About
Enjoy an inspiring programme of in-person and online events at York Festival of Ideas 2023, taking place from 2 to 15 June 2023 under the theme ‘Rediscover, Reimagine, Rebuild’.
The award-winning Festival offers over 150 mostly FREE events to educate, entertain and inspire, including talks from world-class speakers, exhibitions, music, films, guided tours and family-friendly activities.
With topics ranging from archaeology to art, history to health and politics to psychology, as well as a plethora of live performances, the Festival promises something for all ages and interests.
Join a host of renowned speakers such as BBC presenter and Team GB triathlete Louise Minchin; bestselling author, historian and broadcaster Tracy Borman; solicitor and former Chief Prosecutor Nazir Afzal; politician and former actor Michael Cashman; and more.
Engage in important conversations with our Festival Focus experts, who will discuss the complex challenges we are facing, including how we can solve poverty in the UK, how our criminal justice system could be reimagined for everyone’s benefit and how we can harness the power of major employer institutions, education providers and social enterprise in York.
Watch a variety of performances by musical talents such as violinist Anna Phoebe; GRAMMY-nominated countertenor Reginald Mobley; and pianist and composer Lucy Parham, who will appear in the Festival Finale, together with actor Tim McInnerny.
The Festival also offers a variety of free family-friendly events. Children can have their favourite toy turned into a fully-animated film star, explore nature, join an indoor dig, and much, much more.
Don’t miss acclaimed children’s author Michael Morpurgo, who will retell an abridged version of his bestselling novel War Horse in the stunning surroundings of York Theatre Royal, accompanied by actor and musician Ben Murray, with music and songs from the National Theatre production.
The Festival programme also includes a variety of inspiring online events, which you can watch on the go or from the comfort of your own home.
One of the largest free festivals of its kind in the UK, York Festival of Ideas was enjoyed by a worldwide audience of 40,000 in 2022.
Browse the 2023 programme and book your tickets at yorkfestivalofideas.com.
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