jam, homemade marmalade and freshly brewed tea and coffee.

Cost: £18.25 (includes admission to the house)

Booking: Booking essential.  Suitable for children 10 years and over

Open Cabinets

Wednesday 14 July

11am- 4.30pm

Ever wondered what lies behind the doors of some of our furniture?

Here's the chance to see with the third in a series of "Open Cabinets" days at Treasurer's House.

Cost: Normal house admission applies

Booking: No booking required

Tea and Tunes

Sunday 18 July

Enjoy a nostalgic afternoon in the historic surrounding of Treasurer's House tearoom with a traditional English High Tea of sandwiches, potted meat, scones and delicate cakes served while music plays.

Cost: £12.50 per person. Upgrade to a Champagne High Tea for £15.50

Booking: Booking essential.

Roman Summer

Saturday 24 July - Monday 30 August

Daily 11am-4.30pm (Closed Fridays)

The Romans left Britain 1600 years ago this year. As Treasurer's House has some intriguing links to the Romans, we will be marking the occasion with a Roman themed summer trail and activities for children. Special dishes in the tearoom with a Roman theme and the chance to hear more about the famous Roman ghost sightings by joining the cellar tour.

Cost: Children's trail free, normal house admission applies.

Cellar tour, charges apply (inc NT Members), min age 8 years.

Booking: No booking required.

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; http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

The Quilt Museum and Gallery

New Exhibitions

‘Sewing in Wartime' and ‘Under African Skies'

10 July to 16 October 2010

When it comes to ‘Make Do and Mend' wartime quilts can divulge some interesting stories - one of which begun in Canada...

During World War II, when the bombing of British cities was at its height, Canadian needlewomen made and donated some 25,000 quilts to British war relief.  The quilts, often in red, white and blue or with special ‘V for Victory' printed fabric, were gathered in Canada by the Canadian Red Cross Society and distributed in Britain by the Salvation Army, the ARP and the WVS.  Although many carried the names of the individuals or groups, most had a label which said: ‘Gift of CANADIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY.  Many have survived and a selection of these will be included in the Quilt Museum's new exhibition.

Under African Skies is the story of one quilter's 10-year journey to source African fabrics.  Magie Relph often spends up to eight weeks each year ‘on the road in Africa riding crowded buses and the occasional horse-drawn cart visiting suppliers and sourcing new artisan producers.  The exhibition will include a selection of quilts made with African fabrics and also displays of the fabrics themselves and information about their provenance and makers.

Public contact: From April through September, the Quilt Museum is now open on Mondays. 10am-4pm.  The only day it is closed is Sunday. Visit http://www.quiltmuseum.org.uk/ for more information.

Press contact: Janet Rae - email janrae@ednet.co.uk

York Theatre Royal

Tales From Kafka

1 - 3 July 2010

7.45pm, Studio Theatre, Tickets: £10 (Thu) £12 (Fri & Sat) £5 students & u25s

Adapted and directed by Juliet Forster

Out of Character in association with York Theatre Royal

Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Franz Kafka. Drawing on a rich vein of early writing and less well-known short stories, this entirely new play presents a layering and interweaving of eerie dreamscapes. It is shot through with Kafka's hallmark foreboding and alienation, absurdist humour and struggling humanity.

Out of Character make challenging work for inquisitive audiences with the aim of transcending the boundaries of modern theatre and your perceptions of mental health. The fine line between madness and genius, inspiration and medication.

Public contact: For a full list of events happening at York Theatre Royal in July or to make a booking, visit http://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/ or telephone 01904 623568.

Press contact: Rebecca Storey, Press & Media Manager, York Theatre Royal, Tel: 01904 550149, Email: Rebecca.storey@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

National Centre for Early Music

York Early Music Festival 
Friday 9 - Saturday 17 July 2010

In 2010, the Festival takes the theme of Musical Marriages as the inspiration for a host of concerts, lectures and workshops designed to celebrate marriage in all senses of the word, from grand ceremonial occasions to intimate pieces written for composers' spouses. The festival will also be reflecting the "marriages" of different musical styles and genres from the Middle Ages to the High Baroque. 

The 30-or-so events that make up the Festival offer many musical jewels - not least Monteverdi's 1610 Vespers publication, a masterpiece which has been chosen to celebrate in particular detail across three concerts. To mark the 200th anniversary of Schumann's birth both Frauenliebe und Leben and Myrthen with soprano Barbara Schlick and tenor James Gilchrist accompanied by Peter Seymour. Guest artists from overseas also include lutenist Hopkinson Smith, Musica Fiata, Capella Ducale and Ensemble Lucidarium, and of course we are delighted to welcome many UK-based musicians including The Sixteen, London Baroque and Fretwork

Curios

Friday 2 July

Adults £13, Concessions £11, Students £5

Curios follow a best album nomination with a richly deserved victory in the Best Band category at the last ever BBC Jazz Awards. Drawing on eclectic passions (including iconic pianist Brad Mehldau, romantic classical music and motorsport journalism) Curios' musical world is self-contained and yet utterly expansive, shifting effortlessly from moments of real beauty to passages of fiery explosiveness.

NCEM Friday 2 July 7.30pm Adults £13.00 | Concessions £11.00 | Students £5.00

Public contact: Please call the Box Office on 01904 658338 or visit http://www.ncem.co.uk/

Press contact: Melanie Paris, tel: 01904 632220, email: Melanie.Paris@ncem.co.uk

Castle Howard

Craft and Produce Market

13 July

Enjoy over 20 stalls selling a unique range of handcrafted gifts and tasty Yorkshire produce.  The market is located in the Stable Courtyard at Castle Howard, and is open from 10.00am until 4.00pm with free entry.

Castle Howard Triathlon

Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July 2010

The Castle Howard Triathlon is part of the Castle Triathlon Series consisting of four races throughout the summer, providing an open platform for triathletes of all abilities and ages to compete nationally.

Race distances at Castle Howard are as follows:

The Brideshead Revisited:
800m swim, 46km cycle, 10km run

The Brideshead:
400m swim, 23km cycle, 5km run

The Garfield (13 - 15 yrs):
300m swim, 10km cycle, 4km run

The Garfield (11-12 yrs):
200m swim, 5km cycle, 2km run

The Garfield (8-10 yrs):
100m swim, 5km cycle, 1.3km run

Public contact: For more information, or to book your place, visit http://www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk/ or telephone 01892 870681.  Entry prices start at £50.

ArtsMix Contemporary Art Market

25 July 2010

Castle Howard's contemporary art markets showcase work by up-and-coming Yorkshire designers and artisans; presenting work including ceramics, textiles, jewellery, sculpture, paintings and fashions.  These events, organised in conjunction with Leeds-based Artsmix (http://www.artsmix.co.uk/) are located in the Stable Courtyard at Castle Howard and are open from 10.00am until 4.00pm.

Public contact:  Telephone 01653 648621or email house@castlehoward.co.uk

Press contact: Rachel Jack, telephone 01653 648624 or email rjack@castlehoward.co.uk

North York Moors

National Parks Week

25 July - 1 August

National Parks Week is an annual event celebrated by the UK's 15 National Parks; this year's theme is cultural heritage. Find out more about the landscape, people and wildlife of these treasured places at a range of events taking place up and down the country.

In the North York Moors National Park there is a big event to launch the week at The Moors National Park Centre at Danby on Sunday 25 July. A living history group will bring key stages of the North York Moors' heritage to life and there will be cookery, craft and sheep sheering demonstrations. For children there will be plenty of hands-on activities including archery, candle rolling and pot making.

Throughout the week poets, story tellers and singers will be at the National Park Centres at Danby and Sutton Bank. There are also guided walks and adventure days including canoeing, climbing and a Bushcraft walkabout.

Public contact: Go to www.moors.uk.net/events for more information.

Farming and Flowers

Sunday 4 July

1.45pm

Chris Wilson's farm at Hackness in the North York Moors National Park is a riot of colour at this time of year thanks to an abundance of cornfield flowers. One of the National Park's Cornfield Flowers Project Co-ordinators, Chris has been instrumental in helping to bring a number of our rare arable flowers back from the verge of extinction. He works with volunteers, farmers and landowners to explain the importance of these beautiful plants to a wide range of insects and animals.

Join Chris on a free guided walk around his farm and find out what you can do to help safeguard our wildflower population. Places are limited so booking is advisable - call 01439 772738.

Moors & Dales

Sunday 18 July

9.45am

Join voluntary ranger, Roger MacKintosh, on a scenic walk through the heart of the North York Moors National Park. From The Moors National Park Centre in Danby you'll catch Moorsbus (a network of buses linking the National Park's attractions and scenic spots) to The Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge. In Roger's capable hands, you'll wend your way back along a ten mile route that takes you across rolling heather moorland and through lush green dales. The walk passes through Rosedale which is rich in archaeological gems including an old railway and signs of a bustling mining industry and the tranquil Fryup Dale with its patchwork of farmland and drystone walls.

Public contact: The walk costs £2.50 (not including Moorsbus ticket). Call 01439 772738 to book a place.

For more information on any of the events above or to book, 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

August Events 2010

Yorkshire Museum

Reopens 1 August after £2million investment

Yorkshire Day will see the grand unveiling of the redeveloped Yorkshire Museum following a £2 million investment project, which has taken shape over the last 9 months.

The fascinating early history of York - the capita of the North of England - is to be told through groundbreaking research and internationally important collections at one of the oldest purpose built museums in the world.

The city's Roman heritage will be the central theme for the new look museum, with major exhibitions also highlighting its strong medieval and natural history collections. 

The museum is also set to include a new learning level and a stunning audio visual introduction to the History of York in our 300 seat auditorium - the ideal first port of call for any trip to York. 

Public contact: For more details go to http://www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk/

Press contact: For more information please contact Lee Clark, Media Coordinator at York Museums Trust on 01904 687673 or email lee.clark@ymt.org.uk

York Minster

Stone Carving Festival

14 - 15 August 2010

Masons, Carvers, Sculptors and Apprentices from across Britain and abroad will descend on York Minster in August, as it holds The Stone Carving Festival for the first time in ten years.

The festival is the first to be held since the hugely successful York Stone Festival in 2000, when the octagonal stone bench in Dean's Park, behind the Minster was created.  Up to eighty Masons and Carvers will be working on stones in the Minster School Grounds during the festival, to be held on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 August.  The public are invited to come and meet the Carvers and Masons on Saturday and Sunday, witnessing their individual interpretation of the theme within the stones they will be working on.

The stones will then be auctioned off to the public on Sunday and all the proceeds will be divided between York Minster Fund and York Against Cancer.

Please check http://www.yorkminster.org/ for regular updates.

Press contact: Kendal Mosley-Chalk, Communications and Marketing Officer,

Tel: 01904 557248 / 07540 883 407 Email: kendalm@yorkminster.org

Fairfax House

Children's Day: Meet the Fairfax's

Friday 6 August

12 noon and 3pm

A special event allowing young people to hear personal stories from costumed characters including Lord Fairfax, Anne and their servants about what it was like to live in a Georgian townhouse in the 18^th century.

Dress to Impress

Until Sunday 29 August 2010 

A special exhibition of costume looking at the fabulous clothing worn by members of 18^th century polite society and exploring and revealing the exquisite fabrics and extravagant ornamentation used.

Public contact: For more detailed information about any of the activities happening throughout 2010, please visit http://www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk/ , email info@fairfaxhouse.co.uk or ring 01904 655543.  Press contact: Hannah Philip, tel: 01904 655543 email: hannahphilip@yorkcivictrust.co.uk or Melanie Paris, tel: 01904 647408, email: hello@melanieparis.com

Castle Howard

Craft and Produce Market

10 August

Enjoy over 20 stalls selling a unique range of handcrafted gifts and tasty Yorkshire produce.  The market is located in the Stable Courtyard at Castle Howard and is open from 10.00am until 4.00pm with free entry.

Great British Proms Spectacular

21 August

Enjoy the very Best of British this summer at the famous Castle Howard Proms Spectacular on Saturday 21 August.   The Proms is always a highlight of the Yorkshire events calendar. This year is no exception and promises to be the ‘must have' ticket of the summer. 

The Great British Proms Spectacular is a celebration of 10 years of the Proms Spectacular at Castle Howard, and we'll be celebrating with an evening of unrivalled magical family entertainment with all your favourites from the Proms and some new surprises added too!

A celebration just isn't complete without fireworks and this year's finale promises to be the biggest ever seen at Castle Howard.  Thousands of fireworks will fill the skies above Yorkshire in the most breathtaking spectacle.

It's a picnic, it's a classical rave, it's a party, it's another excuse to get your friends together and have fun.  Make the memory of a lifetime this summer with friends and loved ones and come and experience the magic for yourselves.  Visit http://www.castlehowardlive.com/

Artsmix Contemporary Art Market

Sunday 29 to Monday 30 August

Castle Howard's contemporary art markets showcase work by up-and-coming Yorkshire designers and artisans; presenting work including ceramics, textiles, jewellery, sculpture, paintings and fashions.  These events, organised in conjunction with Leeds-based Artsmix (http://www.artsmix.co.uk/) are located in the Stable Courtyard at Castle Howard and are open from 10.00am until 4.00pm.

Public contact:  Telephone 01653 648621or email house@castlehoward.co.uk

Press contact: Rachel Jack, telephone 01653 648624 or email rjack@castlehoward.co.uk

York Theatre Royal

Coram Boy

26 - 28 August

7pm, 1.30pm (Sat), Main House

Tickets from £10 to £16, £5 students & u25s

Youth Theatre Royal Youth Theatre present

Directed by Kate Plumb

Aaron, the abandoned heir to a great estate and his friend Toby, saved from an African slave ship, seek the parents who left them at The Coram Hospital for Deserted Children. Eighteenth century England closes around them as Handel's Messiah sets the tone and tempo in this outstanding piece of contemporary drama.

Originally produced at the National Theatre, Coram Boy was nominated for Olivier, Tony, Drama desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards.

Public contact: For a full list of events happening at York Theatre Royal in August or to make a booking, visit http://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/ or telephone 01904 623568.

Press contact: Rebecca Storey, Press & Media Manager, York Theatre Royal, Tel: 01904 550149, Email: Rebecca.storey@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

National Centre for Early Music

Musical Play in a Week

16-20 August

10am - 4pm - culminating in a performance for friends and family at 7pm on Friday 20 August

This year's musical play in a week is 'Oak Apple Day'. The play tells the story of Charles II's return to London in 1660, after the death of Oliver Cromwell.  A great celebration is planned for the occasion, but, as a band of young performers soon discover, everything is not as it seems, and the king himself is in great danger.  Can they uncover the plot and

rescue the king in time?

Public contact: Visit http://www.ncem.co.uk/ for more information.

York Designer Outlet

Celebrate the Best of British at York Designer Outlet

28-29 August 2010

On Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th August, York Designer Outlet will come alive with a Best of British event. A wide range of family entertainment will take place all day at the centre showcasing the very best of British style and entertainment. There will be lots to do for all the family including an outdoor cinema showing classic British film and TV, afternoon tea and much more as well as some fantastic offers from your favourite British brands.

Public Contact: Sally Gilbank 01904 682705  sally.gilbank@mcarthurglen.com

Press contact: Mammy Kufuor at Citypress 0161 2350314 mammy@citypress.co.uk

North York Moors

Canoe the Esk

Tuesday 3, Saturday 14 and Tuesday 24 August

The River Esk starts high up on the moorland of the North York Moors National Park before wending its way through the charming villages of the Esk Valley and out to sea at Whitby. Find out about the creatures that live in the river and along its banks on a day canoeing from Ruswarp to Whitby. There will be expert instructors on hand and all equipment is provided. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Public contact: The day costs £32.50 and booking is advisable to secure a place. Call 01439 772738 for more information.

Sailing

4, 11, 20 August 2010

Have a fun and action packed day sailing at Scaling Dam reservoir, the largest expanse of fresh water in the North York Moors National Park. You can try your hand at sailing in the hands of qualified instructors.

Public contact: The cost is £30 per person. Call 01439 772738 for more information and to book a place.

Please note that this event is not suitable for children under 10.

‘Wild living'

Various dates throughout August

Go back to basics and learn how to live free from the land on one of several survival days in the North York Moors National Park.

Go on a Bushcraft Walkabout through Rosedale on Thursday 5 August, stopping along the way to build shelters and investigate animal tracks and signs. The day costs £20 and is open to children aged 13 and over.

The Moors National Park Centre is offering an action packed ‘Hideaway in the Woods' day on Friday 6 August. Build a weatherproof shelter from materials found in the woodland which will be tested to see how watertight it is! The day costs £15 and is suitable for children aged 9 to 14.

At the Centre on Thursday 19 August children can take part in a Bushcraft Skills day where they'll learn to light a fire without matches, make string from natural materials and build a variety of shelters. The day is suitable for children aged 9 to 14 and costs £15.

On 17 and 25 August a one day journey into the forest is on offer where children can learn bushcraft skills, species and wild food identification, folklore and navigation. The day costs £30 and is suitable for children aged 8 and over.

Public contact for Wild Living: A packed lunch is required for all these events and booking is advisable to guarantee a place. Call 01439 772738 for more information.

Cycling

Various dates throughout August

Two wheels are a great way to see the beautiful and diverse landscape of the North York Moors National Park. There are several guided bike rides taking place in August:

• On Tuesday 10 August pedal along the various cycle tracks and disused railway line between Stainsacre and Ravenscar with superb views of the stunning Heritage coastline. Cost is £5 per adult and £2.50 per child (price includes cycle hire and helmets).
• A four-mile family mountain bike ride along quiet roads and public bridleways around Sutton Bank National Park Centre is on offer on Sunday 15 August. There is a morning and afternoon session costing £3 per adult and £2 per child. You'll need to bring your own bike and helmet.
• For regular mountain bike riders,  the advanced family mountain bike ride on Saturday 28 August is the best way to explore the moors.  Starting from Sutton Bank National Park Centre this rewarding eight mile route will take you to some fantastic view points over the Vale of Mowbray. The day costs £3 for adults and £2 for children and you'll need to bring your own bike and helmet.

Public contact: For more information or to book a place on any of these rides, call 01439 772738.

Guided Walks

Various dates throughout August

August is a great time to be out in the fresh air of the North York Moors and with a different guided walk each week there's bound to be one that takes you to somewhere you've yet to explore.

• Join Mark Lewis, the National Park Authority's Interpretation Officer on Thursday 5 August for a 6.5 mile walk from Helmsley through woodland in Beck Dale and Ash Dale stopping for a picnic along the way.
• Go fossil hunting with Coastal Officer John Beech on Friday 13 August on a three mile walk along the shore from the old fishing village of Staithes to Port Mulgrave.
• Stretch your legs with Ranger Matthew Fitzgerald on a 12 mile walk through the tranquil Esk Valley on Saturday 21 August. This walk has some steep ascents but the spectacular views when you reach the top are worth the effort!
• Head to Levisham Moor on Sunday 22 August for a 3.5 mile walk with Senior Ranger David Smith. The British Falconers Club and some of their birds of prey will meet you on the moor to talk about their work.
• Discover archaeology, ancient rock art, birds and flowers on a five mile walk with Voluntary Ranger Dave Perry from Chop Gate to Great Broughton on Sunday 29 August.

Public contact for Guided Walks: The cost of the walks is between £2.50 and £3. Places are limited so call 01439 772738 to book a place.

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

Sunday 1 - Tuesday 31 August

Daily 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm

Normal admission prices apply

Join a free tour to discover fascinating facts and stories about the Abbey and monks. Meet at Porter's Lodge.

Mr Aislabie's Garden Tour

Sunday 1 - Tuesday 31 August

Daily 11.30am

Normal admission prices apply

Free tour taking in the grand design of the Georgian landscape including Deer Park and Water Garden. Meet at Porter's Lodge.

Get Medieval

Sunday 1 - Monday 2 August

10am - 5pm

Normal admission prices apply

Join the costumed re-enactors around their abbey encampment. Watch and take part in activities and demonstrations based on 15^th century life.

School Holiday Fun - Glorious Glass!

Saturday 1 - Tuesday 31 August

11am - 4pm

Normal admission prices apply

Free trails and drop in self-led activities for children in Swanley Grange.

It's A Monk's Life

Wednesday 4 - Thursday 26 August, (every Wednesday, Thursday & Friday only)

2pm

Join us for a family tour of the Abbey. Dress in monks' robes and learn about their daily life. Suitable for children aged 7 and over. £1.50 plus normal admission. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

World Heritage Site Tour

Thursday 5 August

10.30am

Normal admission prices apply

Take at tour to find out what makes Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal a World Heritage Site. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

St Mary's Church Tour

Saturday 7 August

11am

Free tour of the richly decorated Victorian High Gothic church designed by William Burges. Meet at St Mary's church.

Bees at Fountains!

Saturday 7 - Sunday 8 August

10.30am - 4.30pm

Normal admission prices apply

Come along and meet the experts to find out more about bees and beekeeping.

Deer Park Walk

Sunday 8 August

2pm

A family walk to enjoy the sight of 500 wild deer in the medieval Deer Park. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

Open Air Theatre - Pride and Prejudice

Saturday 14 August

7pm

Bring a picnic and enjoy the Jane Austen favourite, Pride and Prejudice, performed in the Abbey ruins. Adult £15 Child £12. Booking essential, tel. 0844 249 1895 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

Deer Park Walk

Wednesday 18 August

2pm

A family walk to enjoy the sight of 500 wild deer in the medieval Deer Park. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

Mass for St Bernard

Friday 20 August

12 noon

Normal admission prices apply

Ecumenical service in the Abbey. Everyone welcome.

Art Exhibition - Paintings by Alan Denyer

Saturday 21 - Saturday 28 August

10am - 5pm

Normal admission prices apply

Local artist Alan Denyer hosts an exhibition of his recent works in oils, watercolour and pastels.

St Mary's Church Tour

Tuesday 24 August

11am

Free tour of the richly decorated Victorian High Gothic church designed by William Burges. Meet at St Mary's church.

World Heritage Site Tour

Thursday 26 August

10.30am

Normal admission prices apply

Take at tour to find out what makes Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal a World Heritage Site. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

Teddy Bear's Picnic

Friday 27 August

2pm

Normal admission prices apply

Bring your Teddy Bear for a picnic and story-telling at Swanley Grange. Suitable for 4 - 9 year olds. £1.50 plus normal admission. Booking essential, tel. 01765 643166.

Georgian Day

Sunday 29 August

11am - 4pm

Normal admission prices apply

Step back in time and enjoy live performances of Regency music and dance in the Georgian Water Garden.

Fountains Hall Day

Monday 30 August

From 11am

Normal admission prices apply

A day of activities at Fountains Hall. The Elizabethan gardens and herb garden will be open with behind the scenes tours of the hall and refreshments available in the garden.

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

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Admission Prices:

Adult                £8.50

Child                £4.55

Under 5           FREE

Family             £21.60

National Trust and English Heritage Members FREE

Open daily 10am-5pm

Further information, Tel: Estate Office, 01765 608888 / http://www.fountainsabbey.org.uk/

Press contact: Please contact Alexa Morton, Visitor Experience and Marketing Manager, Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, Estate Office, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY.  Tel: 01765 643199. Email: alexa.morton@nationaltrust.org.uk

Events running throughout July and August 2010

National Railway Museum

Great Western Railway Reflections

28 May - 1 November

Free admission

This free new exhibition celebrates the 175^th anniversary of the founding of the Great Western Railway. The displays take a sideways look at the GWR through the nicknames by which it was known and showcases the NRM's collections of small objects, posters and paintings relating to the GWR.

Take a trip to the seaside

24 July - 5 September 2010

Summer has finally arrived so visitors can step on board for fun and frolics during the school holidays at the National Railway Museum. This year the museum is getting into the holiday spirit closer to home where you can find everything needed to keep the kids entertained for days. 

In celebration of the 175^th Great Western Railway anniversary, travel back in time to the 1930's which saw a flurry of exciting family trips to the seaside. Imagine travelling on route to the Cornish coast, sit back in style and enjoy a steam ride* pulled by legendary City of Truro in the South Yard.

The colourful South Yard is brimming with traditional seaside fun that will transport visitors to the coast in no time! To celebrate Yorkshire Day weekend (31 July - 1 August),  jokes are needed at the ready as the whole family can enjoy traditional, entertaining performances by Punch and Judy and see an amazing sand sculpture. There may event by chance to spot a donkey or two!

Bring a picnic, indulge in your favourite BBQ treats and play giant games on the grass, take a ride on the miniature railway and play in the adventure playground! Visitors can even put themselves in the picture and say cheese as snap them in 1930's holiday costume. There's an opportunity to win your very own giant garden game when taking part in the museums sizzling summer trail.

As well as two halls full of amazing objects and locomotives to explore, visitors can also take part in explosive science shows, watch lively theatre performances, ride the simulator, experience their favourite funfair rides* and listen to brand new storytelling sessions about the famous Royal Carriages.

*A small charge applies for steam rides and fairground rides.

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

York Art Gallery

Exhibition
China: Journey to the East
Until 5 September 2010
Main Gallery
Free
China: Journey to the East, supported by BP, a CHINA NOW legacy project, spans 3,000 years of Chinese history and culture, exploring themes of play and performance, technology, belief and festivals, food and drink, and language and writing.

China has been a major influence on many parts of the world through trade and the movement of peoples. Chinese Diaspora communities form a vital part of the history of many countries, including Britain.

This unique exhibition features over 100 objects from the British Museum, the largest loan of Chinese material the Museum has made in the UK.  The exhibition also includes objects from the collections of some of the partner museums and from elsewhere within their regions. The tour is organised through the British Museum's Partnership UK scheme.

York Mystery Plays

Until 8 September 2010 - (The manuscript is on show until 5 August )
Little Gallery
Free
The only surviving copy of an original manuscript of the world famous York Mystery Plays is going on show  in a special exhibition this spring.
The document, dating from the 15^th Century, is on loan to the gallery from the British Library in London.

It will feature alongside paintings and works on paper showing the original stopping places of the waggons in the city and other documents and artefacts from the time they first ran and when they were reintroduced in the 1950s.
The manuscript will go on show from April 3 until August 5 and will be opened at two different pages during its stay.

English Country Garden - A ceramic exhibition celebrating the joys of summer
Until 1 September
The Pot Gallery
Free

A garden of ceramic riches will spring in to life at York Art Gallery this summer.
An English Country Garden will see works inspired by plants, flowers, animals and birds displayed in a space inspired by beauty of a summer garden.
It will feature pieces by internationally renowned ceramicists such as Kate Malone and Rosemary Wren as well as Rockingham Pottery and items from the gallery's nationally important studio pottery collection.

This is the second exhibition to take place in the new Gallery of Pots, a designated space for the gallery's ceramics collection. 

Grand Opera House, York

Dolly. The Show -  A Celebration of the Leading Lady of Country is packed with hits such as 9 to 5, I will Always Love You, Islands in the Stream, Jolene, Here You Come Again. With special guest B.J. Thomas as Kenny Rogers.

Buddy Greco is a true Las Vegas Legend. He will perform hits such as 'The Lady is a Tramp', 'Around the World' and 'Girl Talk', but also recall amazing memories of his days with the Rat Pack, Marilyn Monroe and many other showbiz greats. Featuring 'Eastenders' and 'One Show' star Des Coleman as Sammy Davis Jnr.

York dance schools will be showcasing their work in July with Emma Bassett's Perform, Lesley Hill's Reflect With Attitude and Sara Swindell presents DISCOver Dance's annual dance show.

Guys and Dolls - the story of a group of small-time gamblers and the ladies in their lives!  The stage is set for an evening of high spirited entertainment, set to Frank Loesser's thrilling score, numbers such as Sit Down You're Rocking The Boat, Luck Be A Lady Tonight and Take Back Your Mink. Successful Stage Experience auditionees will have the chance to work alongside professionals in this two week project, which will culminate in four performances.

The Gruffalo is back! Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep dark wood... meet a wheeler-dealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl, a maraca-shaking, party-mad Snake! Mouse can scare these hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined...? 

The Birmingham Stage Company present George's Marvellous Medicine, Roald Dahl's story about a young boy who makes a marvellous new medicine to cure his grandmother of her terrifying temper. But when his grandmother drinks his special new potion, the most incredible things start to happen.

York Races

51^st  John Smith's Cup Meeting

Friday 9 - Saturday 10 July 2010

The informal party highlight of the year combines betting excitement and summer fun.  The support of the Tadcaster brewer makes this the longest running sponsorship on the flat anywhere in the world and the event is one of Yorkshire's finest.

Music Showcase Weekend

Friday 23 - Saturday 24 July 2010

Offering a little extra entertainment; top quality action on both the track and the live music stage.  These are integrated events and admission is not available on a "concert only" basis; indeed the gates will be closed at the time of the last race unless you have booked in advance.

Music Showcase Evening is the only evening of York's year on Friday 23 July combining competitive racing with live music from Madness.  The European Breeder's Fund Lyric Stakes is a Listed contest to reward talented fillies whilst Madness will take the stage to complete the evening's entertainment.

The music on Saturday 24 July will be provided by finalists from ITV's X Factor, Olly, Lucie, Rachel and Jamie will complete an afternoon of entertainment.

Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival

Tuesday 17 - Friday 20 August 2010 

The oldest, richest, fastest, and most famous races provide sporting excellence combined with fashion and fun over four fabulous days.

On all four days there will be a real sense of fashion, plenty of hats and sharp suits mixed with those sporting more relaxed summer clothing, however for many there remains an extra special feel about Thursday as its Ladies day, complete with the chance to win a trip to Dubai courtesy of Marriott hotels. The sporting action attracts the best fillies as the Group One Darley Yorkshire Oaks and Jaguar Cars Lowther Stakes are highly treasured titles.

Friday is a recent addition to this famous occasion and offers the chance to race into the weekend, perhaps enjoying a short break in historic York or the wider white rose county.  The fastest race of the season, the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes often decides the accolade of leading sprinter and is a blur of colour that needs to be seen and heard to be believed. The smile on the faces of connections of Borderlescott, the 2007/2008 dual champion, trained locally by the Bastiman family is one of the great memories of last year.

Public contact: For more information and to buy tickets for the 2010 horse racing season, visit http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/

Press contact: James Brennan Telephone: 01904 683940
Email: james.brennan@yorkracecourse.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 mailto:sl@visityork.org

Public Contact Details:

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