Theme: Fun for Families
Spark children’s imaginations with our Harry Potter-inspired day, get crafty at York Explore Library and take part in the Historic Yorkshire Word Hunt. Supported by the Shepherd Group.
What's on
Medic! A sense of First World War battlefield medicine
Have you ever wondered what battlefield surgery in the First World War was like? Can you imagine how it looked and smelled, and how it might have felt to perform operations and nurse the wounded? Come along to this sensory workshop, showcasing (simulated) medical treatments and conditions. You might even be able to try your hand at a procedure or two!
Church Conservation: An impossible task?
What does it take to care for a building that has been standing for a millennium? The Churches Conservation Trust has saved over 350 historic church buildings across England, including the hidden medieval gem of Holy Trinity in York, whose recorded origins go back to 1082.
Talking Portraits!
Imagine if portraits could talk - what stories would they tell? Join University of York students as they unlock the secrets of the paintings of the Lord Mayors of York displayed in the historic Mansion House. Taking place in the beautiful State Room, this interactive family storytelling event is particularly suitable for children aged nine to 13.
Psych!York: Interactive family fun
Come along to Psych!York and enjoy brain colouring and crafts, illusions and interactive exhibits. Each exhibit should only take around five to 10 minutes to try out – so with around 15 different interactive exhibits, you can spend as much time with us as you like!
Zombies in York
Zombies have taken over York and brought the city to a standstill – but we were quick enough to catch one! Come along and get involved as University of York scientists dissect the captured zombie in front of a live audience. This gruesome interactive event has hands-on opportunities to study the infectious agent causing the outbreak.
Zombies in York
Zombies have taken over York and brought the city to a standstill – but we were quick enough to catch one! Come along and get involved as University of York scientists dissect the captured zombie in front of a live audience. This gruesome interactive event has hands-on opportunities to study the infectious agent causing the outbreak.
The Lifeboat That Saved the World
Based on an ancient Mesopotamian story, the children’s book The Lifeboat That Saved the World retells the tale of a man charged with saving the world from a life-destroying flood. Join Irving Finkel, the bestselling author of The Ark Before Noah and Assistant Keeper of Ancient Mesopotamian artefacts at the British Museum, for an exhilarating look into the past.
The Historic Yorkshire Word Hunt
George loves collecting old Yorkshire words, but unfortunately some have gone astray! Collect a map and help George put the words back into his dictionary where they belong. Suitable for all the family, this short walk through York city centre reintroduces lost or forgotten words from Yorkshire’s history and provides a new outlook on York’s heritage.
Witchcraft and Wizardry
Muggles and would-be witches and wizards are invited to join a celebration of all things magical at our Harry Potter-inspired day. Prepare to be spellbound by divination, stupefied by potions, enchanted by magical creatures and mesmerised by parseltongue as you enter our magical realm.
Book Making for Families
Could you be a bookmaker? Join staff from York Minster and York Explore Library and find out about early printing and handwritten books.
Festival Fringe Family Fun Afternoon
Join us for an afternoon of energetic, crafty, puzzling, scientific and historical fun with University of York postgraduate students and staff at this year’s Festival Fringe Family Fun Afternoon. No ticket needed – just come along!
Explore the Impossible!
Drop into York Explore Library and build the impossible with Lego. Take a journey into the past or construct a York of the future - you decide.
Cornstarch Decorated Paper Workshop
Come along and create your own decorative papers using cornstarch paste. This simple and versatile method was developed by bookbinders as an easy and inexpensive way to create unique covers and end papers. Find out why it’s also a great way of making greeting cards, wrapping paper, decorative boxes and more.
The Historic Yorkshire Word Hunt
George loves collecting old Yorkshire words, but unfortunately some have gone astray! Collect a map and help George put the words back into his dictionary where they belong. Suitable for all the family, this short walk through York city centre reintroduces lost or forgotten words from Yorkshire’s history and provides a new outlook on York’s heritage.
The Mozart Question: Music and story in performance
Author Michael Morpurgo returns to York with a moving performance of his book, The Mozart Question – a remarkable story of friendship and family, truth and secrets, set against the background of the Holocaust.
Discovery Zone
Find out about some of the exciting research being carried out in York. With lots of hands-on, interactive activities, this fun event – held right in the heart of the city - is suitable for all the family.
Discovery Zone
Find out about some of the exciting research being carried out in York. With lots of hands-on, interactive activities, this fun event – held right in the heart of the city - is suitable for all the family.
