York Events News May & June 2011

11/04/2011

May Events 2011

YorkWalk - Royal Wedding

A new walk to celebrate this year's Royal wedding

Sunday 1 May, 10.30am and Sunday 31 July, 2.15pm

Tour departs from York Museum Gardens, no booking necessary

£5.50 adults £4 children under 5's free
Six Roman emperors, countless Anglo-Saxon & Viking kings and almost every medieval King from William the Conqueror to Henry VIII have visited the city-some welcomed, some coming in vengeance. The Stuart Kings frequently came to York but Queen Victoria 'was not amused' by her visit and never came again. More recent Royal Visits have been much more cordial and it was George VI who said 'The History of York is the History of England'.

Public contact: Visit http://www.yorkwalk.co.uk/, or contact Warwick Burton Tel: 01904 622303, Email: info@yorkwalk.co.uk

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

Residents Reminder...

Fairfax House, Treasurer's House and the Merchant Adventurers' Hall

Saturday 7- Thursday 12 May 2011

All three historical buildings were closed to the public in January during the annual Resident's Festival organised by Visit York, but York residents will have the chance to visit them from 7-12 May free of charge with a YORKCard.

Please contact individual attractions for opening hours.

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

York Minster

Royal British Legion 90th Anniversary Concert

Friday 6 May, 7.30pm

Tickets: £15 (front nave), £12 (rear nave), £8 (restricted view)

Part of the Concerts in Catherdrals series and featuring the Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland and Laura Wright (formerly of All Angels).

New Mill Male Voice Choir singing for York Against Cancer

Friday 14 May, 7.30pm

Tickets: £15 (front nave), £12 (rear nave), £8 (restricted view)

The prize winning New Mill Male Voice Choir featuring Sopranos Sarah Ogden and Stephanie Ball will be performing a wide repertoire of songs.

Minster Nights: Museum at Night

Sunday 15 May, 6.30pm - 9.30pm

Free entry

Visit the Minster at night to discover what lies beneath the great Minster. Explore the museum after hours and investigate how the environment affects the Minster and its historic objects and textiles. Go along to ‘To wear, or not to wear?' and tell them what you think!

*Please note: The museum is in the Undercroft of the Minster and there is no lift.

Mahler's 8th Symphony, a Symphony of a Thousand

Saturday 21 May, 7.30pm

Tickets: £35 (front nave), £25 (rear nave), £15 (restricted view)

"Try to imagine the whole universe beginning to ring and resound. There are no longer human voices, but planets and suns revolving." So Mahler described his Eighth Symphony, which in this performance will see the Guildhall Orchestra join forces with the Halle Choir, York Minster's choristers and the Leeds Festival Chorus to create a spectacular performance.

Guided Hidden Tours

Wednesday 25 May, 7pm and 8.30pm

Tickets: £12

Explore the Bell Towers, Masons' Loft or the 5 Sisters window - our expert guides will help you discover the parts of the Minster normally hidden from view.

Rachmaninov Vespers (performed by the Ebor Singers)

Saturday 28 May, 7.30pm

Tickets: £15

The Vespers in Racmaninov's greatest choral work, and probably the finest example of Russian Orthadox choral writing, where music and ritual are fused into a timeless expression of prayer.

Environment Celebration

Saturday 28 May, 10am - 4pm

Free (after admission to the Minster)

The day is a chance to celebrate our environment, and consider how our actions have an impact on the world around us. There will be drama from Riding Lights Theatre Company, exhibitions on what we can do to care for our environment, an art exhibition celebrating God's creation, and tours exploring the Minster's hidden green secrets. Fairly traded tea and coffee will be available throughout the day.

EXHIBITION

Royal Wedding

Until Wednesday 11 May

Free (after admission to the Minster)

In celebration of the Royal Wedding, York Minster will display unique items with royal connections and explore weddings in the cathedral.

EXHIBITION

Northern Guild of Glass Engravers Exhibition

Wednesday 4 May - Saturday 2 June

Free (after admission to the Minster)

An exhibition of engraved glass by members of the Northern Branch Guild of Glass Engravers.

Public contact: Visit http://www.yorkminster.org/ for more information about events and tours happening at York Minster.

Press contact: Lisa Sinclair, Communications and Marketing Officer,

Tel: 01904 557248

National Railway Museum

Driver, Draughtsman, Cleaner, Clerk: Running Britain's Railways

Until 15 May 2011

Free admission

An intriguing new exhibition in Search Engine, telling the personal, human stories behind the railway workers who built and ran Britain's railways and the jobs they did. These will be illustrated through photographs accompanied by the documents and objects they needed to do their day-to-day work. Take this opportunity to see un-seen items of the collection and find out ways you can look into your own family history and search for railway ancestors through the Search Engine facilities.

Royal's Weekend

29 April - 2 May 2011

Get in the mood for the Royal Wedding by marking the celebrations at the National Railway Museum, York. Enjoy interactive storytelling sessions about the royal trains throughout the weekend. Wander down the red carpet of our majestic Palaces on Wheels exhibition, home to the largest and finest collection of royal railway vehicles in the world.

Scotsman Preview Weekend

28 - 30 May 2011

Catch a glimpse of Flying Scotsman on the Turntable as her magnificent restoration nears completion. Join us for a sneak preview of the iconic locomotive in wartime LNER black for the first time since the 1940s, before her Apple Green livery is applied this summer.

Participate in a range of fun family activities including craft workshops, a Scotsman trail and daily talks about the locomotive and its restoration. Visitors can also see delicate archive material relating to the locomotive in search engine.

Flying Scotsman will be operating on the mainline in 2011. For further details check http://www.flyingscotsman.org.uk/ in the coming months.

May half term

28 May - 5 June 2011

Fun for all the family ahead of Flying Scotsman's official return, including craft activities, talks and tours, bagpipes, a Scotsman trail and exciting steam rides* in south yard. You can also see Flying Scotsman on the Turntable between 28 - 30 May. The iconic locomotive will be painted in wartime LNER black for the first time since the 1940s, before her Apple Green livery is applied this summer.

Public contact: For more information, visit http://www.nrm.org.uk/, telephone 08448 153 139 or email nrm@nrm.org.uk Press contact: Emma Rodgers, Tel: 01904 686262 Email: emma.rodgers@nrm.org.uk

Barley Hall

From Hamlet to Hollywood

Until 1 September 2011

10am - 5pm, normal admission prices apply

Explore the fascinating changes in fashion from the Tudors to the early twentieth century through this unique display of film and television costume worn by some of the best-loved stars of stage and screen. Find out how fashions have changed over time and how modern designers recreate these historic garments for film. With costumes worn by a host of actors, including Cate Blanchett, Colin Firth, Helena Bonham-Carter, Daniel Radcliffe, Elizabeth Taylor, Kate Winslet and Heath Ledger, and featuring costumes from The King's Speech, Sweeney Todd and the much-loved television series Lark Rise to Candleford, Pride and Prejudice and Cranford.

Make your own mini corsage or boutonnière

Saturday 28 May - Sunday 5 June

10.30am - 4pm, normal admission prices apply (plus £1 per corsage)

Add a touch of elegance to your outfit by using our craft materials to make one of these fun accessories.

Dressing Mr Darcy

Sunday 29 May

10am, 12pm, 2pm and 7pm, £10 (includes admission to the Hall and costume exhibition).

Explore the intricacies of the gentleman's wardrobe through this fascinating talk and demonstration. Pre-booking essential: 01904 615505.

A History of Hats

Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 May

10.30am - 4pm, normal admission prices apply

From yards of ribbons and frills of lace, to brightly coloured feathers and hat pins so big they are judged a public menace, come and discover the colourful history of hats with an opportunity to try on replicas and see how hats were embellished in the past.

Public contact: Visit http://www.barleyhall.org.uk/ for more information.

Press contact: Chris Tuckley, Events and Exhibitions Manager, York Archaeological Trust, Email: ctuckley@yorkat.co.uk

York St Mary's

NEW EXHIBITION

Thirty Pieces of Silver

28 May - 30 October 2011

More than a thousand flattened silver objects will be suspended in the nave of York St Mary's this spring. The work, entitled Thirty Pieces of Silver, is by internationally renowned artist Cornelia Parker and includes plates, spoons, candlesticks, trophies, cigarette cases, teapots and trombones, which Parker collected and then squashed with a steamroller. The objects will be arranged into thirty disc-shaped groups and suspended from the roof of the former church by fine wires, a few centimetres off the ground so that they seem to hover.

The installation is part of Art in Yorkshire - supported by Tate, a year long celebration of the visual arts in 19 galleries throughout Yorkshire. Works from Tate's Collection of historic, modern and contemporary art will be showcased through a compelling programme of exhibitions and events.

Public contact: York St Mary's is open from 10am-4pm and is FREE. For more information go to: http://www.yorkstmary's.org.uk/

Press contact: Lee Clark, Media Co-ordinator, Tel: 01904 687673, email: lee.clark@ymt.org.uk

Mansion House

May I have this Quadrille? Regency Dance at the Mansion House

Saturday 28th May

3pm, £5

Learn the basics behind the fashionable dances enjoyed by Jane Austen under the careful instruction of our dance mistress. Suitable for ages 16 and up. Pre-booking essential 01904 615505.

Press contact: Chris Tuckley, Events and Exhibitions Manager, York Archaeological Trust, Email: ctuckley@yorkat.co.uk

Fairfax House

Meet the Fairfaxes

Monday 30 May, 1pm

Tickets: £15 family ticket (2 adults, 2 children), £7.50 adults, £4 children

Meet Lord Fairfax, his daughter Anne and their domestic staff who will be making a return to give 21st century visitors their 18th century personal stories and perspectives on living in a Georgian townhouse. This is a special interactive experience and fun for all the family at half term.

Public contact: For more detailed information about any of the activities happening throughout 2011, please visit http://www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk/ email info@fairfaxhouse.co.uk or ring 01904 655543. Press contact: Hannah Phillip, tel: 01904 655543 email: hannahphillip@yorkcivictrust.co.uk

Bar Convent

Gluten-Free Food Fayre

Saturday 14 May, 10.30am - 2.30pm

Admission charge of £2 per adult - includes free entry for children and to the raffle

Running for the 9th consecutive year, the Gluten Free Food Fayre will be held at The Bar Convent, Blossom Street on Saturday 14 May.

The York Food Fayre was set up in 2003 to improve the awareness of celiac disease and give people with the condition the opportunity to speak direct with Gluten Free Food manufacturers and discover new products. Over 25 manufacturers including the major producers of Gluten Free Food plus many local companies will be participating. The Bar Convent Café will once again be opening its doors with a comprehensive Gluten Free menu so visitors can dine out without a worry.

Public and Press contact: For more information please contact Adrian Benson, Food Fayre Organiser, Tel: 01482 883347, Email: abenson@abenson.karoo.co.uk

National Centre for Early Music (NCEM)

The Grand Tour - Baroque Day

Saturday 7 May, 10.30am onwards

Tickets for all events £40.00 (concessions £35.00) Individual tickets also available.

The National Centre for Early Music are delighted to welcome the University of York back for their annual baroque day - capturing the essence of the European Grand Tour in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Concerts take place as follows: 10.30am - Paris: Charpentier, Couperin and Rameau; 1pm - London: Purcell and Handel; 3.30pm - Venice: Monteverdi, Banchieri and Gabrieli; 7pm - Leipzig: JS Bach and Telemann.

Sleeping Beauty & Alcestis

Tuesday 10 May, 7.30pm

Tickets £10 (concessions £8, students £5)

Forget the panto kitsch - Sleeping Beauty is a powerful tale of death and rebirth. In this magical performance, award-winning storyteller Daniel Morden breathes new life into one of our most haunting stories. Telling Sleeping Beauty alongside the beautiful Greek myth of Alcestis, and underscoring the tales with heart-stopping live music, Daniel (storyteller), Oliver (violin) and Dylan (guitar) conjure timeless images in the mind and stir deep emotions in the heart. Oliver and Dylan recently visited the NCEM as part of The Tea Hodzic Trio.

This show is not suitable for children under 12.

Grupo Lokito

Saturday 14 May, 7.30pm

Tickets £13 (concessions £11, students £5)

Grupo Lokito re-connects Latin and Congolese music in an exuberant explosion of sound. Cuban Rumba was a hot trend in West-African music in the 50s, and the group brings this style back to life with their own fresh take on it. Lokito features ‘world-famous at home' guitarists Burkina Faso and Limousinem Kinshasa-based singer and dancer Jose Hendrix Ndelo and British salsa pianist Sara McGuinness, fusing their extensive experience in their respective musical traditions into an exciting style that can only be classified as ‘Lokito'.

Tim Kliphuis Trio

Saturday 21 May, 7.30pm

Tickets: £13 (concessions £11, students £5)

Dutch fiddler Tim Kliphuis and his Trio are fast gaining a reputation as one of the most imaginative, exciting and entertaining acts on the acoustic scene. They combine Gypsy, Classical, Folk, Tango, World music and Grappelli jazz to create an inspired and daring fusion with soulful melodies, driving rhythms and funky chords. The Trio, featuring the virtuoso guitar of Nigel Clark and the rock-steady bass of Roy Percy, is critically acclaimed on both sides of the Atlantic.

Public contact: For more information and to book tickets, please call the Box Office on 01904 658338 or visit the website at http://www.ncem.co.uk/

Press contact: Melanie Paris, Tel: 01904 632220, Email: Melanie.paris@ncem.co.uk

Quilt Museum and Gallery

NEW EXHIBITIONS

‘Celebrations' and ‘Made in Yorkshire'

7 May to 29 August 2011

Wedding and christening gowns are just two of the celebratory items that will be included in the Quilt Museum's main exhibition opening this May.

In years past, quilts were often made to mark significant milestones in life such as birth, marriage and anniversaries. The same techniques used in these quilts , namely patchwork and quilting, were also used in costume. This new exhibition focuses on these happy events and comes at a time when Royal weddings are very much in the news.

Exhibits will include a corded silk grosgrain wedding dress and jacket made by a Dutch woman for her English niece in 1954 and a quilted wedding gown made by the well known North Country quilter Amy Emms for her daughter in 1957.

The ‘Made in Yorkshire' exhibition is the result of an invitation by the Quilt Museum to individual textile artists working in the area including; Philippa Naylor, Serena Partridge, Gillian Travis, Fiona Wilson, Christine Shaw, Alison Bramley, Dionne Swift, Sallie Temple, Christine Heath and Karen Griffiths.

Public Contact: Email info@quiltmuseum.org.uk or visit http://www.quiltmuseum.org.uk/

Press Contact: janrae@ednet.co.uk

York Theatre Royal

The Crucible

Saturday 7 to Saturday 28 May, Main House in the round

7.30pm with 2.30pm (Sat) matinees

The ensemble season opens with what has been described as one of the most outstanding plays of the Twentieth Century. The scene is set in a small town in seventeenth century Massachussetts, during the Salem witch trials. When a group of girls are discovered dancing in the woods late one night, rumours of witch-craft and devil worshipping spread through the small community, setting off a series of irreversible events. This classic text by Arthur Miller will be brought to life by a cast of 12 professional actors and 8 final year drama students from the Royal Academy of Music and Drama in their first professional roles.

What Light

Wednesday 11 to Saturday 21 May, Studio

1.30pm, 2pm, 7.45pm

A co-production between Pilot Theatre, Elsinor Teatro, Milan and RSAMD

The scene is set in 2061, and it's a different world for fourteen year old Sid. No school, no shops, no internet, no escape from the rain that keeps on falling...but it's the only life he's ever known. Then one day a girl with blood on her hands appears and the world begins to change. Together they discover life wasn't always like this and find out what really happened to all the bright lights and good times. One of the new plays to be commissioned for young people as part of Platform 11+, A European Culture 2008 project with 12 Countries across Europe.

European Platform Festival

Tuesday 24 to Saturday 28 May

A week of performances, play readings and workshops from countries including Italy, Finland and Portugal together with performances from young people in York. For more information visit http://www.pilot-theatre.com/

Sherlock Homes...The Death and Life

Tuesday 31 May to Thursday 2 June, Studio

7.45pm

Roger Llewellyn returns in this spine tingling new play, written by David Stuart Davies, and directed by Gareth Armstrong with original music by Simon Slater.

Public contact: To find out more information about what's happening at York Theatre Royal in May with a full list of productions and prices or to buy tickets, 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

Bedern Hall

Your Local Lunch

Tuesday 10 May

Your Local Lunch is a chance to enjoy fresh local food with friends and family over lunchtime - noon to 2pm. Membership costs just £12 for the year (that's £1 per month) and gives you:

• 2 course lunch with coffee at your first Your Local Lunch

• Advance notice of Lunch dates and other events at Bedern Hall

• Discount on events at Bedern Hall

• Benefits and discounts when you book Bedern Hall for your own celebrations or business meetings

The Thursday Night Club

Thursday 26 May, 7pm - 11pm

£26 per ticket including welcome drink and 2 course supper

Drama and food combine in a tribute to Agatha Christie.

Public contact: For more information visit http://www.bedernhall.co.uk/ or to make a booking call free on 0808 180 0099. Or to call the hall direct tel: 01904 646030.

Press contact: Roger Lee, email; roger@bedernhall.co.uk, Tel: 01904 646030.

York Designer Outlet

Race day style advice at McArthurGlen York Designer Outlet

Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May

Shoppers can enjoy expert style advice on race day fashion at McArthurGlen York Designer Outlet on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th May.

The races style weekend will showcase perfect race day outfits for both men and women from brands including LK Bennett, Ted Baker, Hugo Boss and Daks within the centres parade ring. McArthurGlen York's Personal Style Advisor will be on hand to give free style advice for anybody looking for race day outfits before the big York meetings in June, July and August. Shoppers can also enjoy refreshments and extra discounts during the weekend including an extra 10% off at participating stores.

The free style consultations will run between 10am and 5pm at the north entrance.

Public contact: For further information please visit http://www.yorkdesigneroutlet.com/ or call 01904 682700.

Press contact: Imogen Fry & Monique Cockerill, Rain Communications UK - 020 7828 0118/ imogen.fry@raincommunications.co.uk / Monique.cockerill@raincommunications.co.uk

Yorkshire Air Museum

Battlegroup North

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 May

Normal admission rates apply of £7 adult, £5 senior citizens and £4 children

This unique event combines three distinct themes into one amazing event. Firstly, it includes the Yorkshire Military Vehicle Trust ‘Wings & Wheels Show, with the largest gathering of historic military vehicles to be seen in the North of England, with some 200 vehicles or more expected to attend. These include wartime Jeeps, and then trucks, artillery vehicles, half-tracks and even the odd tank or two for an incredible spectacle. Then there is the Wargaming Show, with some superb displays of precision modelling battle scenarios, with display and participation games on offer for the kids to enjoy. There will also be Living History displays and plenty of authentic kit and costumes, from the WWII era onwards. Yorkshire Air Museum has been allocated a Spitfire flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for the Saturday, providing an evocative spectacle in the sky - weather permitting of course!

Public contact: Visit http://www.yorkshireairmuseum.org/ or telephone 01904 608595

Press contact: Ian Richardson, email: pr@yorkshireairmuseum.org, Tel: 01904 608718 / 07740 992 832.

A crash course in writing romance at the University of York

Saturday 21 May 2011, 9:30am-4:30pm
£35 full fee/£25 means-tested benefits (evidence required)
Enrolments can be made online @ http://store.york.ac.uk
A one-day workshop specifically designed for those who have always thought they'd like to try writing a romance, but haven't really known where to start. Taught by award-winning Harlequin Mills & Boon® author Jessica Hart, the course will focus on how to invest a story with the emotional tension that is key to the success of any romance. We'll be looking at how to create an engaging and sympathetic heroine and an irresistible hero, as well as a plot that will keep the readers turning the pages to a satisfying end. Working in groups, we will have created the outline of a story together by the end of the day. This is the social side of writing, and the most fun, so come prepared to participate!
Pamela Hartshorne BA MA PhD

Public contact: For more information contact the Centre for Lifelong Learning at the University of York, 3 Innovation Close, Tel: 01904 328473.

Castle Howard

Made in Yorkshire' Market in the Courtyard

Tuesday 10 May

Craft and produce market in the Courtyard at Castle Howard, featuring over 20 stalls selling a mix of handmade crafts and delicious produce made or grown in Yorkshire. While visiting the market, pop into Castle Howard Farm Shop, Garden Centre, Gift Shop and Café - open from 10.00am with free admission and parking.

‘Myths and Monsters', Storytelling Weekend

Sunday 29 to Monday 30 May (Bank Holiday Weekend)

Listen to Castle Howard's magical tales from myths and legends. Follow the monster trail through the grounds, but beware - you never know who or what you may meet along the way! Activities include costumed characters, storytelling, face painting, myths and monster trail and much more! All activities are included in the admission price.

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

Press Contact: Katie Pryor, Events Manager, Castle Howard, Tel: 01653 648623 Email: kpryor@castlehoward.co.uk

North York Moors

EXHIBITION

Forces of Nature at The Moors National Park Centre, Danby

Thursday 28 April to Tuesday 10 May

10am - 5pm, Free entry

The dramatic landscape of the North York Moors is truly inspiring and humbling. Energy exudes from the work of artists Andrew Cheetham, Jim Wright, Andrea Bailey and Elisabeth Bailey. The four elements are the source of their inspiration and interpretation of landscape and nature through drawings, paintings, ceramics and felt.

EXHIBITION

Shapes in the Landscape at The Moors National Park Centre, Danby

Thursday 12 May to Tuesday 24 May

10am - 5pm, Free entry

Guisborough Artists Group will exhibit original works of art, wood, ceramic and paintings which depict the special nature of the local moorland and coast.

A Meeting with Remarkable Trees

Saturday 14 May

Join Brian Walker for this rare opportunity to see some spectacular examples of ancient trees, some of which are more than half a millennia old. Walk into the heart of the old Medieval deer park and through the Duncombe estate. Find out how conservation work will ensure the future survival of these majestic trees.

Meet: The North York Moors National Park Offices, Bondgate, Helmsley 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. The walk is free but places are limited so please call 01439 772738 to book a place.

EXHIBITION

Palette and Hammer at The Moors National Park Centre, Danby

Thursday 26 May to Thursday 2 June

10am - 5pm, Free entry

Sue Slack's painting style of activating colour and simplifying shapes and David Stephenson's hand forged ironwork reflect the rhythms, texture and wildlife of the land. Meet the Artists: 28 May, 12 noon - 4:00 pm

EXHIBITION

Colour Planes at The Moors National Park Centre, Danby

Thursday 26 May to Thursday 2 June

10am - 5pm, Free entry

A contemporary exhibition of art from emerging artist, Sally Lister, using the manipulation and interplay of colour, line and texture as a response to the shapes and colours of the landscape creating a mood of space, light and monumentality.

Open daily 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, free entry. Meet the artist: 28 May, 12 noon - 4:00 pm

Scotch Corner Chapel Open Day

Sunday 29 May

Drop-in anytime from 2pm - 5pm

A rare opportunity to see inside Scotch Corner Chapel near Oldstead - an amazing hidden gem - and talk to relatives of John Bunting who built the chapel which was recently famed in the book The Plot.

Boltby Excavation Open Weekend

Sunday 29th and Monday 30th May

Visit the ongoing excavation at Boltby Scar iron age hillfort and hear from the archaeological team all about the dig. Walk to the site with a guide or use our bus service (which also includes a 15 minute walk). To guarantee a tour place booking is required, call 01439 772738.

At: Sutton Bank National Park Centre 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm. Guided tours depart at 10.45am and12.45pm. Cost: Free

Have a Go Archery at The Moors National Park Centre, Danby

Monday 30 May

10am to 4pm, Cost: £4.00 Minimum Age: 5

Have a go at the ancient sport of archery. The Whitby Company of archers will be on site all day to give you some hands-on instruction. Once you have paid you can have as many goes as you like during the day.

Mysterious Water Creatures at The Moors National Park Centre, Danby

Tuesday 31 May

10.30am - 12 noon, Cost: Child: £3.50 Minimum Age: 6

Discover what creatures lurk within the waters of the Clitherbeck. Find out how they survive and catch their prey by dressing up. This activity involves a short walk uphill to the stream and back over rough ground. Call 01439 772738 to book a place.

Bring wellies and a change of clothes.

Wildflower Wander at The Moors National Park Centre, Danby

Tuesday 31 May

1.30pm - 3.30pm, Cost: Child: £4.00 Minimum Age: 6

Now is the time to look out for some of our beautiful wild flowers. We will take you on a short walk to spot flowers and have a go at some simple sketching.

Call 01439 772738 to book a place.

Public contact: 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

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

Abbey Tours

Sunday 1 - Tuesday 31 May

Daily 11am, 1pm & 2pm

Normal admission applies

Join a 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 May

Daily 11.30am

Normal admission applies

Enjoy a guided tour taking in the grand design of the Georgian landscape including Deer Park and Water Garden.

Bank Holiday Fun - Pond Life

Sunday 1 - Monday 2 May

11am-4pm

Normal admission applies

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

St Mary's Church Tour

Sunday 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 May

11am-12.30pm

Take a free tour of the richly decorated Victorian High Gothic church designed by William Burges. Meet by St Mary's Church.

Early Birds

Saturday 7 May

7am-9am

Set your alarm clock and come and listen to the chatter of the early birds. Meet at Studley Car Park.

Specialist Tour - The Daily Life for an 11th century Cistercian Monk

Sunday 8 May

11am

Normal admission applies

Join a tour to find out about the routines of a Cistercian Monk's life related to the Abbey buildings. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

World Heritage Site Tour

Saturday 14 May

10.30am-1pm

Normal admission applies

Find out what makes Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal a World Heritage Site. Meet at the Visitor Centre. Outdoor footwear recommended.

Navigation Skills

Wednesday 18 May

9am-5pm

Take a one day course to learn basic navigation skills. Learn how to understand an OS map, use a compass and stay safe on the hills. £49 per person. Booking essential, tel: 01423 871750

Specialist Tour - The Aislabie's Deer Park

Saturday 21 May

11am

Normal admission applies

Join a guided tour to discover more about the Aislabie's Deer Park. Including: St Mary's Church, Studley Hall, the Lime Kiln, the deer, the ice houses and a visit to the Valley of the Seven Bridges. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

Goblins, Witches, Fairies and Plants!

Saturday 28 May

11am-1pm

Normal admission applies

Uncover the folk tales and fairy stories linked to herbs and plants on the estate. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

Get Medieval

Saturday 28 - Monday 30 May

11am-5pm

Normal admission applies

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

School Holiday Fun - Pond Life

Saturday 28 May - Sunday 5 June

11am-4pm

Normal admission applies

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

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

June Events 2011

York Roman Festival

Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 June 2011

The York Roman Festival is a public celebration of York's rich Roman history and entertains and educates thousands of residents and visitors to the city. Founded in AD71, it was from York that the famous IX Legion disappeared, where Emperors Septimius Severus and Constantius Chlorus died and where, on 25 July 306, Constantine The Great was acclaimed ‘Imperator'.

The festival will see a living history camp erected at Grays Court, close to York Minster (with both Romans and Celts living together in harmony) that will feature displays and talks on subjects such as weapons and artillery, medicine, religion, woodturning and cooking. There will also be children's activities giving them chance to be a Roman soldier or Celtic warrior.

On the Saturday there will be a parade through the city with a ceremony at the statue of Constantine. The Black Swan Inn on Peasholme Green will be transformed into a gladiatorial arena for displays on both days and on Friday and Saturday evening there will be a play, talk and tours (ticketed).

All of the daytime events are completely free of charge. There will also be various fringe events around the city including an open top Roman bus tour and many bars and restaurants offering Roman themed food.

Public contact: For more information, please keep checking http://www.yorkromanfestival.co.uk/

Press contact: Keith Mulhearn Tel: 07707 892747, email info@completeyork.com

York Cycle Show

25 and 26 June 2011

10.30am - 6.30pm Saturday and 10.30am - 4.30pm Sunday

Entry to the 2011 Cycle Show site and trade area is £3 for adults, £2 for children aged 5-16yrs.

Under 5's are free . Family discount tickets will also be available on site.

Join over 10,000 cyclists from across the UK and beyond for a host of cycling events, including: Trade Show & Exhibition, arena events and camping and caravan pitches. The Saturday will see organised rides from 25km to 150 km. The show will also see a Stunt Show from the Savage Skills Stunt Display Team, a cyclists' service at York Minster and a Grand Parade through the city. There will also be Cycle Club displays, Veteran cycles and Saturday night on-site musical entertainment.

Public contact: For more information visit http://www.yorkcycleshow.co.uk/

Press contact: John Taylorson, Tel: 0844 736 8456.

York Minster

Haydn: The Creation, performed by choir of York Minster

Saturday 11 June, 7.30pm

Tickets: £18 (front nave), £15 (rear nave - first half) £12 (rear nave - back half), £8 (restricted view)

The Creation, perhaps one of the most joyful and uplifting choral work ever written, in York Minster offers perfect listening for a summer's evening.

University of York Choir and Symphony Orchestra Concert

Wednesday 22 June, 7.30pm

Tickets: £20 (front nave), £15 (rear nave), £10 (restricted view)

A rare opportunity to hear a live performance of Betthoven's massive Choral Symphony and its fourth movement setting of Schiller's An die Freude (Ode to Joy) for chorus and solo team. First performed in Salzburg in 1783, the ‘Great' Mass in C minor remained incomplete at Mozart's death but nevertheless works wonderfully as a concert piece.

Public contact: Visit http://www.yorkminster.org/ for more information about events and tours happening at York Minster.

Press contact: Lisa Sinclair, Communications and Marketing Officer,

Tel: 01904 557248

Barley Hall

Lavish Leathers

Wednesday 1June

10.30am- 4pm, normal admission prices apply

Get hands-on with our leather worker to create your own leather accessories, and marvel at some of the stunning and fantastical creations conjured up by McSkelly Leathers.

Ankles to Knees: The Rising Hemlines of Edwardian England

Friday 3 June

6.30pm, £7 adult, £6 conc (includes admission to the Hall and costume exhibition)

Meet Meridith Towne for a lively journey through early 20^th century fashion, using original pieces to examine how the exaggerated femininity of yards of lace and bows and the Gibson Girl silhouette, developed into the later slimline, effortless style of the 1920s and why. Pre-booking essential: 01904 615505.

Public contact: Visit http://www.barleyhall.org.uk/ for more information.

Press contact: Chris Tuckley, Events and Exhibitions Manager, York Archaeological Trust, Email: ctuckley@yorkat.co.uk

York Art Gallery

NEW EXHIBITION

William Etty: Art and Controversy

25 June 2011 - 22 January 2012

The first comprehensive reassessment in half a century of one of Britain's most significant artists.

The exhibition will explore in depth Etty's equivocal status; from stalwart of the Royal Academy - elected to be an Academician ahead of John Constable - to being exiled from the artistic elite because of what was seen as a "perverse" passion for the voluptuousness of the female nude.

The exhibition will include more than one hundred works by Etty, from the sensitive and delicate studies he made in the life class, through to ambitious historical canvases. The paintings and sketches from York Art Gallery's collection will be complimented by loans from across the country, including works from Tate, the Royal Academy and Manchester Art Gallery.

Public contact: For more information visit http://www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/

Press contact: Lee Clark, Media Co-ordinator, Tel: 01904 687673, email: lee.clark@ymt.org.uk

Fairfax House

Meet the Fairfaxes

Wednesday 1 June and Friday 3 June 2011, 1pm

Tickets: £15 family ticket (2 adults, 2 children), £7.50 adults, £4 children

Flower Power: Flower Festival

Saturday 18 - Sunday 26 June 2011

House admission prices apply

A week long flower extravaganza filling the house with magnificent arrangements interpreting Georgian design. Floristry students from Askham Bryan College will create floral displays to decorate each of the rooms and staircase in the festival celebrating the power of the flower. There will be the opportunity for members of the public to choose their favourite design.

Public contact: For more detailed information about any of the activities happening throughout 2011, please visit http://www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk/ email info@fairfaxhouse.co.uk or ring 01904 655543. Press contact: Hannah Phillip, tel: 01904 655543 email: hannahphillip@yorkcivictrust.co.uk

National Centre for Early Music

Çigdem Aslan - Songs of Smyrna - The Blues of the Aegean

Saturday 4 June, 7.30pm

Tickets: £13 (concessions £11, students £5)

Çigdem Aslan is a rising star in the revival of rebetiko, the bitter-sweet, devil-may-care songs of an exiled underclass, sung in hash dens and ‘café amans' of Athens, Piraeus and Istanbul from the 1920 - the ‘Blues of the Aegean'. With strong roots in the port of Smyrna/Izmir, rebetiko is a culture shared by Greeks and Turks that developed in mainland Greece following forced population exchanges and was famously outlawed in both countries for its association with the underworld and being too ‘oriental' in outlook.

The Greatest Story Ever Told?

Friday 17 June, 7.30pm

Tickets £6 (concessions £4, students £3)

The new York Mystery Plays is a response to an ancient artform revived in a 21st-century format, incorporating digital imaging and audio. Pre-Renaissance music meets new composition in this spectacular production reflecting the spirit of the 1951 Festival of Britain, which featured the revival of York Mystery Plays. Developed by University of York music students, this instrumental and vocal performance offers a glimpse of the future.

TG Collective

Saturday 18 June, 7.30pm

Tickets: £13 (concessions £11, students £5)

A glorious combination of gypsy hotclub, flamenco, jazz and contemporary classical influences, built around a core of two guitarists, alongside flutes, violin, double bass, trumpet and cajon. Creating an exciting, sensuous sound, the group perform an intriguing mix of compositions and new arrangements, touching on influences as varied as Paco de Lucia, Django Reinhardt and JS Bach.

Dave Newton Trio

Saturday 25 June, 7.30pm

Tickets: £13 (concessions £11, students £5)

Voted best jazz pianist for nine years running in the British Jazz Awards, Fellow of Leeds College of Music in 2003, Dave Newton is one of the most gifted musicians on the current jazz scene. Newton also has a reputation as an exquisite accompaniest for singers including Carol Kidd, Tina May, Claire Martin and Stacey Kent. He also wrote music specifically for Martin Taylor and Alan Barnes and his haunting themes can now be heard on many US movies. With the release of a new CD called ‘Portrait of a Woman', on the ‘BrightNewDay' label, David Newton is relishing the musical freedom of his Trio. This concert is prepared in memory of Alf Peacock.

Public contact: For more information and to book tickets, please call the Box Office on 01904 658338 or visit the website at http://www.ncem.co.uk/

Bedern Hall

Your Local Lunch

Tuesday 14 June

Your Local Lunch is a chance to enjoy fresh local food with friends and family over lunchtime - noon to 2pm. Membership costs just £12 for the year (that's £1 per month) and gives you:

• 2 course lunch with coffee at your first Your Local Lunch

• Advance notice of Lunch dates and other events at Bedern Hall

• Discount on events at Bedern Hall

• Benefits and discounts when you book Bedern Hall for your own celebrations or business meetings

Midsummer Gardening Lunch

Thursday 30 June, 11am - 2pm

£35 per person.

Join Sally Tierney of Yorkshire Garden Designer for a morning of gardening talk, information and advice followed by an allotments-inspired 2 course lunch.

Public contact: For more information visit http://www.bedernhall.co.uk/ or to make a booking call free on 0808 180 0099. Or to call the hall direct tel: 01904 646030.

Press contact: Roger Lee, email; roger@bedernhall.co.uk, Tel: 01904 646030.

York Theatre Royal

Tim and Light

Wednesday 1 June, Studio

12 noon and 2pm

Tim and Light is a brave new fairy tale told through beautiful puppetry and beguiling moments of visual beauty.

Rip Fold Scrunch

Thursday 2 June, Studio

12 noon and 2pm

Join three characters, Rip, Fold and Scrunch as they journey into the multi-coloured world of friendship with the help of some magical creations. After the performance audience members are invited to come and play with paper.

My Family & Other Animals

Friday 3 to Saturday 25 June, Main House in the round

7.30pm with 2.30pm (Sat) Matinees

York Theatre Royal presents this performance which has never yet adapted to the stage. Gerald Durrell looks back at his unconventional upbringing on the sun-soaked island of Corfu with his eccentric family in a landscape rich in natural and cultural life. The wry observations of a curious young boy offer a richly comic view of the hilarious encounters of his bohemian family, their friends and the local population.

Well That Explains That!

Friday 3 to Saturday 4 June, Studio

7.45pm

In this new show, Lesbian actress/singer/stand-up, Clare Summerskill will take you through a fast-moving, song-singing, side-splitting, costume-changing evening of comedy and music.

YorkWrite

Tuesday 7 to Wednesday 8 June, Studio

7.45pm

Script Yorkshire - York presents three short plays fresh from the pens of local writers. Prepare to be stimulated, amused and surprised. For more information, visit http://www.scriptyorkshire.co.uk/

The Boy James & Atrium

Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 June, Studio

7.45pm

The Boy James by Alexander Wright tells a story of playful innocence and cruel experience inspired by the life of J.M. Barrie. Atrium by James Wilkes (The Tartuffe) stages the deluded fantasies of an ageing artist fragmented across a jigsaw narrative.

Animal Tails

Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25 June, Studio

11am & 1.30pm

A feast of fun storytelling inspired by animal stories from around the world.

Call Mr Robeson

Saturday 11 June, Studio

7.45pm

Tayo Aluko and Friends

Paul Robeson is a great and famous actor, singer and civil rights campaigner.When over the years he gets progressively too radical and outspoken for the establishment's liking, he is branded a traitor to his country and denied opportunities to perform or travel.The play is a roller coaster journey through Robeson's remarkable and eventful life and features some of his famous songs and speeches, including a dramatic rendition of Ol' Man River.

Public contact: To find out more information about what's happening at York Theatre Royal in June and ticket prices or to buy tickets, visit http://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/ or telephone 01904 623568. You can also find full listing of the season on the website or by picking up a season brochure.

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

Castle Howard

‘Canines at the Castle': Agility Dog Show

Sunday 5 June, 10am - 4pm

Bring your four legged friend to take part in our fun dog show and dog agility. Watch the professionals in action in the main ring as they showcase dog agility, obedience and other working dog displays. Browse the canine related stands at your leisure, maybe take home a photo portrait of your dog; learn more about dog nutrition and grooming, and all things canine!

The SWEATSHOP and ASICS Castle Howard Trail Races 2011

Sunday 12 June

The Welburn Community Primary School PTA and Castle Howard Estate would once again like to invite athletes and fun runners to one of the most popular and scenic 10k and 6k Trail races in The UK.
With 500 competitors in the 2010 10k event alone this is a major event for both club runners, recreational joggers and those wishing to set themselves new personal goals. This event, now in its fifth running, grows in popularity year on year. There can be no better setting for a gently undulating run on tracks and well marked footpaths anywhere in The North of England.

For entry forms or on line entry please visit www.ukresults.net For printable entry forms only visit http://www.nyptri.freeuk.com/ or contact junetrailrace@yahoo.co.uk or phone Mark Rees on 07736 929874.

Public/Press Contact: Mark Rees 07736 929874

‘Wind in the Willows' Outdoor Theatre Production

Sunday 19 June

Tickets must be pre-booked - £14.50 adults, £10.00 - children which includes grounds admission to Castle Howard. Also an optional 30 minute children's workshop prior to the performance, for which the tickets are an additional £5.00.

Cambridge Touring theatre brings this magical outdoor performance to Castle Howard. The tales of the river bank are brought to life in this outdoor adventure. Bring a picnic to complete this perfect family outing for Father's Day!
The children's workshop starts at 1.30pm.
The main performance starts at 3.00pm
Your ticket includes admission to Castle Howard grounds so you are welcome to come earlier, and bring a picnic!
Tickets go on sale from 1st April, please purchase tickets from http://www.castlehoward.co.uk/ for more details or to purchase tickets please call 01653 648621.

Castle Howard Cup, White Rose Polo Championship

Sunday 26 June

For the fourth year running, White Rose Polo Club will be heading to North Yorkshire for a day of polo in the fabulous surroundings of the Castle Howard estate on Sunday 26 June. Visitors to Castle Howard will be able to watch local sides battle it out against White Rose Polo Club in the inaugural Castle Howard Cup, as well as seeing polo demonstrations and a parade of ponies, and having a go themselves on ‘Woody' the wooden horse. This is the fourth time that White Rose Polo Club has joined forces with Castle Howard to stage such an event, with a view to raising the profile of Yorkshire's thriving polo scene.

A spectator only ticket to the polo is included in the price of a Castle Howard grounds ticket so why not bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of high energy and exciting equestrian sport. Alternatively VIP tickets are available from White Rose Polo Club which includes lunch, afternoon tea and a chance to meet the players. http://www.whiterosepolo.co.uk/ or contact 01430 875767.

Alternative Press Contact: Claudia Weiler, White Rose Polo Club Tel: 01430 875767 Email: Claudia.Weiler@summitmedia.com

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

Press Contact: Katie Pryor, Events Manager, Castle Howard, Tel: 01653 648623 Email: kpryor@castlehoward.co.uk

Yorkshire Lavender

Yorkshire Lavender Mint Festival

4 and 5 June 2011

10am - 5pm

Yorkshire Lavender is holding a ‘Mint Weekend'. Join them in a celebration of ‘mint' designed to encourage people to grow their own and pick up useful tips. Learn about its history, and its medicinal and culinary uses. Expert advice and help will be on hand throughout the weekend. Lots of varieties of mint will be on sale in the Specialist Plant Nursery.

Public contact: For more information visit http://www.yorkshirelavender.com/

Press contact: Jo Pickering, Jo.P Communications, Tel: 01759 373628, Email: jo@jopcommunications.com

North York Moors

Coastal Adventures

Wednesday 1 June

10.30am - 12.30pm, Cost: Child: £3.00 Ages: 2-8

A fun and creative time on the beach at Robin Hood's Bay. Build sand-people and make pictures in the sand using seaweed, shells and rocks. Find out more about the Heritage Coast and the wildlife that lives there. Please call 01439 772738 to book a place.

Teddy Bears Picnic at The Moors National Park Centre, Danby

Friday 3 June

10.30am - 11.45am, Cost: Child: £3.00 Age: 3-6

Bring teddy along for some woodland adventures and finish with juice and biscuits in our storytelling area. Please call 01439 772738 to book a place.

Hideaway in the Woods at The Moors National Park Centre, Danby

Friday 3 June

1.30pm - 4pm, Cost: Child: £7.00 Minimum Age: 9

An afternoon of hiding and designing. Explore the world of camouflage: will you be able to ‘disappear' from the rest of the group? Have a go at designing and building your own shelter using materials from the woodland floor. Wear old clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. Please call 01439 772738 to book a place.

EXHIBITION

Nature's Palette at The Moors National Park Centre, Danby

Saturday 4 June - Tuesday 14 June