01/03/2009

Main News

New opportunity to see the York Minster Glaziers at work

To highlight some of the amazing works being carried out at York Minster and to assist in the Minster's fundraising campaigns, Bedern Chapel, a new workshop space for York Minster Glaziers, has been opened to the public.  Visits will last about 45 minutes and offer a new unique insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes to restore York Minster's medieval glass.  Visitors will have the opportunity to see some of the finest glass conservators in action.

York Minster's Great East Window, created between 1405 and 1408, is the largest single expanse of Medieval stained glass in the world.  Bedern Chapel was originally the medieval chapel of the Vicars Choral. It has been converted to a public access work studio by York Glaziers Trust, allowing the public to witness conservation work up close. The York Glaziers Trust is responsible for the preservation and conservation of the stained glass of York Minster. 

Tours of the Glaziers Workshop at Bedern Chapel take place every Wednesday and Friday, departing from the Groups Desk in the Minster.  The tours last for approximately 1 hour and cost £5 per person, with a maximum of 15 people per tour. 

For pre-booking visits and tours and for more information contact Howard Spencer Mosley, Operations & Visitor Services Administrator, York Minster Visitors Department, St. Williams College, College Street, York, Y01 7JF, Tel: 01904 557216. 

Press Contact: Kendal Chalk Tel:  01904 557248, Email: kendalc@yorkminster.org  

Yorkshire Museum set for £2 million makeover

A major £2 million pound project set to transform the interior of the Yorkshire Museum will begin in November 2009.

The project, titled ‘Letting in the Light' will incorporate the city's Roman heritage, with major exhibitions also highlighting its strong medieval and natural history collections. 

Key exhibitions will include:

Eboracum: Face to Face with the Romans -  The power of the Roman Empire will be explored through the museum's internationally significant collection of Roman artefacts and, thanks to fascinating new research, the true picture of life in Roman York and the people who lived their will be unveiled.

York: The Power and the Glory
From a bustling Anglian city and royal Viking capital, to the second city of the Kingdom, this part of the museum will bring to life the colour, music, romance and spirituality of the medieval period. 

Extinct: A way of life
A colourful, forgotten world of extinct species will be brought to life in this fun, family-orientated gallery. 

The revamp will also include a new audio-visual experience, exploring the History of York and a new interactive Learning Level that will provide visitors with the chance to delve deeper into the past through hands-on activities, displays, workshops and meeting the experts.

Press contact: For more information about the plans for Yorkshire Musuem, please contact Lee Clark, Media Coordinator, on 01904 687673 or email lee.clark@ymt.org.uk

Flying Scotsman at the National Railway Museum

Since the Museum acquired ‘Flying Scotsman' in 2004, the locomotive has undergone a huge amount of work in order to be fully functional and back on the rails. The current major overhaul started in January 2006 and work is taking place at specialist engineers across the UK, as well as in the Workshop at the National Railway Museum.

She is the star icon of the National Collection and her restoration can be seen taking place NRM workshop balcony.  Visitors can also take part in the daily workshop round up talk that explains the latest developments in the restoration and other conservation projects.

At the beginning of 2009, the NRM launched a brand new appeal to ‘Steam Our Scotsman'.  The S.O.S. appeal aims to raise £250,000 in order to help complete the restoration project and bring No.4472 back into steam in June 2010.

To celebrate the return of this iconic locomotive, the NRM plan to hold a celebratory event in May 2010 to give the public the opportunity to see her up close before she heads out on her mainline operations with two operating partners throughout the summer of 2010.

Public Contact: For general enquiries call 0844 8153 139.  To make a donation to the SOS Appeal call 01904 685707.

Press Contact: Gemma Sneyd, Press Officer, NRM on 01904 686271 or email gemma.sneyd@nrm.org.uk

Tornado Steams into York

Tornado, the first new main line steam locomotive to be built in Britain for almost 50 years, will haul her historic first train from London's King's Cross station on Saturday 18th April 2009. This train, the Yorkshire Pullman, will run to York and will be the first time a once-familiar Peppercorn class A1 has departed from London's King's Cross Station for over 40 years.

The 2009 train will consist of 13 carriages, equating to about 550 tons, and will run at up to 75mph. The new £3 million Peppercorn class A1 60163 Tornado will be wearing her glorious apple green livery with ‘British Railways' on the tender as carried by the first 30 of the original 49 Peppercorn class A1s when built and the train will be resplendent in its traditional amber and cream livery. Only Pullman class is available at £449 per person. The booking agent for the Trust is Steam Dreams on 01483 209886 and some seats on this once-in-a-lifetime train are still available.

Speaking about Tornado's first passenger train from London's King's Cross station, Mark Allatt, chairman of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust said:

"Tornado's first train from London's Kings Cross station is the opening of a new chapter in the story of a project that many said could never be completed. In 1990 a group was formed with a vision and the determination to make it succeed - to build and operate a Peppercorn class A1 Pacific steam locomotive for main line and preserved railway use. 19 years later, and thanks to that shared vision and determination, Tornado will haul her first passenger train north from King's Cross to York on East Coast Main Line, the route on which the Peppercorn class A1s became such a familiar sight throughout the 1950s and early 1960s.'

It is thanks to our more than 2,500 regular monthly and other donors, our sponsors led by William Cook Cast Products Limited and the hard work of our volunteers and contractors that the project has achieved so much. The Trust is now looking to the great British public to help us keep Tornado on the main line by making a donation, sponsoring a component, taking part in our covenant scheme and/or our £500,000 bond issue to help repay the £832,000 borrowed to complete her construction."

On Saturday 18th April 2009, Tornado will follow the timings below from London's King's Cross station to York and return:
Departs London King's Cross 09:18hrs
Arrives York 14:08hrs
Departs York - 17:06hrs
Arrives London King's Cross - 21:09hrs

Other operations confirmed for Tornado in Yorkshire are:
1st - 10th May - Tornado at the North York Moors Spring Gala - www.nymr.co.uk
Monday 18th May - The Coronation arranged by Steam Dreams, with the York to Kings Cross leg hauled by Tornado - www.steamdreams.com Tel: 01483 209888

Saturday 23rd May - Steam Dreams trip Kings Cross to York and return with Tornado and Sir Nigel Gresley (see contact details above)

Saturday 19th September - Kings Cross to York and return arranged by Steam Dreams (see contact details above)

Saturday 3rd October - Tornado's first tour over the legendary Settle and Carlisle line, departing from Doncaster around 08:15hrs the train travels to York via the East Coast Main Line where Tornado will be waiting to take the train forward. The train departs York around 09:00hrs heading for Leeds where it picks up further passengers at approximately 09:30. Final pick up is at Hellifield around 10:45hrs. Shortly after departing Hellifield the train joins the famous Settle and Carlisle line, one of the greatest railway journeys in the world, with its magnificent scenery and outstanding engineering.
Booking agent Steam Dreams - www.steamdreams.com Tel: 01483 209888

Thursday 26th November - Kings Cross to York and return - arranged by Steam Dreams (see contact details above)

Please refer to the website - www.a1steam.com - for further information and updates on trips as they are confirmed.

The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, a registered charity, built Peppercorn class A1 Pacific 60163 Tornado at its Darlington Locomotive Works to haul charter trains operating on Network Rail. Fitted with additional water capacity and the latest railway safety electronics, Tornado is fully equipped for today's main line railway. The class A1s were designed by Arthur H Peppercorn for the London & North Eastern Railway and 49 were built in 1948/49 by British Railways. However, following the dieselisation of the railways, all were scrapped by 1966. The project to build a new Peppercorn class A1 was launched in 1990 and after 18 years of planning, construction and fundraising the £3 million locomotive was completed in August 2008. Following tests and trials, first on the Great Central Railway, Loughborough and latterly on the Network Rail main line based out of the National Railway Museum, York, Tornado hauled her first main line passenger train on 31st January 2009. Tornado was named by TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall at York station on 19th February 2009. Funds to build Tornado have been raised through deeds of covenant, commercial sponsorship (principal sponsor William Cook Cast Products Limited), commercial loans and through a bond issue. The Trust is still seeking to raise funds to repay the £832,000 borrowed to complete her construction.

Public contact: For details of how to help or where to travel behind Tornado telephone 01325 4 60163, visit www.a1steam.com or email enquiries@a1steam.com. Press Contact: Journalists wishing to travel on the Yorkshire Pullman on Saturday 18th April should email Mark Allatt at mark.allatt@a1steam.com Tel 07710 878979

Exciting programme of events for 2009 as Fairfax House celebrates 25 years as a House Museum

This year Fairfax House celebrates 25 years since it was opened by the Duchess of Kent to the public as a House Museum.

A series of events, exhibitions, tours, lectures and demonstrations will be taking place to mark the occasion, with highlights including:

• The Banquet (from 1st March to 30 August 2009), is a new exhibition that charts the evolution of these exotic sweetmeats and the objects used to present them at the table.
• For the first time Fairfax House will collaborate with the V&A in London. The ‘Contemporary Art from the V&A' will run from 26th September to 31st December 2009, and is a stunning display of gold and silver from the Rabinovitch collection.
• A Special Tours programme starts with The Cabinet of Curiosity (24th March, 9th April, 8th July -7pm) which is a new tour revealing some of the ingenious secret compartments and hidden drawers in many of the pieces in the Noel Terry collection as seen on BBC's Flog It!
• Jewellery Through Time (26th May 10am-3pm) where BBC1's Antique Road Show Jewellery Specialist, Geoffrey Munn will be on hand to value and discuss interesting pieces of jewellery.
• The annual Christmas exhibition ‘The Keeping of Christmas' (1st-31st December 2009) sees the House decorated for Christmas based on evidence from the Georgian period and this year includes a new Christmas commission from the world-famous flower arranger George Smith inspired by the 18th century.

For more detailed information about these and other activities planned for this celebratory year, please visit www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk, email info@fairfaxhouse.co.uk or ring 01904 655543.

Press contact: Peter Brown, Tel: 01904 655543 Email: peterbrown@fairfaxhouse.co.uk Melanie Paris Tel: 01904 647408 Email: hello@melanieparis.com

Glimpse into the past with an attic tour of Treasurers House

Treasurers House, York, is opening up its attics to allow a rare glimpse into the lives of those who lived and worked there in a bygone era.

Boasting a 2000 year history, the attics of the house provided the living quarters of Yorkshire Industrialist Frank Green's servants during the Edwardian period.  The attic has been left untouched, empty and unused since Mr Green and his household departed in 1930, after donating the house to the National Trust.

The tour allows a glimpse into the past via the delightfully decayed and atmospheric attic space.  Hear what life may have been like for Frank Green's servants - what was he like as an employer?  Find out what happened when the Royal family and their entourage stayed at Treasurer's House in 1900.  Enjoy stunning secret views of the Minster and find out why Treasurer's House became the centre of the universe as we know it! Access is along a high walkway and includes steps, narrow doorways and low ceilings in part so is not for the faint-hearted!

For more information and tour times call 01904 624247 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Press contact: Jane Whitehead Tel 01904 624247 email: treasurershouse@nationaltrust.org.uk

Five Sisters provides inspiration for new installation at York St Mary's

23rd May - November 2009

More than six thousand shards of medieval pottery will be used to create a new thought-provoking installation at York St Mary's this May.

Mosaicist Emma Biggs and artist and art critic Matthew Collings will intricately arrange the fragmented pieces to create a mosaic that will almost fill the entire floor space of the church.  Oil paintings will echo its beautiful, shimmering, geometric appearance.

Five Sisters will draw inspiration from the church and the history locked within the 500,000 pieces of glass that make up the great 13th century Five Sister window at York Minster.  The thousands of pieces of broken pot have come from archaeological digs in Yorkshire, and they are roughly the same age as the Five Sisters window.

The innovative concept, which will see the pottery returned to its original state at the end of the installation, is believed to be the first of its kind.

Five Sisters is the fifth installation to be commissioned at York St Mary's, a deconsecrated medieval church in the heart of York.  The installations are created to complement the unique space and draw on its atmospheric surroundings.  York St Mary's is open 10am-4pm and free to all. 

For more information visit www.yorkstmarys.org.uk

Press contact:  For interviews with the artists please contact Lee Clark, Media Coordinator, on 01904 687673 or email lee.clark@ymt.org.uk

Hear music from across the world at the National Centre for Early Music

The National Centre for Early Music (NCEM) has announced its great and varied programme for 2009, with its world music season opening on 5th March.

As well as an exciting line-up for its in-house concerts, The NCEM is working with The Orlando Consort on an innovative early/world music fusion tour entitled ‘Mantra: Conversations across the Indian Ocean'.  The tour will be premiered in York on 7th May and will then visit 11 venues across the country.

The NCEM is also working in partnership with BBC Radio 3 and the internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble The Tallis Scholars to offer the new prestigious NCEM Composers Award.  These Awards are open to young people under the age of 25.  There will be a special finalists concert on Thursday 14th May at the NCEM where the winner will be chosen, who will have their piece performed by The Tallis Scholars in York Minster on Friday 10th July at the opening concert of the 2009 York Early Music Festival. 

For more information about the concerts visit www.ncem.co.uk Tickets are available from the Box Office, National Centre for Early Music, St Margaret's Church, Walmgate, York YO1 9TL Tel: 01904 658338; email boxoffice@ncem.co.uk 

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

York Early Music International Young Artists Competition Attracts Entrants from Across the World

The York Early Music International Young Artists Competition - which will take place at the National Centre for Early Music in York from 16th - 18th July as part of the 2009 York Early Music Festival - has attracted an international line-up of young artists from across the world.

Seven groups have been short-listed for this year's competition including: Concitato (USA); Ensemble Meridiana and Grand Désir (Switzerland); MetroMarina (Belgium); Le Tic Toc Choc (France); Purcelli Abubu (Austria) and The Marian Consort (UK).

Press contact: Shona Galletly (on behalf of the National Centre for Early Music, Tel: 0113 255 1308 Email: shona@shonagalletlypr.co.uk

Be Responsible and Gorgeous when shopping in York

For all those shopaholics out there with a desire to remain eco-friendly, ‘ONE Responsibly Gorgeous' in York is the place to visit.

Opened in 2007, the privately owned boutique in York is quickly developing a following with women throughout Yorkshire and beyond.  Owner Anne McCrickard opened the store to respond to the need for stylish clothing on the high street that is supplied from ethical and fairtade sources.

Its stock includes collections from the world's leading ethical designers including Izzy Lane, Terra Plana and Beyond Skin.

To browse the rails of this unique store, visit www.responsiblygorgeous.co.uk

Press contact: Anne McCrickard, Tel: 01904 689627 or email shop@responsiblygorgeous.co.uk

Shop & the City

The exciting Shop & the City promotion from Visit York enables all-comers to York to book two nights' B&B from just £80.90 per person, based on two people sharing. Visitors can choose from sixteen of York's top boutique hotels and guest houses, as well as benefiting from a host of value-added offers, ranging from beauty make-overs to travel deals. To book, log on to www.shopandthecity.org or Tel: York Visitor Information on 01904 550085.

In addition to added extras and great room rates, visitors booking a ‘Shop &the City' break can also collect a new themed shopping trails leaflet from York Visitor Information Centres. The walking trails are based around four characters, each with their own shopping route designed to highlight York's fantastic offerings - follow in the footsteps of Fashionista Phoebe, Design crazy Danni, Sumptuous Sophie and for the guys, be Mr York for a day.

Shop and the City will run until 30th September 2009.

For further information contact York Visitor Information Centre 01904 550085 or email shop@visityork.org or visit www.shopandthecity.org

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

Black Swan named as Folk Club of the Year in BBC Radio 2 Awards

The Black Swan Folk Club in York has won ‘Folk Club of the Year' in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2009.

The Award is voted for by professional folk musicians to honour the often-lifelong contribution of those who run the venues that provide folk's lifeblood.  This year marks the tenth anniversary of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, designed as an annual celebration of folk music and the people who make it.

The Black Swan Folk Club has been meeting almost every Thursday for over thirty years.  The club has always met at, and indeed takes its name from, the Black Swan Inn on Peasholme Green in York city centre.  This historic gem of a pub, a listed building with many fine features, makes a delightfully atmospheric setting for live acoustic music.

Although a relatively small venue, this coming year brings return bookings for two iconic names in Irish and Scottish music - Andy Irvine and Dick Gaughan.

For more information about the club and its activities, visit www.blackswanfolkclub.org.uk

Press contact Roland Wells, Club Organiser, Tel: 01904 632922 Email: rolandwalls@yahoo.co.uk

Improve your gardening skills at Stillingfleet Lodge Garden and Nurseries

Stillingfleet Lodge Garden and Nurseries just outside the City of York, offers visitors an interesting and enjoyable afternoon out in a stunning setting in the grounds of an 18th century farmhouse.  It is one of the few Yorkshire gardens that are free for RHS members.

Established over 30 years ago, the gardens run over two acres, using cottage garden principles.  A woodland walk leads to a wildlife pond, planted for natural effect and further to a wildlife meadow.  With long herbaceous borders that lead back to the house, the garden is home to several varieties of rare poultry and is full of birds and butterflies.  New for 2009 is the rill garden - a modern, peaceful water garden with rills and contemporary planting.

Visitors can also take the opportunity to get involved and perk up their gardening and artistic skills, with a series of courses running over 2009, including:

• Look at new ways to improve your garden with garden designer Lizzie Tulip
  Small Trees for small gardens
  Making your garden a wildlife haven
  Watercolours in the garden with Helen Wright
  Making the most of shade in the garden

Stillingfleet Lodge Garden & Nurseries is open from 16th April until 30th September - every Wednesday and Friday, and the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month from 1pm until 5pm.

For more information about the gardens and the courses running over the 2009 season, Tel: 01904 728506 or email Vanessa.cook@stillingfleetlodgenurseries.co.uk

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

North York Moors National Park celebrates International Year of Astronomy

To celebrate the International Year of Astronomy, the North York Moors National Park Authority is teaming up with York Astronomical Society to host a number of free star gazing events throughout the year.

This year was chosen as the International Year of Astronomy as it coincides with the 400th anniversary of the first recorded astronomical observations of the moon with a telescope, by Galileo Galilei.

Dark skies at night and clear unpolluted air are special qualities of the UK's 14 national parks making them ideal locations for star-gazing.

For further information on the star gazing events, contact Martin Whillock on 01347 821 849 or email martin@whillock.me.uk

Press contact: Rachel McIntosh, Communications Officer - North York Moors National Park Authority, Tel: 01439 770657 Email: r.mcintosh@nprthyorkmoors-npa.gov.uk

New Exhibitions

Do time in The Gaol at York Castle Museum

Opens 17th July 2009

An exciting new gallery at York Castle Museum will allow visitors to do time the old fashioned way in a brand new interpretation of the Museum's famous cells.  The Castle Museum was once a prison home to hundreds of felons ranging from murderers to those in debt.  Visitors will learn about the building's fascinating history, see and feel the cramped conditions the inmates were kept in and hear about the characters that were kept there - such as the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin.

For more information visit www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk Tel: 01904 687687

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

Sing A Song of Sixpence at Castle Howard

New exhibition from Monday 16th March until Sunday 30th August 2009

Castle Howard is launching a brand new exhibition on Monday 16th March 2009: Sing a Song of Sixpence:  Children's Picture Books at Castle Howard.  This exhibition explores the varied collection of illustrated Victorian children's books at Castle Howard.  The exhibition will be full of vibrant illustrations by artists such as Edward Lear, Walter Crane, Randolph Caldecott, Kate Greenaway, and even George Howard, 9th Earl of Carlisle (1843-1911); a talented artist, and devoted father, and grandfather, he took pleasure in producing paintings and illustrations for his family. 

George Howard inherited the management of Castle Howard in 1880, and the title 9th Earl in 1889.  He had eleven children, and this is reflected in the enormous resource of children's illustrated books of this period, in the Castle Howard Collection.  Both the 9th Earl and Countess equally coveted these books as fine artistic examples.  As an artist George Howard was an astute arbiter of taste and actively involved with the artistic priorities of the period.  His own artistic pursuits extended to the illustration and entertainment of his children: he humorously illustrated their family holidays, decorated the envelopes of letters he wrote to them, but most significantly published ‘A Picture Song Book' for the ‘amusement' of his grandchildren, containing 46 songs illustrated with original drawings by the 9th Earl himself.  Many of these original works will be on display. 

Entry is included in admission to Castle Howard. 

Public contact: For more information visit www.castlehoward.co.uk or call 01653 648444.  Press contact: Eleanor Course Tel: 01653 648625 Email: press@castlehoward.co.uk

New exhibitions for 2009 at The Quilt Museum and Gallery in York

‘Warp, Weft and the Printer's Block' and ‘Migration' by Cefyn Burgess
20 January to 18 April 2009

The Quilt Museum and Gallery is starting 2009 with an excellent exhibition line up, celebrating the use of cloth through the Quilter's Guild Heritage collection in ‘Warp, Weft and the Printer's Block', and through the work of contemporary textile artist Cefyn Burgess in a Ruthin Crafts Centre Touring Exhibition entitled 'Migration'.

‘Warp, Weft and the Printer's Block' will explore the manufacture of cotton, silk, linen and wool in the 18th and 19th centuries and its use in quiltmaking. Items from the Quilters' Guild of the British Isles historic textile collection will be used to demonstrate the utilitarian, inventive, and often artistic output of the period's needlewomen.

‘Migration' is the story of a personal journey made by Cefyn Burgess as he set about opening up new areas of work. ‘Migration' is a Ruthin Crafts Centre Touring Exhibition. 

Forthcoming exhibitions for 2009 also include:

28 April to 29 August:
‘Pearls Pearls Pearls', a juried exhibition of new work to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Quilters' Guild of the British Isles; and ‘The Wholecloth Tradition' showing pieces from the Guild collection

5th September to 23rd December:
‘Seeing Red: The Influence of Turkey Red Dye on Quiltmaking'. 

For more information about the Quilt Museum and Gallery and a list of forthcoming activities visit www.quiltmuseum.org.uk or email info@quiltmuseum.org.uk  Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm until Sunday 21 December 2009 

Press contact: Fiona Diaper Tel: 01904 613242

Stanley Spencer Exhibition - 50 years on

24th January - 19 April 2009

Organised by Tate Liverpool, this exhibition features paintings and drawings by one of the most original and celebrated British artists of the twentieth century.  The exhibition will mark the 50th anniversary of his death by bringing together a wide selection of works from different stages of his life.  These will include oils, watercolours and intimate sketches, as well as his last self-portrait, painted shortly before he died.

This is the first exhibition of Spencer's work ever to be held in the city.

Visit www.yorkartgallery.org.uk Tel: 01904 687687

Press contact: A list of his works and several images are available on request. Lee Clark, Media Coordinator, Tel: 01904 687673, Email: lee.clark@ymt.org.uk

Plague, Poverty and Prayer at Barley Hall

Open until 1st December 2009

The historic, medieval townhouse of Barley Hall is the setting for the new Plague Poverty and Prayer exhibition, exploring life and death in medieval York.

The exhibition explores everyday life for the citizens of York from the Norman invasion to Tudor times, by examining unique archaeological evidence from the period. Visitors will explore interactive displays, new research, and recently excavated skeletal material, to find out some of the gruesome details about illnesses and diseases from the period; who and what may have treated them; and the importance of folk medicine, prayer, astrology, spells, mysticism to everyone living in Britain at the time.

The exhibition has been funded by the Wellcome Trust and designed by York Archaeological Trust.

Public contact: Visit www.barleyhall.org.uk or call 01904 610275
Press contact: David Scoot, York Archaeological Trust, Tel: 01904 543426 or email dscott@yorkat.co.uk

Henry VIII Exhibition at York Minster

4th to 26th July 2009

York Minster is set to be the only location in the North East to display a touring exhibition from The British Library to mark the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's accession to the throne.

Henry VIII: Man and Monarch will be a major exhibition in residence at The British Library in London from 23rd April to 6th September 2009 and is will be guest-curated by historian and broadcaster Dr David Starkey.  Important and rarely displayed items from the Library's Henry VIII collections will be on display, including maps and books from the King's own library.

The touring programme is set to offer a host of activities, including workshops and talks for school groups and families, along with an interactive Turning the Pages^TM kiosk allowing visitors to examine the books from Henry's own library.

York Minster will be holding a series of events to mark the occasion, for more information visit www.yorkminster.org

Press Contact: Kendal Chalk Tel:  01904 557248, Email: kendalc@yorkminster.org

Upcoming Festivals / Events

Get arty at York Open Studios

Friday 27th March - Sunday 29th March

2009 will see the eighth York Open Studios, and this year the event is set to be bigger than ever - with over fifty artists, craftspeople and designers opening up their studios.  Visitors will be welcomed into venues that are as varied as the works on show, from Victorian cottages to stunning architect conversions.

This is an enjoyable event for visitors of all ages and interests, and a rare chance to find out what inspiration lies behind the artwork.  Visitors can step inside a painting studio, view ceramics by some of the country's leading makers or take advantage of the many opportunities to try their hand at something new.

Painter and designer David Campbell, who has previously featured in Elle Deco, creates large plant based paintings and will be joining the York Open Studios for a second time.

A free directory which features details of all the artists and maps is available from all York libraries and creative outlets across the region, or by downloading from the website www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk or by calling Ruth King on 01904 706123.  Access to all the venues and studios is free and they are open Friday 27th March 6-9pm, Saturday 28th March 10am to 6pm and Sunday 29th March 11am - 6pm.

Press contact: For more information/images, please contact Jane Redfern on 01845 526720 / 07724 131179, Email: pr@janeredfern.co.uk

See the Easter story in light at Via Luminosa in York

Monday 6th April to Saturday 18th April 2009 (between 7.30pm and 10pm)

In April 2009, visitors to York will be able to follow the trail of Via Luminosa - the Easter story in light.

Using a trail of 16 looped video installations, the Easter story will be projected onto some of York's most iconic buildings and structures, throughout the ancient streets of York's city centre.  The trail will begin at St Bede's just outside Mickelgate Bar, and will finish in the area around York Minster.

Images can be enjoyed as a piece in their own right or the trail can be followed around the city centre to complete the story.

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

Accommodation News

Wine, dine and unwind like royalty at the beautiful Middlethorpe Hall

Middlethorpe Hall and Spa was the choice of accommodation for HRH the Duke of York on his recent visit to the city to view the progress of the restoration work at York Minster.

Standing in 20 acres of award-winning gardens and parkland, Middlethorpe Hall is an 18th century building of great historical charm and importance, which has recently been donated to the National Trust.

For the months of March and April Middlethorpe Hall is offering a spectacular discount of over 25% per person for an overnight stay.  From £144 per person, per night (normal price £195.95) guests will be able to enjoy overnight accommodation in a standard/twin room in the charming courtyard of this elegant William and Mary House, early morning tea in their room, the famous full Yorkshire breakfast, relaxation in the Spa bath and swimming pool, a pampering Decléor Aromatic Facial for each partner and a £43 allowance per person towards a three course candlelit dinner.

For more information visit www.middlethorpe.com or call 01904 641 241.

Press contact: Lionel Chatard Tel: 01904 641241 Email: lac@middlethorpe.com
If you are a journalist and would like to sample the delights of Middlethorpe Hall and Spa with a lunch or dinner to review the Hotel and Spa,  please contact Daisy Parker on 0207 432 9740 or email daisy@iscott.co.uk

Enjoy a ‘cookery break' at Harmony House

For those who are looking for a little something extra for their stay in York, Harmony House in Stillingfleet is extending its hospitality for staying guests, offering them the opportunity to brush up on their culinary skills while they visit.

Harmony House Cookery School is offering residential courses so guests can combine a stay in York with the chance to get some quick hints and tips in the kitchen.

Guests can treat themselves to a relaxing day at Harmony House Cookery School, joining owner and cooking expert Hilary Finney in her own home kitchen.  Hilary holds a Diploma from the Cordon Bleu School of Cookery in London, and through the school she aims to share her Cordon Bleu training.

Residential courses start at £150 per person, based on two nights bed and breakfast with one day of cookery in the school and one day sightseeing in York and the surrounding area.

For more information about staying at Harmony House, please visit www.harmonyhouseyork.com or call 01904 720933.

For more information about Harmony House Cookery School and the full range of day and residential courses, as well as cooking demonstrations visit www.harmonyhousecookeryschool.co.uk

Press contact: Hilary Finney, Tel: 07889 808749 or email hilary@harmonyhousecookeryschool.co.uk

Badger ‘Wild Watch' comes to Griffon Forest Holiday Lodges

The abundance of wildlife at Griffon Forest Holiday Lodges, near York has always been a great attraction for its guests.  New for 2009 is the installation of video cameras around the site to film the "special residents" who have made Griffon Forest their home.  Live footage of their daily adventures is beamed back to each TV in the lodges so that guests can sit back and enjoy all the action.

As the seasons change so will the footage from cameras in specially built nesting boxes for owls, birds of prey, swallows and tits and at the ground level feeding areas in the woodland.

Griffon Forest is just of the A64 near York and is open all year round for short breaks and weekly self-catering holidays.  The luxury lodges are fully equipped and offer outdoor hot tubs, Jacuzzi baths and 4 poster beds.

For more information visitors should contact Julian Darnley, Griffon Forest, Scotchman Lane, Flaxton, York.  Tel: 01904 468787 or visit www.griffonforest.co.uk
Press contact: Kay Hyde, PR Manager, Visit York, Tel: 01904 554451, email: kh@visityork.org

Have an eco-friendly stay at the newest addition to York's self-catering offer

An exciting, new, sustainable low carbon self-catering holiday accommodation opened near York in December 2008.  This environmental development features the renovation of three 18th century barns into luxury units suitable for couples, friends and family alike or groups of up to 12 persons.

Renewable technologies are used throughout to offer complete luxury and comfort with no compromise to either the visitor or the environment.  A demonstration control room offers the visitor an insight into the technology that lies behind this complex development.  Sumptuous furnishings, handmade country kitchens, six luxury en-suite bedrooms, log stoves and landscaped gardens all go towards making the visitor feel surrounded by the very best there is to offer.  Public contact: www.dovecotebarnsyork.co.uk   Tel: 01757 249332 mob 078 529 16023

Did you know that York has a wide selection of four/five star self-catering properties?

York has a diverse portfolio of luxurious self-catering accommodation, many of which are located close to the heart of the city centre.

10 George Street is a luxury, five star property situated in the heart of the city centre.  Only 5 minutes walk from The Shambles and a 10 minute walk from York Minster, this beautiful Georgian townhouse provides space for up to six guests.  This property is ideal for those looking for a luxury, boutique style hotel but with the added freedom of self-catering. www.10georgestreet.co.uk

The Riverside is an early Victorian townhouse, with the unique style, comfort and luxury of an exclusive home from home.  This grand centrally -located residence is generously spread over three floors, and has three double bedrooms.  www.riverside-york.co.uk

Music House Apartment takes up the entire top two floors above the award-winning Café Concerto on High Petergate, and looks out over the beautiful historic York Minster.  Housed in a Grade-2 listed building, this deluxe two-bedroomed, split-level apartment is available for weekly lets and short breaks.  www.cafeconcerto.biz

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

Yorkshire Bed and Breakfast Goes Green for Guests

Low Penhowe Bed and Breakfast, in Burythorpe near Malton, has gained a Gold Award from Green Business Tourism as a result of the owners, Christopher and Philippa Turner's determination to provide their guests with a greener environment.

The Green Tourism Business Scheme awards businesses actively engaged in reducing the negative environmental and social impacts of their tourism operations.

The one thing that scored the highest points was Low Penhowe's attitude to Breakfast, Philippa Turner commented "We grow, make or bake our own, and then we source it locally usually with 30 miles of Low Penhowe or within Yorkshire."

Breakfast favourites include:
Bacon and Eggs (both locally produced and sourced), Rhubarb (home grown at Low Penhowe)  Muesli (supplied by The Side Oven Bakery, Foston on the Wolds, Driffield, East Yorkshire) Sausages (produced by a local butcher with local meat) and Low Penhowe's home-baked Bread, made with locally sourced organic flour.
 
Low Penhowe is YTB's Yorkshire's Guest Accommodation of the Year and Deliouslyorkshire's Breakfast winner of the Year. Low Penhowe is the perfect location for anyone wishing to enter into the hustle and bustle of York, while enjoying the peace and tranquillity of rural North Yorkshire.

To book a stay at Low Penhowe Bed and Breakfast, or to find out more information on how they are ‘going green', visit www.bedandbreakfastyorkshire.co.uk, Tel: 01653 658336 or email LowPenhowe@btinternet.com

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

Find out more about ‘hidden York...'
 
Take a walk in York...

Lady Peckett's Yard, Coffee Yard, Mad Alice Lane, Whip Ma Whop Ma Gate.  The names alone are irresistible.  A network of ‘ginnels' or alleyways winds through the historic core of York as it has done for centuries, each with a story to tell.  You can explore almost the whole of the city centre using these medieval shortcuts.  York has its own name for these tiny lanes - ‘Snickleways' - a word coined by a local tour guide made up of the word ‘Snicket', ‘Ginnel' and ‘Alleyway'.  YorkWalk, established in 1990, offers a programme of themed walking tours of York throughout the year. Many of these explore the hidden York, and unwind the fascinating history of the city.  These include, amongst others:

Inaccessible and Hidden York
A unique chance to enter parts of York never open to the public, to descend into cellars and Roman remains, and explore secret passages, crypts, medieval churches and hidden Georgian interiors.

The Graveyard, Coffin and Crypt Tour
A chance for visitors to explore the hidden city of the dead; descend to a secret crypt, sample Roman and medieval coffins and visit plague sites.

Historic Toilet Tour
A saga of convenience from Roman hygiene to C19th attempts to prevent ‘nuisance' and promote public decency.  Also visitors are able to sample the dubious comforts of medieval garderobes.

Guy Fawkes Trail
Visitors can explore the (several!) birthplaces and haunts of one of York's most infamous sons - Guy Fawkes of Gunpowder Plot fame.

For more information visit www.yorkwalk.co.uk Tel: 01904 656244 Email: admin@yorkwalk.fsnet.co.uk

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

For those who prefer self-guided walks and tours, Visit York has produced a series of nine walking trails for the city, including Medieval Churches, a Railway Heritage Trail, A Rowntree Trail - taking visitors on a tour of the city's chocolate heritage, a Roman Trail and many more.  For full details visit www.visityork.org/explore

The Retrace York City Rubbings Trail

The Retrace York City Rubbings Trail, introduced in Autumn 2008, is a new experience for visitors on the city walls.  A map of York has been split up and scattered around the city's ancient walls.  Visitors can assemble a complete map, travelling around the walls in any direction, by taking a rubbing of each panel.  The panels highlight a route around the historic defences and also reveal some of York's fascinating past along the way.  The trail's aim is to encourage children to walk the whole way around the city walls and experience areas of the city which are not normally used.

For more information visit www.visityork.org Tel: 01904 550099 Email: info@visityork.org
 
Press contact: Kay Hyde, PR Manager, Visit York, Tel: 01904 554451 Email: kh@visityork.org
 

For more ideas on York themes for 2008/09 visit www.vistyork.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 Voted Best UK City
York was crowned (November 2008) ‘The UK's Best City' for the second year running at the prestigious annual Telegraph Travel Awards. The awards highlight the best that travel can offer and emerge from the biggest independent survey in the UK of the British travelling public.

Some 30,000 readers of the Daily Telegraph are questioned on their travel habits - not just on where and how they like to travel, but on their attitudes to domestic trips and the welcome and service they receive.

This is not the first time York has been named as the UK's favourite city in the Telegraph Awards - York took the title last year, as well as taking the title from London in 2004 after a six year run at the top.
 
Public Contact: York Visitor Information Centre, Tel 01904 550099 or visit www.visityork.org