York News for Travel Writers/Feature Editors – Ten New Reasons to Visit York….in 2008……

 

Further Info & Photographs From: Kay Hyde, PR Manager or Sarah Lilleyman, PR Assistant, York Tourism Bureau. Tel 01904 554451/554436 Email: kh@york-tourism.co.uk  sl@york-tourism.co.uk

Would you like to visit York on a press trip? If you're interested in writing a travel feature about York we’d be delighted to hear from you. Looking for a different angle? Why not visit our website www.visityork.org/media click on themed fact sheets for ideas.

1 Go Chinese

York Goes Chinese: February 2008 – July 2008

York goes Chinese in 2008 with a programme of city-wide events to mark the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and co-incide with CHINA NOW – the largest festival of Chinese culture in the UK showcasing the very best of modern China.

The Chinese celebrations at the National Centre for Early Music will have a musical flavour with a programme of concerts, creative workshops and showcase opportunities, including a Chinese Hat making workshop, and concerts bv classical Chinese musicians such as acclaimed guitarist Xuefei Yang. The celebrations will conclude with a musical concert at Harewood House to celebrate the restoration and re-hanging of Harewood’s original 18th century Chinese wallpaper – Wed 9th July. For more information please call 01904 632220 or visit www.ncem.co.uk . Press Contact: Melanie Paris Tel: 01904 632220 or email Melanie.paris@ncem.co.uk

At Fairfax House, a series of Chinoiserie Decoration tours will take place exploring how British artists and decorators used examples of Chinese Art to inspire designs for porcelain, furniture, silver and wallpaper. Visitors can also view the House’s collections of 17th and 18th century Chinese ceramics.

The Fairfax House ‘A Taste for China’ exhibition (23 Jun – 31 Dec)offers visitors the chance to discover more about the visions of the East as re-told by the first travellers who ventured to China more than 500 years ago and how these were captured in the illustrations that have fascinated us for centuries. See how the Georgians skilfully translated their passion for China into decorative motifs on furniture, ceramics, silver and bedroom walls. Plus there will be a display of contemporary Chinese art work. Followers of fashion and art lovers, should not miss the Chinoiserie Decoration tours (7 Mar, 2 May, 4 July, 5 Sept, 7 Nov at 3.30pm) which will explore how 18th century craftsmen and decorators used Chinese motifs to inspire their designs for everyday objects. There is an opportunity to find out more about tea and tea tasting with Time for Tea (Fri 26 Sept, 3.30pm & 7pm) with an illustrated talk which will explore the history of the tea trade and evolution of tea drinking and will conclude with a tea tasting ceremony. The Chinese community is also working with Fairfax House to select 12 objects from its collection, one of which will be on display every month in the House and will be highlighted on the museum’s website as the ‘Treasure of the Month’. For more information and a full list of events taking place, please public contact: Tel 01904 655543 or visit www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk . Press Contact: Melanie Paris, Tel: 01904 647408, email: hello@melanieparis.com

At York Castle Museum – Chinese Reflections – Feb – Dec

ChineseReflections

Travel East and enter one of North Yorkshire’s most popular museums this February to see how three hundred years of Chinese culture has influenced everyday British life. York Castle Museum’s new exhibition Chinese Reflections will bring together textiles, tea and ceramics from the museum’s fascinating collection of Oriental artefacts such as fans, tea chests and authentic China. These will be shown alongside interesting British objects that have been strongly influenced by the art and culture of the Orient. The exhibition will also look at the contemporary Chinese influences in York, expressed by the Chinese Community living in the city. Together with special events and workshops the exhibition promises to embrace the many ways China has influenced Britain, with particular reference to Yorkshire. Public Contact Tel 01904 687687 or visit www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk Press Contact Lee Clark Tel 01904 687673 email lee.clark@ymt.org.uk

At the National Railway Museum

The NRM’s flagship Chinese event will be a multi-sensory Chinese Festival over the Easter holidays (21 Mar-6 April). Visitors can enjoy 17 days of activities packed with the colours, tastes, sounds and sights of China. Whether it is joining in with Tai Chi and Dragon making, producing a traditional kite or watching a Wok cooking demonstration, there will be lots to capture the imagination.

The Last Days of Chinese Steam exhibition – 19 March – end August 2008

This special exhibition by railway photographer Michael Rhodes brings together portraits of locomotives, landscapes and people in China taken since 2003. It consists of 57 digital images taken on the Jitong line, on industrial railways and on narrow guage lines in China. China was the last country in the world to build steam locomotives for regular service and in the last twenty years it has become an increasingly popular destination for railway enthusiasts. Michael Rhodes’ work has created a comprehensive record of Chinese railways and the lives of the people who live alongside lines using steam. The Last Days of Chinese Steam exhibition is part of China 08 – a year long celebration of China including other special events and exhibitions at the National Railway Museum throughout 2008.

The NRM will also be breaking new ground by hosting an exhibition solely on the museum’s website from August to December. This focuses on the photography of Charlie Stewart, which explores the greatest engineering achievement of the 21st century – the Lhasa Railway. Admission is free. For more information please visit www.nrm.org.uk or telephone 0844 8153139. Press Contact: Anna Clark on 01904 686271 or email anna.clark@nrm.org.uk

At The Grand Opera House, University, City Screen Cinema and Castle Museum..

York Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) will mark the Chinese New Year in their Chinese Week (4 – 13 Feb), supported by the University of York. During the week there will be an exhibition on Chinese History, Culture, Modern Day China and the Olympics in Beijing at the Castle Museum and University of York and movie nights at City Screen York. To end the celebrations there will be a special Chinese New Year Gala event at the Grand Opera House in York (Sat 9 Feb, 6.30pm). It will be a night full of exciting and breathtaking performances such as Kongfu performance, Acrobatics, Sichuan opera, lion dance etc. These celebrations are open to everyone, aimed at aiding culture exchange. Tickets will be on sale through Grand Opera House website at www.grandoperahouseyork.org.uk or on 0844 8472322 at £10 for adults and £5 for children and students.

York St John University is collaborating with pioneers of Chinese film and sport to bring you China Week (Mon 21 - Fri 25 April), a celebration of the diversity of Chinese culture. In the year that will see China host the Olympics in Beijing, activities at York St John will include Chinese sports lectures and workshops, a screening of Chinese independent short films and a traditional Chinese Music Event on Fri 25 April which will include a demonstration of Chinese musical instruments, their sounds & their roles in a Chinese Orchestra. Also that week there will be an exhibition of Chinese Arts and Crafts and Photography displaying arts, crafts and images taken by British students from across the UK during a cultural tour of Beijing in Summer 2007.

To find out more about what is happening, visit the China in York website signposting page at www.chinayork.co.uk .

2 Discover hidden treasures at the National Railway Museum…and take a nostalgia trip with the Railway Children…

Discover the National Railway Museum’s hidden treasures… New for 2008!

Visit Search Engine – the National Railway Museum’s brand new library, archive and special exhibition area. Search Engine opened in January 2008 and provides hands-on access to the Museum’s vast collection of photographs, film, objects, sound archives and much more for the first time ever. Visitors can come and ask questions, enjoy a changing programme of exhibitions or just sit and enjoy a fantastic view over the locomotives in the Great Hall. The Museum’s archive weighs over 180 tonnes and includes over 1.5 million photographs, 9000 railway posters and 3km of letters, reports and railway papers.

1968 and all that, 24 May-1 June 2008, is a 9-day extravaganza celebrating 40 years since the end of steam on Britain’s mainline railways. Theatre performances, live action and steam rides.

Magical New Production of The Railway Children – 18 July-23 August 2008, a new professional theatre production of this much-loved book, written by children’s playwright Mike Kenny.

York Theatre Royal and the National Railway Museum (NRM) have announced they are joining forces this summer to stage a magical new production of E. Nesbit’s much loved children’s tale The Railway Children. This must-see theatrical event will take place at the National Railway Museum from 18 July - 23 August.

The Railway Children tells the story of three children, Roberta, Peter and Phyllis, who live a wonderful life in London, but suddenly everything changes when two strange men appear and their father is mysteriously called away. Life in the Yorkshire countryside, by the railway, is a whole new world for the youngsters and their mother. But the mystery remains – where is father, and is he ever coming back? This new stage adaptation has been penned by the highly acclaimed children’s playwright Mike Kenny (The Little Mermaid, York Theatre Royal & Polka Theatre) and will also feature one of the biggest guest stars ever to take to the stage - Stirling Single, a 39 tonne steam locomotive built in 1878. Tickets can be purchased at the York Theatre Royal Box Office or by calling 01904 623568. Tickets are also available securely online at www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk . Press Contact: Duncan Clarke on 01904 550149 or e-mail: duncan@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk .For tickets contact the box office on 01904 623568 or visit www.yorktheatreroyalco.uk .

3 See the new sets for Brideshead Revisited and much more at Castle Howard…

Castle Howard’s season begins on 1st March, when the House opens with a new exhibition on Henry VIII and the Howard family. Under the glowering image of Henry VIII (one of Castle Howard’s most celebrated portraits), and in the shadow of the executioner’s axe, Henry and the Howards recounts the topsy-turvy fortunes of the Howards in the 16th century and beyond.

In the late spring, a brand new children’s adventure playground will be open, with giant play structures. The playground will be perfect for children of all ages - from babies of 6 months to mums and dads. Children will be able to play on a huge tangle net, sound cushions a giant pyramid tower with slides, and much more.

In the summer of 2007, Castle Howard was used as a location for a new film of Brideshead Revisited. The film will be released in autumn 2008 and stars Michael Gambon and Emma Thompson as Lord and Lady Marchmain, Matthew Goode as Charles Ryder, Ben Whishaw as Sebastian Flyte, and Hayley Atwell as Julia Flyte. To celebrate this, Castle Howard will be opening once-ruined rooms in the High South used as sets in the film, and now featuring an exhibition on the new film and the 1981 Granada TV series of Brideshead Revisited. Press Contact: Eleanor Course, 01653 648625 or email press@castlehoward.co.uk

4 Get Quilting

Quilt Museum and Gallery To Open in York

Europe’s first museum dedicated to quiltmaking and textile arts opens in June 2008, in historic York’s medieval landmark, St Anthony’s Hall. The Quilt Museum and Gallery will be a new home for the Quilters Guild of the British Isles and their world-famous Heritage Collection, together with special exhibitions of contemporary textile artists, and spaces for seminars and workshops.

The Quilt Museum and Gallery adds another unique museum to York’s fabulous portfolio of historic attractions, museums and collections. The earliest known signed and dated patchwork, the extraordinarily colourful 1718 patchwork coverlet, is among some 600 quilts in the Guild’s Heritage Collection, which also includes miniature pieces, quilted clothing, tools and equipment. Originally built as the headquarters of a religious guild in the 15th century, St Anthony’s Hall has a colourful past – as a workhouse for the poor, a magazine store during the reign of Charles I, a military hospital, a prison, and a school.

Quilt Museum and Gallery, St. Anthony’s Hall, Peaseholme Green, York, YO1 7PR. Public Contact Tel Number is: 01904 613242, Press Contact: Jean Hunter: 01759 306156 07836 268059 jean@jhunterdid.plus.com

5 Visit ‘Against The Odds’ at the Yorkshire Air Museum

New At Yorkshire Air Museum…

New for 2008, the Yorkshire Air Museum will be opening the dramatic Against The Odds exhibition. Opening on March 19th 2008, we are delighted to announce that Sir David Jason OBE, (alias Inspector Frost) will officially open this new national exhibition about RAF Bomber Command in the Second World War. Against the Odds has been created in association with the Imperial War Museum and is a hard hitting story of the people, places and events which still echo to this day. Unique and controversial pictures, stories and film footage combine with dramatic displays to make this an unmissable experience. With the Yorkshire Air Museum, set on the authentic site of a former WWII Bomber Command Station, the largest of it’s kind open to the public in Britain, already housing many other fascinating displays and unique historic aircraft, this new attraction will make us one of the ‘must see’ destinations in York this year.

With 2008 being the Centenary Year of British Powered Flight and also seeing the 90th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force our busy and exciting Events Programme will celebrate these historical landmarks, so come and share the experience of flying through history. Open daily, the Museum features attractive gardens that won a Silver Gilt accolade in the Yorkshire In Bloom competition in 2007, adding to a host of other tourism awards. Press Contact: Ian Richardson 01904 608718. For General Enquiries, call 01904 608595. Further information available at www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk

6 Discover the secrets of York Minster’s glorious Great East Window

As preparations move forward for the conservation of the Great East Window – the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world; visitors will be able to learn about this masterpiece and the restoration of the East Front. Although the Great East Window will be covered by scaffolding, visitors will be able to view a life-sized printed replica of the window which is to be put in place at the East End during Spring 2008. This will be the largest indoor graphic of a window in the world. The space in front of the Great East Window in the Lady Chapel will begin to be used to tell the story of this wonderful piece of art and the current project to conserve the East Front. Public and Press Contact details: Tel Alix Peacock, T: 01904 557216 F: 01904 557218 or visit www.yorkminster.org

7 Shop Till You Drop at the York Designer Outlet - ‘Designer Destination Of The North’

In 2008 ‘York Designer Outlet’ offers visitors even more choice than ever. The Outlet now offers over 120 top brand stores including Armani, Ted Baker, Paul Smith, Daks and new additions such as LK Bennett ,Hobbs, Jaeger, Fred Perry and many more all under one roof, offering designer gear reduced by up to 50%. Take the bus from the city centre or there is free parking and a range of refreshments to make your shopping trip a relaxing one while you pick up all those bargains! Visit www.yorkdesigneroutlet.com Press Contact: Sally Gilbank: Tel 01904 682705.

8 Visit New Exhibitions at York’s World Class Museums

Exhibition

The Sixties

York Castle Museum

Reel back the years and travel back to a time when the cultural changes were massive but the cars and skirts were mini. Swinging into life in March 2008, the brand new 1960s experience at York Castle Museum will change your perspective on one of the most explosive decades in recent times. The gallery will bring the spirit of the decade back to life, looking at the iconic images but also offering alternative viewpoints in an exciting and interactive way. Rare items from a range of collections across the Trust - social history, art, fashion and textiles, militaria, astronomy and decorative art – will all be included together with sound, light, moving images and innovative design. The new experience has been made possible thanks to a £200k award from the DCMS/Wolfson Museums & Galleries Improvement Fund.

Exhibition

Stubbs and Whistlejacket in Yorkshire

York Art Gallery

April 26 – August 31 2008

One of the most iconic paintings in British art is heading to York for the first time ever next year. Whistlejacket, a life size oil painting of a racehorse by George Stubbs, has been lent to York Art Gallery by the National Gallery and will be the centre piece in the exhibition Stubbs and Whistlejacket in York. The exhibition, including other significant Stubbs’s works, will coincide with the racing season at York Racecourse, where Whistlejacket won his most famous race nearly 250 years ago. Stubbs spent many years living in York, even marrying in the city. The exhibition will also include works that show York and the racecourse as it would have been in the time Stubbs lived there. Loans from the Royal Academy and the National Portrait Gallery.

Events

Tracy Chevalier residency

York Art Gallery

One of the most respected historical novelists of her generation will be taking up residency at York Art Gallery in 2008. International best selling author Tracy Chevalier, who has sold millions of books world wide, will be holding a series of events and talks over the 12 months looking at both art and literature. The residency will include a number of Writer In Residence sessions at the gallery, an art exhibition curated by Tracy and a short story competition - with entries being based on the gallery or one if its paintings. This is Tracy’s first ever residency and a rare instance of such an established author holding one at an art gallery. It is fitting that her famous work, Girl With A Pearl Earring, which was turned into an Oscar nominated film, is based on a painting by Johannes Vermeer.

Events

The Mystery Files

Yorkshire Museum

Prepare yourself for a journey back in time and get ready to solve some of the Yorkshire Museum’s deepest and darkest secrets as The Mystery Files are prized open for 2008. The museum has opened up the top secret cabinets, unearthed some of the most unusual objects and declassified some curious tales for visitors to investigate. Everyday people can explore the Cabinet of Curiosity and hunt for clues among Roman ruins, Viking remains and golden treasures on the Mystery Trail. Then each school holiday there will be a new mystery – be it murder, treasure or ancient swords. Only when they are all solved will the visitors be able to solve the greatest mystery of all…

Coming soon at the National Railway Museum in York

Cab It Engineers

8-9 March 2008

Enjoy open cab access to the locomotives and hands-on engineering and educational displays. Talk to the volunteers who worked on the locomotives in the bygone days of steam, design your very own modern train and have a go at making a miracle of engineering using Meccano. Plus, don’t miss ‘Diesel Driver for a Fiver’ – a chance for anyone aged 16+ to have a go driving a full sized diesel locomotive under supervision (first come, first served). This popular annual event is part of the York Festival of Science and Technology, celebrating Science Week 2008. For more information please visit www.sciencecityyork.org.uk/community FREE admission. ‘Diesel Driver for a Fiver’ costs £5. Activities available 10.30am - 5.00pm. For more information please visit www.nrm.org.uk or telephone 0844 8153139

Discovery Day

15 March 2008

Enjoy over 20 fantastic fun and hands-on workshops run by leading companies. Bring your family and friends along to try out the ‘brainiac-style’ family challenge ‘eggs in space’. Can you work out how to launch an egg in a rocket without cracking or breaking it? Plus, don’t miss the annual interactive science exhibition organised by SETPOINT North Yorkshire in partnership with Science City York - open to the public for the first time in 2008! This popular event is part of the York Festival of Science and Technology, celebrating Science Week 2008. For more information please visit www.sciencecityyork.org.uk/community FREE admission. For more information please visit www.nrm.org.uk or telephone 0844 8153139

Trains of Thought

13 March 2008

The National Railway Museum and York Literature Festival 2008 present Trains of Thought. Experience a unique fusion of music and literature with award-winning novelist Joolz Denby, musician Mik Davis and poet John Siddique, surrounded by iconic locomotives in the Museum’s Great Hall. Joolz Denby, the international award-winning Queen of UK Spoken-Word, Orange-short listed novelist and renowned best-selling poet, will be accompanied on guitar by brilliant young songwriter and front man of the rock band New York Alcoholic Anxiety Attack, Mik Davis.

John Siddique’s poetry has at its heart the themes of communication, storytelling and what it means to be human at this point in time. He is a British poet who gently draws on his Anglo, Irish and Indian heritage to straddle the complications of today's society. FREE admission but tickets are limited. Doors open 7.30pm. For further information and tickets, please contact Claire Oxley on 01904 685712, www.nrm.org.uk or telephone 0844 8153139

Discover Your Viking Roots - So you think you’re a Viking?

Exhibition…..at the Jorvik Centre

Discover Your Viking Roots - So you think you’re a Viking?

The JORVIK Viking Centre’s latest innovative exhibition, ‘Are you a Viking?’ offers visitors an opportunity to learn about how the Vikings lived and how they shaped the way we live today. The exhibition begins with a computer quiz, enabling visitors to find out more about the Vikings, from what they typically looked like, what they ate and what their hobbies might have been.

A sensory activity follows, offering those who dare a chance to use their senses to identify Viking objects and smells. There is also a ‘You are what you eat’ section, which reveals how well preserved archaeological finds have enabled archaeologists to learn more about the Viking diet.

‘Blood on the Vikings’ gives a fascinating insight into how many of the UK population may be descended from our Viking ancestors, whilst the ‘Blame it on the Vikings’ section tells of how many genetic diseases are linked back to the introduction of Viking genes into the UK. The exhibition culminates with a ‘What did you say?’ section, which details how many words in the current English language stem from words that were used by the Vikings. Just be careful when you try and pronounce the Viking word for skirt! For full details call 01904 543402 or visit www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk . Press Contact: Katie Owen at Trimedia, tel 0870 606 0960, email katie.owen@trimediauk.com .

9 Dig!

Dig at Hungate

Ever fancied yourself as an archaeologist or modern day Indiana Jones? Take part in the biggest real live archaeological dig to be held in York in the last twenty five years – Hungate York. The site covers four hectares of archaeological activity, with the dig expected to continue for over five years. Speculation has already been high as to what hidden treasures lie hidden underneath Hungate. Could it be the long searched for Roman amphitheatre? Could there be ancient Viking settlements? One thing is for sure - the dig will reveal many ancient artefacts providing more learnings on how our ancient ancestors lived and how York functioned in the past. Tours to the site start from York’s attraction DIG and visitors will be given the opportunity at the end of their tour to return to DIG and take part in activities undertaken by archaeologists throughout a typical dig. Other workshops are ongoing throughout the year including family history workshops and kids Saturday morning clubs.

For full details visit the website www.dighungate.com or telephone 01904 543402. Press Contact: Katie Owen at Trimedia, tel 0870 606 0960 or email katie.owen@trimediauk.com . Dig Hungate is located off Stonebow, City Centre.

10 Make a beeline for York’s second Literature Festival – 1st – 15 March 2008

Some of the best national writers are set to make a bee line for York to celebrate the National Reading Year at the 2008 York Literature Festival. York born Joanne Harris, author of Chocolat, Gentlemen and Players, and Five Quarters Of The Orange, will appear as part of the 2008 Jorvik Festival, reading from her new book for children, Runemarks. This event will take place at York Central Library on Saturday 16th February, with two sittings, one at 11.00 am and a second at 2p.m. (note this is a preview to the Lit festival events and will happen as part of the Jorvik Viking festival in February). Another preview event is a ghost story writing workshop (14th Feb).

Other well known UK authors and poets appearing during the festival will include poet Carol Ann Duffy, Tracey Chevalier and York based writer Fiona Shaw. Other events will include workshops on becoming a writer, help in the making of an 8 minute book (if you think you’re up to the challenge!) and special cinema days showing literary films. Writing competitions and story times will also be held for children to attend. The festival, now in tis second year, will take place at over 20 different venues throughout the city including York Theatre Royal, York University and local libraries to name but a few. Public Contact: York Visitor Information Centre 01904 550099 or visit www.readwriteyork.co.uk Press Contact: Lucy Oates, e-mail: lucy.oates@york.gov.uk

We hope these ten new reasons to visit York will inspire you to book a press trip to York and in case you need a reminder here are some ‘old’ reasons to visit too…..

York Open Studios: 4 - 6 April 2008

Artists and makers open their doors to all! Discover what goes on behind closed doors when York Open Studios Weekend sees over 40 professional artists opening up their homes, studios and exhibitions to the public and invites them in to take a look around. Featuring York based, internationally renowned artists and makers including Mark Hearld, Ruth King, and Peter Wray and highlighting fresh young talent in two student showcases, the public can tour around the studios, view (and buy!) a range of art work in different media, chat to the artists in informal surroundings and sometimes even watch the artist at work. Public and Press Contact: Ruth King, 01904 470196, Email: info@yorkopenstudios.co.uk or visit: www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk

Eat, Drink and Be Merry…

Visit the largest UK Festival of Food and Drink: 19-28 Sept 2008

The York annual Festival of Food and Drink is the largest event of its kind in the UK, and a massive showcase for the restaurants, hotels, shops and food manufacturing companies, which are so much a part of the city, its history and its economy. For ten days food simply takes over as the city hosts an extravaganza of specialist markets, celebrity chef demonstrations, themed dinners, product launches and any number of special events. UK celebrities support the festival, and it continues to grow each year. Public Contact: email: info@yorkfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk . Press Contact: Michael Hjort, Tel: 01904 635149, email: mh@yorkhospitality.co.uk , website: www.yorkfestivaloffoodanddrink.com . A dedicated media pack for Cultural York and the cultural calendar for the year is available from the Visit York press office Tel Kay Hyde 01905 554451 or visit the media room at www.visityork.org

Press: For more information, please contact: Kay Hyde, York Tourism Partnership, Visit York Tel 01904 554451 Fax 01904 554460 Email kh@visityork.org Website www.visityork.org

York Theatre Royal

Drama, laughter, dance, a hedgehog and a rabbit all feature in York Theatre Royal’s exciting new season line-up for 2008. Highlights include the world première of the York Theatre Royal production of Patient No 1, a new play on George Bush, by acclaimed American playwright, Donald Freed, and new productions of Jerome K Jerome’s Three Men In a Boat, George Orwell’s 1984, Robert Bolt’s A Man for all Seasons and finally Philip Meek’s hilarious tale of the demise of a pantomime dame – Twinkle, Little Star. The exciting season will also feature the return of Pilot Theatre Company with Fungus the Bogeyman, English Touring Theatre with Uncle Vanya, directed by Sir Peter Hall, and Birmingham Royal Ballet with another exciting triple bill of a new dances. For tickets contact the box office on 01904 623568 or visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk. Press Contact: Duncan Clarke, Communications Manager at York Theatre Royal on 01904 550149 or e-mail: duncan@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk .

Grand Opera House

There’s something for everyone during 2008 at the Grand Opera House in York. Performances taking place include Alison Moyet, La Traviata, Abba Mania, Omid Djalili, The Nutcracker, High School Musical, Jimmy Carr, Electric Light Orchestra, Oh What a Night!, Horrible Histories, Bugsy Malone, Blood Brothers and many more. For a full programmes or to book tickets, please contact Grand Opera House on 0870 606 3595 or visit www.livenation.co.uk/york . Press Contact: Celestine Dubruel Tel: 01904 678711 Email: celestinedubruel@livenation.co.uk

Public Contact: York Visitor Information Centre, Tel 01904 550099 or visit www.visityork.org

For more ideas on York themes for 2008 visit www.visityork.org/media

Journalists: If you would like to visit York on a press trip we’d be delighted to hear from you, please contact:

Kay Hyde

PR Manager

Visit York

20 George Hudson Street

York

YO1 6WR

Email kh@visityork.org

Visit www.visityork.org/media

 

York Tourist Information Centre - For your free guide to where to stay and what to do in York, telephone 01904 550099 email tourism@yorkvic.co.uk or visit the website at www.visityork.org