Here at the What’s On mag, we like to think we’re pretty good at detecting things. Like the fact you must have great taste. How can we tell? Well, just from the fact that you’re reading this it’s pretty obvious that you’ve made at least two brilliant decisions recently. The first was to come to York this April. I mean, after all what better place could there be on earth to spend Easter than the Chocolate City? If you’ve somehow missed it so far, we call York the chocolate city because it was the birthplace of the Terry’s and Rowntree chocolate companies — and is still home to a massive Nestle factory! So, whether you’re in the mood for learning how chocolate is made, or simply eating plenty of it, you’ve definitely come to the right place. The second great choice? Well, that was picking up the copy of What’s On you’re reading right now of course! Packed full of all the events, shows, and gigs you need to know about, it’s the key to making the most of the next few weeks. Plus, we’ve got a city map on page 16!
With this issue of What’s On as your guide, it’s safe to say that those great decsions on how to spend your time are set to continue. Have a great Easter!
SPELLBINDING MAGIC, COMEDY
Public Tours
The most MAGICAL ticket in town, and York’s only tour created for families with children!
WINNER of many awards including Best Tour, Best of York, Experience of the Year and more
A family-friendly alternative to a ghost walk with NO spooky ghosts and NO scary stories. Expect FUN instead of frights!
Wizard Wand Kits also available. A wooden wand and instructions for seven tricks, plus FREE printable certificate.
Tours start from York’s iconic Shambles, pre-booking essential.
Book at www.wizardwalkofyork.com. Early booking recommended!
“My daughters said this was the highlight of our week in York!” –A. Tolen
Private Tours
Private bookings available for all kinds of groups including…
• Schools
• Birthdays
• Beavers and Cubs
• Rainbows and Brownies
“The best party ever apparently, and it’s been the talk of the class this week!” – R. Brown
Follow @wizardwalkofyork on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for the latest magical news, giveaways and special offers!
“The best school trip I’ve ever been on. All the children (and adults) were captivated throughout!” – C. Duffy, North Duffield Primary School @WizardwalkofYork
£4.95
*When you commit to 12 weeks of group support between 22nd Dec 2024 and 25th Jan 2025. Price shown is RRP. Terms and conditions apply. Visit slimmingworld.co.uk/offers for more information.
Kabelevsky Colas Breugnon Overture
Khachaturian Adagio from Spartacus
Khachaturian Masquerade Waltz
Shostakovich Piano Concerto No.2
Ravel Pavane pour une enfante défunte
Ravel Daphnis et Chloé Suite No.2
Ravel Bolero
Martin Roscoe Piano
Simon Wright Conductor
Fiona Love Leader
Martin Roscoe
What's On
5 APRIL
CEILIDH WITH PIE AND PEA SUPPER
Strensall Bowls Club, Strensall Village Hall, York. Doors open at 7pm. Bring your own drinks and have a great night! Contact bowlsceilidh@outlook.com or call 07929719286 to book.
5 APRIL
YORK RECORD FAIR
Knavesmire Stand, York Racecourse. 10am-5pm. Go and check out one of the biggest record fairs in the UK, there will be 150 tables selling vinyl records of all genres with many thousands of rare and collectable LPs and 45s. Admission is £2. Visit York Record Fair on Facebook for more information.
5-6 APRIL AND 12-13 APRIL
YORK OPEN STUDIOS
This year’s event will see over 160 artists from across York opening their studios and welcoming visitors. This annual event gives a rare glimpse into the creative methods of artists and offers an opportunity to buy work directly from the artists themselves. Visit www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk for more details.
5-20 APRIL
EASTER AT YORK’S CHOCOLATE STORY
King’s Square, York. 10am-5pm. Through guided tours and chocolate-making workshops, you’ll get to uncover the secrets behind the Chocolate City’s past, discover the origins of chocolate, and get hands-on with a range of chocolate making activities to get your chocolate fix this Easter. Book from www.yorkschocolatestory.com.
5-21 APRIL
SPRINGTIME EGGS-PLORER TRAIL
Sledmere House, East Yorkshire. 10am-5pm. Keep your eyes peeled as you make your way around the Parkland and Gardens this Easter. See if you can spot Easter Eggs, Chicks, Bunnies and lots more. There will be prizes up for grabs if you can spot them all! For more information, please visit www.sledmerehouse.com.
Have you got an event to shout about? Upload your event to our website for FREE! Visit: yourlocallink.co.uk/add-listing
7-21 APRIL
EASTER AT BEETLE BANK OPEN FARM, Beetle Bank Farm, Moor Lane, York. Head to the farm for an Eggstravaganza of an event this Easter Holidays! There will be crafts, games, an egg hunt, and so much more. Visit www.facebook.com/ beetlebankfarm to learn more.
12 APRIL
MONTHLY FOOD MARKET
Market Place, Malton. 9am-3pm. Enjoy free entry and two hours of free parking as you explore stalls packed with some of the finest food Yorkshire has to offer.
12 APRIL
EASTER FAIR
Huntington Methodist Church, York. 10am to 1.00pm. There will be refreshments including lunches, and various stalls including cakes, crafts, gifts and plants. Proceeds will go towards Church funds. Check out their Facebook page for more details.
16-20 APRIL
YORK CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL
Parliament Street, York. A celebration of York’s most famous historic produce returns to ‘The Chocolate City’ for 2025. With plenty of workshops, tasting sessions and demonstrations, there is something to suit every taste. If you'd like to find out more, visit www.yorkfoodfestival.com.
17 APRIL
EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA
Rowntree Park, York. 10am-1pm. Search the park for clues to help the Easter Bunny solve a mystery, and earn a small reward for all your help. Visit www. rowntreepark.org.uk.
19-21 APRIL
YORK MODEL RAILWAY SHOW
Knavesmire Stand, York Racecourse. 10am-5pm on the weekend and 10am-4.30pm on the Sunday. To mark the 60th York Model Railway Show York Racecourse will be holding three packed days of model railway related interests including layouts, demonstrations, traders and exhibitors. Check out www.yorkshow.org.uk for more details.
THURSDAY 24 APRIL,
19-20 APRIL
FILEY FOOD FESTIVAL
Filey Evron Centre, Filey. Go and check out 65 stalls of delicious food and drink with lovely views of Filey Bay. Call 07966 751340 for more info.
22 APRIL – 4 MAY
YORK INTERNATIONAL SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
various theatres across York. 10 days of exciting Shakespeare productions and events. Visit www. yorkshakes.co.uk to learn more.
23 APRIL
EMILY WORTHINGTON & DANIEL GRIMWOOD
Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, Campus West, University of York. 7.30pm. Award-winning pianist Daniel Grimwood and internationally renowned historical clarinettist Emily Worthington are coming to York! Book tickets at www.yorkconcerts.co.uk.
The Bar Convent, 17 Blossom St, York. 11am-3pm. Tennants’ team of specialists will be happy to value any item you may wish to sell. You do not need an appointment and their friendly and knowledgeable specialists will be happy to provide any information or advice you need. Call 01423 531661 for more details.
26 APRIL
EASTER EGG HUNT
The Wilberforce Trust, Dringhouses, York. 11.30am - 2.30pm. Using plastic eggs that bleep, this oneof-a-kind egg hunt is inclusive for children and young people with a visual impairment, and sighted siblings can take part wearing an eye mask. Check out their Facebook page for details.
26-27 APRIL
YORK HEALTH AND HEALING FESTIVAL
York Racecourse, 10am-5pm. Feel a renewed level of energy and get inspired by talks, demonstrations and workshops in the world of health and healing. Exhibitors will be displaying a wide collection of curios from gemstones to oils, clothing to gifts and so much more. Visit www.healthhealingfestivals.co.uk for more information.
26-27 APRIL
POCKLINGTON FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL
Market Place, Pocklington, East Yorkshire. Saturday 9am – 6pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm. Featuring a street food court, grocery and craft stalls, a live music stage and children’s entertainment, there will be plenty to keep the whole family entertained. More information can be found at
The Basement, City Screen, York. Doors open at 6pm. Hailed by BBC Upload for its “outsidethe-box creativity,” this event returns with a mix of live, left-field music and spoken word. Note: Some content may not suit young children. Email navigatorsart@gmail.com for more info.
10 MAY
RAWCLIFFE CARNIVAL
Rawcliffe Rec Field, YO30 5TS. Don’t miss this fun family day-out in Rawcliffe. There will be stalls, rides, music, and so much more! Check out their Facebook page for more details.
10 MAY
BRAHMS – A GERMAN REQUIEM
York Minster. 7.30pm. York Concerts will bring some of the greatest works of Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn, as well as Rheinberger, and Brahms to life. Book tickets from www.yorkconcerts.co.uk.
10-11 MAY
WE’LL MEET AGAIN
Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington. 10am-5pm. A weekend inspired by the 1940s. Taking centre stage outside will be the museum’s iconic Halifax bomber plane, surrounded by period re-enactors and a selection of vintage and military vehicles. Also across the weekend you’ll be able to enjoy a VE Day Street Party! Head to www.yorkshireairmuseum.org to book.
11 MAY
YORK HEALTH AND ARTS MELA
York Museum Gardens and Exhibition Square. 10am-5pm. A day packed full of multicultural entertainment and activities that will showcase everything York has to offer! Alongside the entertainment and great food, there will be information stands focused on Health, Wellbeing and the Arts sector. Learn more by visiting www.eimaanccs.co.uk/events or by calling 07512 269203.
24-26 MAY
MALTON FOOD LOVERS’ FESTIVAL
Market Place, Malton. The Malton Food Lovers Festival is a celebration of Yorkshire’s finest produce & cooking. Expect artisan stalls, delicious street food, talks, tastings, celebrity chefs, demos, a festival bar, live music & much, much more! Free entry. Visit www.visitmalton.com/food-festivalyorkshire for more information.
BOOK AHEAD
27 JUNE
AMAZING MOTOWN MUSIC NIGHT
Poppleton Community Centre, Main Street, Poppleton. 7pm-12am. Tickets are £25 for this brilliant celebration of the Motown genre. The show will be in York for one night and one night only, so make sure you’ve got a seat for the action! Tickets are available at the Community Centre, Poppleton, from the Post Office and Caboodle Mica Local.
3-6 JULY
LIVE AT YORK MUSEUM GARDENS
Museum Gardens, York. An unmissable summer festival. Musical acts include Elbow and Nile Rodgers. Then on the 6th July comes the York Comedy Festival. It’s headlined by the incredibly hilarious Katherine Ryan and the former host of beloved BBC comedy panel show “Mock the Week” Dara Ó Briain. Head over to www.york-comedyfestival.com to book a ticket before they all sellout.
REGULAR EVENTS
EVERY TUESDAY
YORK TAOIST CENTRE
Heworth Holy Trinity Church Hall, York. 7-8.15pm. Weekly Tai Chi and Dao yoga classes in York. Contact Phil on 07921100188 to ask any questions you might have before you start.
EVERY SUNDAY DOWN BY THE RIVER
Plonkers Wine Bar, 8.30pm. Head on down to Plonkers Wine Bar every Sunday for an evening of live music in a relaxed atmosphere. Free drink to all performers and all music equipment is provided. To find out more information search Plonkers Wine Bar on Facebook.
WIGGINTON CAR BOOT SALE
Home Farm, Wigginton, York. 7am-1pm. Enjoy a lovely car boot sale packed with table after table of precious treasures. Entry is £1 per car. First Event: April 20th. Call 01904 768463 to check any details.
SUNDAY LUNCH
Cast Iron Bar & Grill at Delta Hotels by Marriott York, Tadcaster Road, York. Enjoy a delicious roast with all the trimmings! Guests can enjoy perfectly roasted meats, golden Yorkshire puddings, all the trimmings, and a complimentary glass of fizz. Prices start from £18.50, book from www.tableresmarriott.com/ cast-iron-bar-grill-restaurant-york-knavesmire.
EVERY DAY
DARK TALES OF YORK
Book a private tour to explore the narrow streets and alleyways of York and learn about the rich and haunting history that the city has amassed over hundreds and thousands of years. Call 07530 378176 or visit www.darktalesofyork.com.
THE HOLE IN WAND
Coppergate Shopping Centre, York. Visit the world’s most magical golf course and enjoy a Wizarding adventure as you vie for golfing superiority against friends! To find out more information or to book, please visit www.theholeinwand.com/york.
WHITE ROSE YORK TOURS
Meet at the West Entrance to York Minster, 11am. Take a free history tour of the city centre. Visit www.whiteroseyork.com or call 07792 207679.
HARLAND MILLER EXHIBITION
York Art Gallery, 10-5pm. “Harland Miller XXX” is the exciting new exhibition arriving at York Art Gallery this Spring! Visit www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk.
PAINTINGS OF VENICE
Kentmere House Gallery, Scarcroft Hill, York. An exhibition of paintings by the artist Alan Bruce. You can pop along to the gallery to see these works alongside many others by Royal Art Society members anytime, just call 01904 656507 to set it up.
WIZARD WALK OF YORK
The Shambles. Explore the enchanting historical city on a mission to locate magical creatures. Ideal for children aged between five and ten years old, there are several evening days available; reserve your spot online at www.wizardwalkofyork.com.
YORK GOLF RANGE
Towthorpe Moor Lane, near Strensall. Set in beautiful countryside, York Golf Range features a whole host of fun activities, including a floodlit driving range, a nine-hole golf course, crazy golf, and even foot golf – a great combination of soccer and golf. Visit www.yorkgolfrange.co.uk.
THEATRE
GRAND OPERA HOUSE
To book, call 0333 009 6690 or visit atgtickets.com.
1-5 APRIL
BLOOD BROTHERS
Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.
6 APRIL
SEVEN DRUNKEN NIGHTS.
This ‘The Dubliners’ tribute show tells the story of a career spanning 50 years and invokes the spirit of Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, John Sheahan, Ciaran Bourke, and Jim McCann.
22-26 APRIL
THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE Step through the wardrobe into the magic kingdom of Narnia where a world of wonder awaits…
27 APRIL
THE JAMES BOND CONCERT SPECTACULAR.
This show features all the Bond songs such as Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, Live and Let Die and Nobody Does It Better - performed by musicians taken from the UK’s leading orchestras, sessions and shows.
29 APRIL – 3 MAY
CALAMITY JANE
Get ready to meet the fearless, gun slingin' Calamity Jane as she’s a rollin' on over the plains to York this spring. Featuring classic singalongs like “The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away), The Black Hills of Dakota, Just Blew in from the Windy City, and the Oscar-winning Secret Love” — this is one not to be missed musical production!
6-11 MAY
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
With live music, flying fairies and a rave in the woods, this brand-new production breathes new life into one of Shakespeare’s best loved stories.
YORK THEATRE ROYAL
To book, call 01904 623568 or visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.
UNTIL 5 APRIL
NORTH-BY-NORTHWEST
Legendary theatre director Emma Rice returns to York with her company Wise Children to take on Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic thriller.
14 APRIL-17 MAY
KRAPP’S LAST TAPE
The legendary Samuel Beckett play will star an equally legendary actor in the lead role as Gary Oldman returns to York!
15-19 APRIL
THE STORM WHALE
One summer, while his Dad was busy at work, Noi rescued a little whale that washed up on the beach. A friendship began that changed their lives forever. Watch as Benji Davies’ tender and heart-warming stories of loneliness, love and courage are brought to life in one magical piece of theatre.
24-26 APRIL
THE THANKFUL VILLAGE
This play follows the lives of three women from the same rural household- above and below stairsthrough the long years of The Great War, left behind to cope as their men-folk march off to Flanders.
22-24 MAY
SWITCHEROO
When it comes to scattering their mother’s ashes, three siblings are hit with a bombshell revelation that turns their world upside down. How can the same story, performed by the same actors, saying the same words be so different?
YORK BARBICAN
Head to www.yorkbarbican.co.uk or call 01904 676332 to book.
29 APRIL
MURDER TRIAL TONIGHT III - THE DOORSTEP CASE. This unique theatrical experience brings true-crime stories to life. In the third season, a mother returns home in the early hours of the morning after a night out celebrating her birthday, only to find her daughter murdered on her doorstep
18 MAY
YORK GUILDHALL ORCHESTRA: KABALEVSKY, KHACHATURIAN, SHOSTAKOVICH & RAVEL.
A live concert performance from the brilliant York Guildhall Orchestra. Make sure to book a ticket now so you don’t miss out on a seat.
26 MAY
SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR.
Including smash hit ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’, go along and hear this superstar at her very best.
THEATRE 41@ MONKGATE
To book, visit tickets.41monkgate.co.uk
1-5 APRIL
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME . Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain. He is exceptional at maths, while everyday life presents some barriers. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbour’s dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world.
9 APRIL
THAT NAVE, RALEIGH. In a life spanning around 65 years, Sir Walter Raleigh achieved more than others might do in a hundred lifetimes. Go and see his story re-told.
12 APRIL
MACREADY! DICKENS. This solo play tells the story of the great Victorian actor-manager, Macreadythe man to whom Charles Dickens dedicated his novel "Nicholas Nickleby."
JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE
To book email boxoffice@jrtheatre.co.uk or call 01904 501 935
10-12 APRIL
RENT
With songs like 'Seasons of Love' and 'La Vie Bohème', RENT is a timeless celebration of life, even in the face of adversity.
29 APRIL – 3 MAY THE SOUND OF MUSIC.
This tuneful, heartwarming story is based on the real life story of the Von Trapp family of singers. With amazing songs like ‘My Favourite Things’, ‘Climb Every Mountain’, ‘Do Re Mi’, ‘Sixteen Going on Seventeen’, ‘Edelweiss’ and the unforgettable ‘Sound of Music’, this is one must see show.
4 MAY STEVE CASSIDY BAND & FRIENDS.
The Steve Cassidy Band returns to their favourite venue with special guests sure to delight and entertain. You will hear an eclectic mix of popular rock and country songs as well as instrumental pieces selected especially for this evening. Get your tickets booked soon to be sure not to miss out!
21-24 MAY
SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL.
When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in one place the cops are sure she won't be found: a convent. How ever will she cope?
FRIARGATE THEATRE
To book, call 01904 613 000
4 APRIL
RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW
York's own comedy improv night with its own brand of sensational silliness. It's funny, it's foolish, it's fit for family audiences, and it really does get made up as it goes along.
April
Gigs & Concerts
2ND APRIL
Jane Weaver
The Crescent
3RD APRIL
Ant-Trouble (Adam and The Ants Tribute)
Fulford Arms
3RD APRIL
Jamali Maddix
The Crescent
4TH APRIL
Traitrs
Fulford Arms
4TH APRIL
Limehouse Lizzy
The Crescent
5TH APRIL
York Blues Festival:
Gerry Jablonski & The Electric Band + Dirt Road Band + DC Blues
+ John Angus Band
+ Pat Fulgoni Blues
Experience + John
Doe Trio + Southern Fried Groove Queens
+ James Oliver Band
The Crescent
5TH APRIL
A Night In The Meadhall
Fulford Arms
6TH APRIL
Tom Maguire & The Brassholes
The Crescent
7TH APRIL
Lambrini Girls
The Crescent
8TH APRIL
Gans
Fulford Arms
9TH APRIL
Little Barrie
Fulford Arms
10TH APRIL
Black Swan Folk Club
Black Swan Inn
11TH APRIL
Elkie Brooks: The Long Farewell Tour
York Barbican
11TH APRIL
Echo Town @ The Fully York, Fulford Arms
4 APRIL
RAYNER ROCK N' ROLL DANCE NIGHT
Live at Riley Smith Hall in Tadcaster, this fantastic show features live music from The Revoluntionaires. There will also be a bar serving drinks throughout the night. Doors open at 7pm, dancing starts at 7:30pm, and the show will finish at 11:30pm. Call 07752333094 to reserve a ticket.
4 MAY
STEVE CASSIDY BAND & FRIENDS
The Steve Cassidy Band returns to Joseph Rowntree Theatre with special guests sure to delight and entertain. You will hear an eclectic mix of popular rock and country songs as well as instrumental pieces selected especially for this evening. Get your tickets booked soon to be sure not to miss out! Call 01904 501935.
11TH APRIL
Fin James
The Crescent
12TH APRIL
Velvet Tuxedo
Black Horse
13TH APRIL
Fergus McCreadie trio National Centre for Early Music
15TH APRIL
The Billy Walton Band
The Crescent
16TH APRIL
Abrascadabra Fulford Arms
17TH APRIL
Nature Kids & Suckle
Fulford Arms
17TH APRIL
Jim Jones All Stars
The Crescent
19TH APRIL
Counterfeit Sixties Show, Joseph
Rowntree Theatre
20TH APRIL
Sam Brookes FortyFive Vinyl Cafe
20TH APRIL
The Bluetones
The Crescent
23RD APRIL Tugboat
Captain Fulford Arms
24TH APRIL
Jay Phelps Band: Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue National Centre for Early Music
25TH APRIL
Matt Goss
York Barbican
27TH APRIL
Charlie Harper
Fulford Arms
28TH APRIL
Diamonds and Whiskey, FortyFive Vinyl Cafe
Join us at the cliff-top Evron Centre and Crescent Gardens in Filey for a unique food festival in a stunning location.
Filey Food Festival is a quarterly event that showcases the very best of Yorkshire food and drink, along with fantastic produce from outside the region. With over 65 stalls, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Saturday 19 April and Sunday 20 April
Saturday 7 June and Sunday 8 June
Saturday 9 August and Sunday 10 August
Saturday 11 October and Sunday 12 October
10am to 5pm
Free admission
SPRING
FOOD LOVERS FESTIVAL
24th-26th May 2025
Country Pub & Restaurant
Pizzas & A La Carte dishes eat in or takeaway: Fish & Chips, Scampi & Chips, Steak & Ale Pie, and our Burger Bar:
A La Carte & Specials
A La Carte & Specials
Lunch: A La Carte & Sandwhices
Evening: A La Carte & Steak Night
Lunch: A La Carte & Sandwhices
Evening: A La Carte & Pizzas
Cocktail Night!
Breakfast: 9:30am-11:15am
Sunday Lunch 12pm-3pm & Selection of A La Carte
Sunday From 5pm From 4pm From 12pm From 4pm From 12pm From 12pm
“ It was amazing! They catered to all of our needs, the food was beautiful, the staff were friendly and helpful, the a mbiance was perfect ”
