APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS
Happy April, Yorkshire! Lighter nights are upon us, spring has sprung and the city is filled with daffodils aplenty.
The month begins with one of York’s most iconic annual festivals - the Chocolate Festival. Celebrating its rich heritage in chocolate making with local crafts, workshops, trails, and treats, the city will be full of locals and visitors all waiting to get their chocolate fix. And, if that wasn’t enough, then the Easter celebrations also bring along with them several Easter egg hunts across this city and further afield for kids, and big kids alike.
If you’re after something a little different, there are several other unique festivals and fairs taking place in the city and beyond this April. If you have already clocked our fantastic front cover, MarcoLooks is just one of the incredible artists taking part in this month's York Open Studios. Browse the various exhibitions across the city this month for a dose of artistic inspo. If you’re feeling particularly zen, the York Health, Healing, and Wellbeing festival is ago up on York’s Knavesmire. The York Walls Spring Festival takes place at the end of the month where you can learn stories of the city's great past, and if you’re a fan of York’s railway heritage, why not take a visit to the Model Railway Show at the Knavemire too?
With so much to do this month, you’ll be spoiled for choice. And, as we (happily) wave goodbye to winter, it’s time to welcome in the joy of spring. Have a good'un!
Events & Attractions
// APRIL EVENTS DIARY
// 1ST APRIL
RIVER FOSS SOCIETY LITTER
PICK, Blue Bridge, Foss Islands, 9am. Litter in our waterways is no joke for wildlife or the environment so come and help the River Foss Society on the inner city banks of the River Foss and Kings Pool. Meeting at the blue footbridge near Morrisons, make sure you bring along some sturdy footwear or wellies, work clothes, and gloves. For more information, please contact Barry Thomas on barry1thomas@ googlemail.com.
// 1ST APRIL
YORK RECORD FAIR, York
Racecourse, Knavesmire Stand. Calling all music buffs! Come along and enjoy one of the biggest record fairs in the UK. Features top record sellers with up to 150 tables of vinyl records from all genres, CDs, 78s, books, posters, and music magazines. Entry costs £2 and those under 16 years go free. Free parking on site. For more information, info@ yorkrecordfair.com.
// 1ST APRIL
YORK BLUES FESTIVAL, The Crescent. Featuring a fantastic line-up with talented blues bands from across the UK. Advance tickets cost £20, but tickets can also be purchased
for £25 (subject to availability). For more details, please visit yorkbluesfest.co.uk.
// 1ST-2ND APRIL
THE BIG SEED SOW, York Army Museum, 1.30-3.30pm. Help to sow some seeds for York Army Museum’s small wartimeinspired garden as part of the RHS Big Seed Sow. Take home and grow, or make an origami seed packet and take some seeds home with you. No prebooking is needed and all are welcome. For more information, visit yorkarmymuseum.co.uk.
// 1ST-16TH APRIL
YORK’S EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA, York City Centre. With special Easter eggs hidden all around the city of York as well as other amazing prizes to be won, such as City Cruise Fish and Chip tickets, a family ticket for York’s Chocolate Story, and a surprise prize from a local York business. For tips on where to look for the eggs, follow @yorkschocstory and tune in to YO1 radio. Visit York's Chocolate Story at https://www. yorkschocolatestory.com/ for additional details.
// 1ST-16TH APRIL
EASTER BUNNY FLUFFY TAIL TRAIL, Sledmere House. Keep
Itching for something to do in York?
Read our handy events and attractions guide covering York and the surrounding areas.
your eyes peeled for the Easter Bunny and his friends hid around the grounds of Sledmere House this April. Grab your activity booklet, collect the clues and when you’ve found them all, a prize may just be waiting for you! Normal admission applies, free for friends members. Visit www. sledmerehouse.com.
// 1ST APRIL- 16TH APRIL
EASTER EGG HUNT, Beningborough Hall, Gallery and Gardens, 10am-4pm. Come along and participate in the Easter hunt at Beningborough Hall with many activities inspired by nature. The trail admission fee is £3 and each trail comes along with a tasty chocolate egg, bunny ears, a pencil, and a trail map. Visit www.nationaltrust.org. uk/visit/yorkshire/beningbroughhall-gallery-and-gardens for more information.
// 1ST-16TH APRIL
EASTER BUNNY TIPI TRAIL, Mother Shipton’s Cave. Visit the Easter Bunny Tipi Trail where a tonne of fantastic surprises are waiting to be discovered. Find all of the sweet Easter scenes by following the clues, peeking inside miniature bunny houses, keeping an eye out for enormous eggs, and more. In this delightful, fun-filled family outing, plant
n The comprehensive guide to what’s on in York
your very own seeds of spring with Tumbleweed the Gardener and listen to Easter tales as told by Daisy Maisy the Storyteller. You might even get to see the Easter Bunny if you're lucky! For more info, please visit www. mothershipton.co.uk.
// 5TH-9TH APRIL
YORK CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL, Parliament Street. A foodie delight and a highly-anticipated annual event, York's Chocolate Festival makes a return for 2023. With plenty of workshops, tasting sessions, and demonstrations and more.
// 5TH-16TH AND 22ND-23RD APRIL
YORK OPEN STUDIOS, various locations across York. Two weekends (15th and 16th April, and 22nd and 23rd April) that will showcase the work of over 150 carefully-selected artists and makers. From painting to print, drawing, glass and sculpture, photography, and much, much more. There is something for everyone!
// 8TH APRIL
MALTON MONTHLY FOOD MARKET, Malton, 9am -3pm. Every second Saturday of the Month, Malton Monthly Food Market returns with specialist food stalls, street food, and music for all of the family! Free entry and two hours of free car parking. Visit www.visitmalton. com for more information.
// 8TH-10TH APRIL
YORK MODEL RAILWAY SHOW, The Knavesmire Stand, York Racecourse. With 120 stands, this event will showcase expert modellers, there will also be trade stands to supply all of
your modelling needs and full refreshment service. Parking is available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on admission or the event itself, please visit the website at www.yorkshow.org.uk.
// 9TH APRIL
RSPCA EASTER FAIR, York
Animal Home, 10.30am- 3pm. Perfect for the family, this fundraising event includes a variety of stalls with games, prizes, cakes, plants, food, crafts and so much more. For more information, please visit www. rspca-yorkhome.org.uk/events/ easter-fair1/.
// 14TH APRIL
STEVE CASSIDY BAND, Haxby Sports and Social Club, 8pm. Free entry. For an evening of great music, join Steve Cassidy Band for a wonderful mix of country, ballads, and rock music.
// 15TH APRIL
SLOW ART DAY, York Army Museum. Take yourself on a slow-looking saunter around the museum and take in some of the museum’s artworks
for global Slow Art Day 2023. Free admission and suitable for ages 12 and over. For more information, please visit yorkarmymuseum.co.uk.
// 15TH APRIL
RIPON CATHEDRAL SPRING FOOD, HOME AND GARDEN FAIR, Liberty Court House. Find over 80 traders selling homewares, food, and gardening goods. Also featuring children’s attractions, from an interactive animal petting farm, chocolate tombola, lego workshops, and lots of live music. Refreshments are available. For more information, please visit www. riponcathedral.org.uk/events/ spring-show/.
// 15TH- 16TH APRIL
THE ALL NEW YORKSHIRE BRICK SHOW, York Racecourse, 10am4pm. In support of Fairy Bricks, come along for a family-friendly day at York Racecourse and witness unique models on display, Lego traders, models and builds, and much, much more. Tickets are on sale on eventbrite.co.uk.
n The comprehensive guide to what’s on in York
// 18TH APRIL
ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES VALUATION EVENT, Bar Convent, 11am-3pm. Got any antique items you wish to be valued? Come along to the Tennants valuation event, bring along your jewellery, clocks and watches, wine, whisky, antiques, or collectables that you’d like to sell and a team of specialists will be on hand to value them. For more information, please visit www.tennants.co.uk/ discover/events-exhibitions/ valuation-day-at-the-barconvent-york.
// 21ST-22ND APRIL
BREW YORK’S SEVENTH
BIRTHDAY BREWERY BASH, Osbaldwick Industrial Estate, 1210pm. Brew York is turning seven! Everyone is welcome to enjoy a special beer festival. Street music, food, and entertainment for the whole family will keep everyone entertained. Under-18s are welcome until 8pm. Tickets are limited and available from brewyork.co.uk.
// 22ND APRIL
SPRING OPEN DAY, Poppleton
Community Railway Nursery, 10am-4pm. Britain's last surviving Railway Nursery is selling summer bedding and patio plants, orders will be taken for refilling hanging baskets. Refreshments will be available along with crafts and bookstalls. Cash or cheque only.
//
22ND APRIL
THE WILD ESCAPE, York Army Museum, 1.00-4.00pm. Free family-friendly art activities for families, led by artist Stephen Lee Hodgkins and inspired by the animals and wildlife in our collections, part of the nation Wild Escape. No pre-
booking is required. Please visit yorkarmymuseum.co.uk.
// 22ND- 23RD APRIL
YORK HEALTH, HEALING, AND WELLBEING FESTIVAL, York Racecourse, 10am-5pm. Back for its 15th year, this wellbeing festival in Yorkshire features all the essentials, from treatments, mediums, gemstones, holistic products, aromatherapy, and clothing plus much more. Throughout the weekend, there are also talks and workshops, plus free entry into the prize draws for every visitor. For more information, visit www. healthhealingfestivals.co.uk.
// 29TH-30TH APRIL
YORK WALLS SPRING FESTIVAL WEEKEND, York Walls. Come along and experience the York Walls in a new light. Partnering with local organisations and groups, the festival aims to promote York’s rich history through a weekend of storytelling.
// 29TH -30TH APRIL
RIVER FOSS SOCIETY POP-UP, Foss Islands Road. Come and find out about the River Foss Society and its involvement in the York Walls Festival. Look out for the society’s gazebo that will be positioned close to Majestic Wine. For more information, please visit www.riverfosssociety. co.uk.
// 29TH APRIL- 1ST MAY
SCARECROW TRAIL, Dunnington, YO19 5PW, 10am-4pm. A fun, family event with an exciting "Royalty - Kings, Queens, Princes, Princesses Real or Fictional" Scarecrow Trail. With trail maps, a tombola, and refreshments
available from St Nicholas’ Church.
// 30TH APRIL
INDIAN DANCE WORKSHOPS, York Army Museum, 11am-2pm. Come and join a celebration of shared heritage and legacy of Annapurna Indian dance. Booking required. For more information, please visit www. yorkarmymuseum.co.uk.
// 30TH APRIL
STEVE CASSIDY BAND AND FRIENDS, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, 7.30pm. In collaboration with the Children’s Choir from St George’s School. Playing in concert with a selection of rock, country music, and ballads; with something old and something new. To book, call 01904 501935 or visit josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk.
COMING SOON
// 1ST MAY
DUNCOMBE PARK COUNTRY FAIR, Duncombe Park,9am. A fun-packed family day out in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside. Featuring the return of Ben Atkinson and his amazing stunt horses, mini ‘national’ pony racing and terrier racing, dog agility, ferret displays, clay shooting, archery, axe throwing, fly fishing, and much more. In addition to a variety of activities, the fair will also be host to several trade stands and craft stalls. Tickets available via www. eventbrite.co.uk.
// 12TH -14TH MAY
GLAMPFEST, Knaresborough. With camping, live music, face-painting, yoga, open mic sessions, traders, food, drinks
and so much more this is a fantastic, spring weekend eventful for the family to enjoy. For more information, visit glampfest.com.
// 13TH MAY
RAWCLIFFE CARNIVAL 2023, Rawcliffe Rec Hall and Field, 12pm - 8pm. Rawcliffe's biggest carnival will be a fun-filled family day packed with live music, performances, sports activities, food and drink, carnival games, local stalls, and much, much more! Visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ rawcliffe-carnival-2023tickets-510657228517.
// 13TH- 14TH MAY
PLANT SALE, Beningborough
Hall, Gallery and Gardens, 10am4pm. Take a bit of Beningbrough home with you from the annual spring plant sale, many of the plants propagated from around the gardens. Normal admission charges apply (free to National Trust members).
// 20TH MAY
ST LEONARD’S HOSPICE WOLDS WALKS, Water Community Centre, 8am. With an option of two lovely walks (12 or 18 miles), enjoy a day of stunning views and fresh air in the enclosed Dales and help to raise money for a fantastic, local cause. There will be plenty of refreshments included and there’s the option of booking a celebratory pie at the end of the walk too! Online bookings close on the 18th of May. For more information, please visit https:// stleonardshospice.org.uk/howcan-you-help-us/events/.
REGULAR EVENTS
// EVERY MON
JOYCE RHODES YOGA, Fulford Social Hall, 7.30pm. A mixedability yoga class with a very experienced accredited teacher, qualified with the British Wheel of Yoga. Email Joycegrhodes@ btinternet.com.
// EVERY TUES
STOCKTON FORESTERS DRAMA GROUP, Stockton on the Forest Village Hall, 7.30pm. A friendly, fun local amateur theatre group, producing two plays a year. Whether you fancy being on stage or helping behind the scenes, they would love to hear from you! For more information, email Holly at dramastockton@ gmail.com
MENFULNESS RUNNING CLUB, Millennium Bridge, York, from 7.30pm. An all-abilities weekly running group run by David Lingwood. A chance to talk to like-minded men, and have a laugh whilst exercising, and afterward, an opportunity for a post-run beverage.
// EVERY OTHER TUES
HEWORTH RETIRED MEN’S GROUP, This friendly social group meets fortnightly on Tuesdays from 10 -11:30am, at Heworth Without Community Centre. Anyone can join, whether or not you live in Heworth! A brilliant chance to make new friends, and experience talks from excellent speakers on a wide range of topics, along with refreshments. For more information, please contact Allen Humphries at 07517661872.
// EVERY WED
YOGA WITH NESTOR, Stockton on the Forest Village Hall, 10am. A mixed ability yoga class, beginners welcome. Email nestorportnoy@yahoo.com.
HARMONY LADIES CHOIR, Acomb Methodist Church Hall, 7:30pm. A friendly group that needs no audition to join and they are looking for new members, come along and give it a try. For more information visit www.yorkharmony.co.uk.
// EVERY SECOND WED OF THE MONTH
ACOMB LOCAL HISTORY
SOCIETY, Acomb Church Hall, 10am. Enjoy a guest speaker’s presentation followed by refreshments. Admission is £2 and £1 for members.
// EVERY FIRST AND THIRD WED OF THE MONTH
STRICTLY FUN BARN DANCING, Acomb Methodist Church Hall. 2.15pm - 4.30pm. An afternoon of barn and ceilidh-style social dancing. Admission is £3. For more information call Phil on 01904 783029.
// EVERY THUR
YOGA WITH NESTOR, 29 Maple Grove, Fulford. A mixed ability yoga class, beginners welcome. Email nestorportnoy@yahoo.com
PURELY BALLROOM, Huntington Working Men's Club, 7-8.30pm. Join this friendly beginners' ballroom and Latin dance lesson. Tuition will be focused on the jive, cha cha cha, and waltz up to the Christmas break. Call 07939 336315 or email andy.k.gant@ gmail.com for more information.
Over 60 aircraft and vehicles, including ‘Friday the 13th’ - the only Halifax MkIII in existence
From the earliest fliers to supersonic jets, nuclear bombers to submarine hunters
Based on the site of a WW2 RAF bomber base with many of the original buildings surviving
n The comprehensive guide to what’s on in York
BENINGBOROUGH HALL, Beningbrough. A large Georgian mansion, overlooking the River Ouse, Beningbrough Hall,Gallery and Gardens is a beautiful estate located in North Yorkshire. With additional eating and shopping facilities, visit Beningborough for a fun-filled family day out. Historic Hall Rooms are open from July. For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ yorkshire/beningbrough-hallgallery-and-gardens.
CITY WALLS EXPERIENCE, Micklegate Bar. Visit one of the historic gateways into the city and discover 2,000-year stories involving battle, imprisonment, and near destruction. This new attraction is open until October. Visit yorkcitywalls.com.
DARK TALES OF YORK, York City Centre. 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.
GHOST TRAIL OF YORK, West Doors of York Minster, 7.30pm. Dare you cross the centuries and discover York's spine-chilling history? Visit www.ghosttrail. co.uk or call 01904 633276.
JORVIK VIKING CENTRE, Coppergate. Discover the Original Viking Encounter! Enjoy the world-famous ride experience with the sights, sounds, and smells of the Viking Age, as well as get up close to the ancient artefacts and interact with their friendly real-life Vikings. Visit www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk.
JORVIK DIG, St Saviourgate. Head down to DIG on St Saviourgate where your little ones can experience a real hands-on archaeological adventure! Visit www.digyork. com for more information.
NORTH YORK MOORS RAILWAY, Pickering. Visit the UK’s most popular heritage railway and travel the whole length of their line, admiring iconic Yorkshire views between Pickering and Whitby - calling at Levisham, Newtondale Halt, Goathland and Grosmont along the way. Visit www.nymr.co.uk to find out more.
SOCIAL YORKIES IVC, Various locations. New to the area? Want to try something new? Just fancy a change? Come and join Social Yorkies a local social and activities group. Come along to their regular social events across the month in a popular York City centre location. For further details, please visit www.yorkivc.club.
TREASURERS HOUSE, Minster Yard. A Grade I listed house owned by the National Trust, and transformed into a show home by Frank Green in 1897, the Treasure’s House is a historical attraction located in the Minster Yard. Visit https:// www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ yorkshire/treasurers-houseyork for more information.
WHITE ROSE YORK TOURS, Meet at the West Entrance to York Minster, 11am and 3pm (also 1pm Friday and Saturday). Take a free history tour of the city centre. Visit www.whiteroseyork.com or call 07792 207679.
WIGGINTON CAR BOOT, Home Farm, Wigginton. The classic Wigginton Car Boot Sale is on every Sunday, weather permitting. Cars cost £8 and vans are £9, with additional trailers at £2 extra. Public admission is £1 with toilets and refreshments available. Call 01904 768463 for more information.
YORK LEISURE CENTRE, York Leisure Centre at the York Stadium Leisure Complex at Monks Cross has a great range of activities guaranteed to turn up the fun. From the junior gym, swimming, racquet sports, and clip 'n climb, the whole family will enjoy a range of fun and affordable activities. Visit better. org.uk/york-lc.
YORKSHIRE AIR MUSEUM, Elvington. Did you know that the first-ever aeroplane was invented in Yorkshire? Explore aircraft from throughout history as well as archive material and documentation and learn all about the world of aviation. Visitors can also enjoy a stroll on the Nature of Flight walk or take a moment to reflect in the Remembrance Garden. Visit yorkshireairmuseum.org.
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 or call 01904 499275.
Theatre & Shows
THEATRE@41
To book, visit 41monkgate.co.uk
// 31ST MARCH- 8TH APRIL
OH! WHAT A LOVELY WAR
The 60th-anniversary production, Pick Me Up Theatre brings the First World War musical, Oh!
What a Lovely War. A satirical and ironic show that highlights the implications that World War One was caused by the European upper class's stupidity, as well as the exploitation of the working class. A show that reveals how the careless mismanagement of men, led to thousands of deaths.
GRAND OPERA HOUSE
To book, call 0333 009 6690 or visit atgtickets.com.
// 24TH-29TH APRIL
STRICTLY BALLROOM
Based on the award-winning Baz Luhrmann film, Strictly Ballroom: The Musical comes to York this April. A tale that follows the story of an arrogant ballroom dancer, Scott Hastings and dance beginner, Fran in their journey to muster the confidence to break with convention and learn that winning doesn't require only ballroom dancing! Directed by Craig Revel Horwood, one of Britain's most adored TV judges, Strictly Ballroom: The Musical, this heartwarming ballroom sensation will undoubtedly get your toes tapping!
// 14TH MAY
THAT’LL BE THE DAY
Trevor and the incredibly talented cast of That'll Be The Day are putting on a spectacular performance. Together, you will enjoy the most famous moments in comedy, rock n'roll and pop culture from the 1950s through the 1980s as you watch the world's top rock n' roll show take you on a journey through time.
YORK THEATRE ROYAL
To book, call 01904 623568 or visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.
// 3RD-5TH APRIL
ALL OF OUR EGGS ARE MISSING UH OH! The Easter bunny left a trail of eggs, but someone has taken all of them, leaving behind one empty wrapper. Can you solve the clues to help find the missing eggs? Succeed, and you might just win some tasty treats yourself. A family-friendly event and children must be accompanied by an adult.
// 20TH-22ND APRIL
WODEHOUSE IN WONDERLAND
Starring Robert Daws (Jeeves and Wooster, Poldark, The Royal, Rock, and Chips, How the Other Half Loves), directed by Robin Herford and with songs by Jerome Kern, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Ivor Novello, this fun production
is based on the life and writings of P. G. Wodehouse and his life in 1950s New York. Written by William Humble, this play is currently touring the UK.
JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE
To book, call 01904 501935 or visit josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk.
// 25TH-29TH APRIL INTO THE WOODS
A baker and his wife are left barren due to a witch's spell. Days before a blue moon, they venture into the woods, in search of items that will break the magic, but who will they meet on their journey to grant their wish? Coming to the stage at Joseph Rowntree Theatre is the magical, fairytale musical ‘Into the Woods’ by composer, Stephen Sondheim and brought to you by the New and Exciting Theatre group.
// 24TH-27TH MAY
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT
Based on the Bible’s book of Genesis and originating from a cantata writer for a school choir, this production tells the tale of Joseph, son of Jacob and one of 12 brothers, and his coat of many colours. With music from Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, this musical is brought to you by the York Musical Theatre Company.
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