What's On York Guide - November 2022

n

guide to what’s on in York

Discover a romantic tradition from historic York. The Heart of Yorkshire is one of the most famous stained-glass windows adorning the majestic gothic cathedral, York Minster.

A local tradition asserts that a couple who kiss under the Heart of Yorkshire will stay together forever.

This collection re-creates the flowing lines of romantic tracery.

remember…

Maybe you’re ready to start delving into the mince pies and mulled wine, or maybe you’re reluctant to think about the ‘C’ word at the moment…either way, there’s no stopping winter’s imminent arrival. First and foremost, where would November be without a mention of Bonfire Night? Celebrations of colour, sparkle and remembering Yorkshire’s notorious conspirator, Guy Fawkes, there are plenty of local displays about this month, including the North Yorkshire and Fire Rescue Service Firework Display in Rawcliffe, or the Sky Magic event in Driffield if you fancy somewhere a little further afield.

The Aesthetica Short Film Festival makes an appearance at the start of the month, an excellent event for budding directors and movie buffs, showcasing the best of new cinema to the city of York. Now in its 12th year, the city’s Business Festival also makes a return and there will be plenty of insightful conferences, seminars and valuable networking opportunities taking place across the month. If you’re feeling festive, this month sees the start of the Christmas celebrations kicking off, including St Nicholas’ Fair which is celebrating its 30th year. There will be plenty of christmassy stalls lining the streets of York, carol concerts aplenty and even the arrival of the Ice Factor Ice Rink at the Designer Outlet. So, whether you’re already feeling the yuletide cheer creeping in or you’re not quite there yet, however you choose to celebrate November in the city, we wish you a great time.

Don’t

Events & Attractions

// NOVEMBER EVENTS DIARY

// 4TH NOV

STEVE CASSIDY BAND, Haxby Sports and Social Club, 8pm. Come along to the Sports Club for a night of live music from Steve Cassidy Band, playing a mix of country, ballads, and rock music. Free entry.

// 5TH NOV

YORK RECORD FAIR, Knavesmire Stand, 10am-5pm. Up to 50 stallholders from all over the UK, with a huge selection of vinyl records of all genres. Plenty of CDs, 78s, music-related books, magazines, and posters are available. Admission is £2 per person and those under 16 years enter free. For more information email info@yorkrecordfair.com.

// 5TH NOV

NORTH YORKSHIRE AND FIRE RESCUE SERVICE FIREWORK DISPLAY, Rawcliffe Country Park, Shipton Road. A fantastic firework display with live music, fairground rides, food and beverages, and much more. Gates open at 5pm, with the bonfire lighting at 7pm, followed by the firework display. For tickets, visit https://www. ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on.

// 5TH NOV

SKY MAGIC DRIFFIELD, Driffield Showground. A huge, traditional family firework show with entertainment from Great

Itching for something to do in York?

Read our handy events and attractions guide covering York and the surrounding areas.

GHOSTS IN THE GARDENS, Various locations across York.

Driffield and Great Yorkshire Radio. Featuring a children’s fun fair, and the Food Village with plenty of drinks and delicious savoury and sweet food. For information on tickets and timings, visit skymagicevents. co.uk/product/driffield-bonfirenight-firework-spectacular/.

// 5TH NOV

THE POPPLETON CENTRE SPECTACULAR, The Poppleton Centre. A big bonfire with plenty of fireworks, yummy food and an on-site bar. Tickets must be pre-ordered as they will not be available at the gate. For more information and timings, visit www.poppletoncentre.org.uk.

// 5TH NOV

CRAFT FAIR, St Paul's Church, Holgate, 11am - 3pm. Aiming to

become an 'ECO' church, many of the goods for sale at this brilliant craft fair have been made from items that are reused and/or recycled.

// UNTIL 7TH NOV GHOSTS IN THE GARDENS, Across York, 10.30am - 6pm. Beautiful settings for eerie figures. The jilted bride that haunts the Hospitium, a crusading knight, and even a few ghastly animals. This year’s display promises to be bigger and better with more ghosts in more locations. Opening times for other venues vary, so be sure to check online before visiting. Visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/ events/328dc3c0-9326-4e6c8a4d-99a4d438e719/pages/ details for more information.

Information correct at time of publishing but subject to change. Check with venues.

12TH NOV

YORK DEATH CAFÉ, Black

Swan Pub, Peaseholme Green, 11am-1pm. A safe, respectful, and confidential space, York Death Café welcomes anyone, whatever their knowledge, interest, or belief to a group discussion on death. Hot refreshments and cake will also be provided. Please note, these are not grief support or counselling sessions. This is a free event, but please register at yorkdeathcafe@gmail.com if you wish to attend.

// 17TH NOV- 23RD DEC

ST NICHOLAS’ CHRISTMAS

FAIR, Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, 10am-7pm. Celebrating 30 years, St Nicholas’ Christmas Fair will see over 70 alpine stalls, each selling various festive crafts, gifts, and delicious treats. For more information, visit https://www.makeityork. com/markets/st-nicholas-fair/.

// 17TH NOV-24TH DEC

YORK CHRISTMAS WALKING TOUR, York City Centre, from 4pm, plus selected other times. Discover the history and traditions of Christmas in an extra-special, 90-minute festive Walking Tour through the Christmas light-bedecked streets of York. Once voted the most festive city, the medieval streets of York echo with the stories of Christmas' past from Roman Saturnalia, and Viking Mid-winter Solstice to Victorian Feasts and more recent traditions. To book, visit www. yorkchristmaswalkingtour.co.uk or call 07956 636 980.

// 17TH NOV- 1ST JAN WINTER HÜTTE, Parliament Street. Step into an Alpine

world in the heart of York! The brand-new Winter Hütte brings a two-storey traditional Swiss chalet to Parliament St, with a spectacular upper terrace overlooking the Christmas market. The downstairs bar with its cosy alpine décor and cow bells offers festive drinks and gourmet sausages, while upstairs Yorkshire’s own Michelin-starred chef Andrew Pern brings a ‘Swisswith-a-Twist’ dining experience. Happy yodeling! Visit www. winterhütte.co.uk.

// 18TH NOV- 8TH JAN YORKSHIRE’S WINTER WONDERLAND, York Designer Outlet. Skate, play, shop, and dine at York’s festive Winter Wonderland. Featuring one of the biggest outdoor ice rinks in the North, The Ice Factor makes a return. Plus refreshments and festive alpine huts? For more information, visit YorkshiresWinterWonderland. com.

// 19TH NOV YORK MUSICAL SOCIETY AT YORK MINSTER, York Minster, from 7.30pm. YMS chorus,

orchestra and soloists perform Karl Jenkins’ ‘The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace’ and Joseph Haydn’s ‘Mass in Time of War’.' Tickets cost between £6-£25 and are available to purchase from York Theatre Royal box office or on the door on the night. For more information, call 01904 623568 or visit www. yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.

// 19TH NOV

POPPLETON NURSERY

CHRISTMAS SALE, Poppleton

Community Railway Nursery, 10am-3pm. A lovely, local Christmas outing, with plenty of artificial Christmas wreaths and decorations on sale, and fresh wreaths to be ordered. Cyclamen and bowls of hyacinths will be available to buy too and there will also be bric-a-brac and craft stalls, refreshments and homemade cakes.

// 19TH NOV

SOUTH BANK STUDIOS ART AND CRAFT WINTER FAIR, Southlands Methodist Church, 10am-4pm. Featuring 30 local artists and crafters, come along and enjoy the stalls,

n

comprehensive guide to what’s on in York

YORKSHIRE'S WINTER WONDERLAND, York Designer Outlet.

n The comprehensive guide to what’s on in York

refreshments, and live music on offer. For more information, visit southbankstudios.co.uk.

// 19TH NOVEMBER

MILITARY MEMORABILIA DAY, York Army Museum. Want help researching military history or your military ancestors? Join the York Army Museum for a look back in time. Bring along your archives, medals, and objects and chat with an array of history experts from the likes of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, York City Archives, York Normandy Veterans and many more. Free admission. For more information, please visit https://yorkarmymuseum.co.uk/.

// 20TH NOV

ANTIQUE AND COLLECTORS

FAIR, Driffield Showground, YO25 9DN, 9.30am-3.30pm. A large collection of quality collectables with over 40 stalls. Valuation table from 10am-1pm, with £1 per item and an additional £1 entrance fee. Free car parking is available. Call 01377 254768 for more information.

// 25TH-28TH NOV

HUNTINGTON CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL, Christmas Tree Festival, Huntington Methodist Church, Strensall Road, 105pm on Friday and Saturday, 2-5pm on Sunday and 10am3pm on Monday. Come along to the festive, Christmas Tree Festival this month! With 18 trees sponsored and decorated by local businesses and organisations on the theme of Children’s Books, homemade refreshments will be available all day, and stalls selling plenty of gifts, crafts, jewellery, and bulbs. Admission is free, and all proceeds are for Church funds.

CHRISTMAS MARKET, Parsonage Hotel and Spa.

// 26TH- 27TH NOV

JAGUAR ANTIQUE AND VINTAGE FAIR, Wetherby Racecourse, LS22 5EL. A warm welcome is guaranteed to both dealers and buyers. An indoor and outdoor event, set in the wonderful Bramham Hall Exhibition Centre. Free parking and on-site catering are available. For more information on event timings and ticket pricing, visit jaguarfairs. com.

// 26TH NOV- 24TH DEC

MOTHER SHIPTON’S CHRISTMAS, Mother Shipton’s Cave, Knaresborough. Come along for a magical festive family experience at Mother Shipton’s! Pay Santa a visit at his magical Christmas grotto, discover the mystical Cave and make a special Christmas wish at the Wishing Well followed by a yummy hot chocolate in one of the cosy log gazebos. With plenty of things to do, including writing a Santa’s list and preparing a bag of your very own reindeer food. For information on tickets and timings, please visit www. mothershiptons.co.uk.

// 26TH NOV- 31ST DEC

LOTHERTON’S CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE, Lotherton Hall and Estate, Leeds. It’s almost time for those Christmas festivities to begin! Steeped in yuletide magic, come along to Lotherton’s annual Christmas Experience. Meet Santa and his elves, visit Mrs. Claus, decorate delicious gingerbread, discover the interactive woodland walk with exciting installations and get crafty with Christmas ceramics in the magical North Pole. Booking required. Visit thechristmasexperience. co.uk for more information on prices and tickets.

// 29TH NOV- 20TH DEC

THE BAR CONVENT AT CHRISTMAS, 17 Blossom Street, York. Come and see the Georgian parlour all dressed and ready for Christmas! This winter, the Bar Convent are offering traditional Christmas lunches as well as a special family trail and peace dove display in the 18th Century Hidden Chapel. For more information, please visit barconvent.org.uk.

comprehensive guide to what’s on in York

// UNTIL 8TH JAN

MISTS AND MELLOW FRUITFULNESS EXHIBITION, Kentmere House Gallery. Come and enjoy the latest exhibition at Kentmere House Gallery, open every Thursday evening from 6-9pm and the first weekend of every month from 11-5pm. Please visit kentmerehouse.co.uk for more information.

Coming Soon.

// 1ST DEC

CHRISTMAS MARKET, Parsonage Hotel and Spa, 6pm- 8.30pm. Come along and join the festivities with plenty of local businesses and stallholders to support when browsing and purchasing an array of Christmas gifts. There will also be a glass of mulled wine and delicious mince pies on arrival! For more information, visit www. parsonagehotel.co.uk.

// 3RD -24TH DEC

SANTA SPECIALS, North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Fun for all the family! Head to Pickering or Grosmont Station for a festive adventure abroad the Santa Express where Mr. Claus and his elves pass through the heritage carriages, giving little ones the chance to meet old St Nick himself, and receive special present too. Pre-booking is required so to reserve your tickets, visit www.nymr.co.uk.

// 5TH DEC

THE MESSAGE OF THE ANGELS CAROL SERVICE, York Minster, 7.30pm. York St John’s annual carol service returns for an evening of festive singing in the

SANTA SPECIALS, North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

stunning setting of York Minster. Doors open at 7pm. To book visit www.yorksj.ac.uk/events or call 01904 876318.

// 9TH DEC

YORK IRISH ASSOCIATION

CHRISTMAS PARTY, Holiday Inn, Tadcaster Road, from 7pm. Come and join the York Irish Association for their annual Christmas party. There will be a welcome drink, a three-course meal, their famous raffle and music by the Flying Donkeys! Tickets cost £32.50. Friends and family members are welcome so spread the word! To reserve your place please email yorkirish@yahoo.com by Monday 31st October.

// 11TH DEC

YORK’S ANNUAL COMMUNITY

CAROL CONCERT, York Barbican, 2pm. A family-friendly musical event in aid of The Lord Mayor and Sheriff of York’s Christmas Cheer Fund and The Pressnominated charity, Martin House Children’s Hospice. Features music from the York Railway Institute Brass Band, Osbaldwick Primary Academy Choir, St Oswald’s CE Primary School Choir,

Stamford Bridge Community Choir and Steve Cassidy. For tickets and more information, email ticketing@yorkbarbican. co.uk or visit yorkbarbican.co.uk.

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 or find us on Facebook.

n

// 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. A brilliant chance to make new friends, and experience talks from excellent speakers on a wide range of topics, along with refreshments, log cabins and Santa's Grotto. For more information, please contact Allen Humphries on 07517661872.

// EVERY WED

YOGA WITH NESTOR, Stockton on the Forest Village Hall, 10am. A mixed ability yoga class, beginners welcome. Email nestorportnoy@ yahoo.com.

// EVERY FIRST & THIRD WED OF THE MONTH

STRICTLY FUN BARN DANCING, Acomb Methodist Church Hall. 2.15- 4.30pm for an afternoon of barn/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.

// EVERY THUR & FRI

SILVER SWANS BALLET, for over 55s (under 55s also welcome)

Huntington Memorial Hall (Thursdays) and St. Mary’s Church Hall, Haxby (Fridays). Get fit, have fun and meet people with a passion for life! Visit www. jorvikdance.com.

// EVERY DAY

DARK TALES OF YORK, Book a private tour to explore the narrow

DARK TALES OF YORK

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.

INVISIBLE YORK: THE STORY OF GUY FAWKES WALKING TOUR, York City Centre, 11am. Want to learn all there is to know about Yorkshire legend, Guy Fawkes? Join Vicki on her walking tour as she reveals the comprehensive story of Guy Fawkes and the gunpowder plot. Learn his family history in York and visit some secret, hidden historic spots of the city in this informative, hour-and-a-half tour. For more information on specific tour days and booking, visit invisible-cities.org/cities/york.

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.

JORVIK VIKING CENTRE, Coppergate. Discover the Original Viking Encounter! Enjoy the worldfamous 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.

WHITE ROSE YORK TOURS, West Entrance to York Minster meeting point, 11am and 3pm (also 1pm Friday and Saturday). Take a free history tour of the city centre. Visit www.whiteroseyork. com.

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. 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.

n The comprehensive guide to what’s on in York

& TAKEAWAY

n

what’s on

York

Theatre & Shows

NOVEMBER THEATRE DIARY

YORK THEATRE ROYAL

To book, call 01904 623568 or visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.

// 2ND DECEMBER-2ND JANUARY

ALL NEW ADVENTURES OF PETER PAN, It’s panto season… oh, yes it is! Co-produced with Evolution Productions, join the talented cast and crew for this year's magical All New Adventures of Peter Pan. Starring CBeebies’ Maddie Moate as Tinkerbell, this production is set to be a fun family adventure, with plenty of magic, music, and a little bit of mayhem, of course!

// UNTIL THE 12TH NOVEMBER

GUY FAWKES, We’ve all heard of York’s very own Guy Fawkes and his part in the failed, treasonous gunpowder plot… and if you haven’t…where have you been!? An explosive new comedy by The Penny Dreadfuls very own David Reed, brings a hilarious new take on one of the most notorious tales of all time. Intertwining York’s rich history with a light twist, this comedy is sure to be a barrel of laughs!

GRAND OPERA HOUSE

To book, call 0333 009 6690 or visit atgtickets.com.

// 7TH-12TH NOVEMBER

THE COMMITMENTS, The smash hit West End Musical based on the BAFTA award-

Looking to get your live performance fix? York's theatre scene has plenty on offer this month.

winning film returns to tour the UK. A true celebration of funky soul, featuring classics such as Papa Was A Rolling Stone, Mustang Sally, I Heard It Through The Grapevine, Reach Out, Knock On Wood, and many more!

// 15TH-19TH NOVEMBER

THE CHER SHOW, Written by Tony award-winning Rick Elice, this new, dazzling production, follows the remarkable tale of the Queen of Pop’s rise to fame. Enjoy all of the Cher classics from the likes of Strong Enough, The Shoop Shoop Song, I Got You Babe, and Believe, in this fantastic musical performance of glitz and glam.

JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE

To book, call 01904 501935 or visit josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk.

// 2ND-5TH NOVEMBER

BRING IT ON, Written by Tony Award Winners, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jeff Whitty, and Tom Kitt, the energetic musical, Bring It On comes to York! Based on the 2000 American teen cheerleading comedy, this production features a vibrant team of characters, impressive moves, and a set of stunning voices. Brought to you by the talented group who have previously staged Matilda the Musical Jr, Elf, Calendar Girls, and

York Stage are back in business and ready to bring plenty of high spirits and cheer to the city this November.

// 16TH-19TH & 22ND-26TH NOV

OLIVER, A musical take on one of the most well-loved Victorian novels, Oliver tells the tale of an orphan navigating the darkest streets of London, searching for a home and a loving family whilst learning of the criminal underworld of theft and violence. With music and lyrics by Lionel Bart and based on the traditional novel by Charles Dickens, this is certainly a captivating show that will leave you wanting more!

THEATRE@41 To book, visit tickets.41monkgate.co.uk

// 16TH-30TH DECEMBER

THE SOUND OF MUSIC, A musical that captured the hearts of audiences across the globe with its inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp during the height of the Second World War. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including ‘Climb Ev'ry Mountain,’ ‘My Favourite Things’, ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Sixteen Going on Seventeen’, join Pick Me Up Theatre in this musical masterpiece, this December.

From opera to dubstep, there's a gig for everyone in

Eating out in York.

Looking for somewhere to eat out in York? Our food and drink section has got you covered!

A roast to remember

Located within the historic, art-filled Elmbank Hotel that overlooks York’s leafy Knavesmire, Leetham’s Brasserie is a local gem. Recently refurbished and now offering a delicious new Sunday Lunch menu, Leetham’s has been on our foodie radar for a while. Never one to turn down a roast (or food for that matter), we hear from our writer, Emily, who was lucky enough to try it out: Heading into the restaurant, a historic hall setting, there are already some diners enjoying a delightful afternoon tea. This feels like the type of place you’d take the in-laws for a relaxed lunch - sophisticated but not overly so. A friendly front-ofhouse member takes us to our table, by a large bay window. As

I sit down on a plush, blue velvet chair, I already feel at home. The menu is simple but varied. For starters, the Whitby Crab Croquettes is the clear winnerthree crispy croquettes, all fluffy on the inside with a fresh yet subtle taste of local crab. These golden bites of goodness are perfectly complimented with citrusy saffron mayonnaise. For the main, I opt for a deliciously tender cut of pork complete with stuffing, crisp roasties, honey-glazed carrots, parsnips, and a pillowy Yorkshire Pudding, all whilst enjoying a cooling glass of Sauvignon Blanc. With any roast dinner, my ultimate fear (along with many northerners) is a lack of gravy, however, to my sheer delight, I am pleasantly surprised with

the arrival of a sideboard that includes an extra pot of gravy each, braised red cabbage and creamy cauliflower cheese. After some well-needed time to digest, I tuck into a StickyToffee-Pudding style Yorkshire Ginger Parkin served warm with an oozing treacle fudge sauce, custard, and a scoop of chocolate ice cream. It’s the perfect autumnal dessert and one that will send me straight to the sofa for a post-food nap when I get home.

The verdict: A classic venue, with attentive, friendly staff and delicious, flavourful food. A must-visit for roast fans! For more information, visit www. elmbankhotel.com/.

n The comprehensive guide to what’s on in York