There’s so much to look forward to over the next few months, whether you’re going to a music festival, having some family fun during the school holidays or even celebrating Yorkshire Day. To help with your summer planning, here are a few York-based events that you won’t want to miss.
Mary Beard: Emperor of Rome, Grand Opera House York
Saturday 13th July, 7:30pm
If you’ve ever wondered what life was like for those who ruled the Roman Empire, this talk is for you. Taking to the stage at York’s Grand Opera House in July, renowned classicist Mary Beard will delve deep into the lives of these powerful men – from the famous Julius Caesar to lesser-known emperors such as Alexander Severus – in a fascinating one-night-only talk. Mary will separate fact from fiction as she takes the audience beyond the drama of corruption, conspiracy and succession, exploring some of the more mundane day-to-day practicalities and revealing what it really felt like – and meant – to be an emperor.
Tickets start at £39.33 + booking fee. Age guidance 14+
Art & Craft Workshops at Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens
Various dates in July and August
Located 20 minutes away from the centre of York, Stillingfleet Lodge is a quintessentially English country garden that’s family run and wildlife friendly. This four-acre garden has many different areas to explore, with a pond, meadow and vegetable garden, as well as a plant nursery where you can pick up some new additions for your own garden. The on-site tea room regularly hosts art and craft workshops and on two dates in July and August you can learn to make your own wire hen under the guidance of Thirsk- based sculptor Chris Moss. Alternatively, you can draw inspiration from the nature around you and create a garden sketch book with local artist Kate Pettitt.
These workshops are aimed at adults. Visit the Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens website for more details.
Yorkshire Day Luncheon, Middlethorpe Hall
Thursday 1st August, 12:30pm
The first of August is Yorkshire Day: a time to celebrate everything that makes ‘God’s Own County’ so great. If you’d like to mark the occasion in style, Middlethorpe Hall is planning a special four-course luncheon with a Yorkshire-themed menu devised by Head Chef Ashley Binder. On arrival at the hotel, you’ll be greeted with sparkling wine and canapes before sitting down to a sumptuous meal that features some of the region’s best produce, from fish caught off the East Yorkshire coast to meat from the Dales, accompanied by local wines and ales. A pianist will play as you dine and there will be a chance to join in with a traditional rendition of Ilkley Moor Baht’at. Don’t forget your white rose.
Tickets cost £84.50 per person inc. service charge and VAT
Seriously Spanish Tasting, Love Cheese
Friday 19th July, 7pm
If you aren’t jetting off to España this July, you can still sample some of the country’s delicious wines and cheeses without leaving York. On the 19th July, the team at Love Cheese are hosting a ‘Seriously Spanish’ tasting at their shop on Gillygate. Grab a table in the cosy ‘speakcheesey’ and prepare to tuck into five courses inspired by the country’s finest offerings. You’ll feast on creamy, dreamy Manchego and bold, blue Cabrales, which are expertly paired with wines like rich, velvety Rioja and zesty, refreshing Albariños. What better way to spend a summer evening?
Tickets cost £38 per person, adults only
The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Grand Opera House York
Saturday 31st Aug – Sunday 1st September, various times
Sophie and her mummy are just sitting down to enjoy their tea when there’s a ring at the door. Is it the milkman? The boy from the grocer? No, it’s a huge, stripy tiger! The perfect family treat for the summer holidays, this magical stage adaptation by David Wood OBE brings Judith Kerr’s cherished children’s book to life with sing-along songs and plenty of comedic moments that will have you and your little cubs roaring in delight.
Tickets start at £16.75 + booking fee. Babies under 18 months are free if sitting on an adult’s lap.
Deer Shed Festival, Baldersby Park, Topcliffe
Friday 26th – Monday 29th July
Founded by couple Kate and Oliver, who wanted to fill a gap they’d recognised in the UK festival scene, Deer Shed offers a family-friendly experience that’s cool enough for grown-ups to enjoy too. Held on the last weekend in July at Baldersby Park, Deer Shed will feature live music from The Coral, Bombay Bicycle Club and CMAT. This year’s lineup also includes Stornoway, King Creosote, Personal Trainer and Katherine Priddy, as well as comedy from Mark Watson, Lorna Rose Treen and Josh Weller, and literary and spoken word performances by Simon Armitage, Andy Burnham and Vanessa Kisuule. There will be a special entertainment area for under 5s and lots of wellbeing, science and sports activities to try, from tree climbing to a space cadet boot camp and nerf gun arena.
Tickets start at £149 + booking fee (adult), £100 (ages 16-18), £75 (ages 6-10), £50 (ages 4 & 5). Under 3s are free.
Images- @lovecheeseyork, @deershedfestival, @https://stillingfleetlodgenurseries.co.uk/event/full-day-art-courses/
