York Trailblazers: People make history

Explore York’s unique heritage through an exciting and inclusive city-wide programme of events and activities.

York Trailblazers, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is bringing to light some of York’s lesser-known pioneers, inspiring residents to discover and celebrate the history and heritage stories of people who are important to our local communities.

Working with partners across the city, York Civic Trust and Make It York are engaging residents of all ages through community workshops, a large-scale sculpture trail, community grant funding and events. Look out for Trailblazer events throughout the Festival and the magnificent York Trailblazers Sculpture Trail from August 2024.

Events Throughout the Festival

Five Decades of LGBT+ Activism: Stuart Feather in conversation - 2 June

During York’s Pride weekend, find out what it was like to be part of the UK’s first Pride march in London with York trailblazer Stuart Feather.

As I Walked Out One Evening

Join us for an exploration of WH Auden in words and music as York musicians, poets and performers present works written and inspired by the 'Picasso of modern poetry'.

Anne Lister’s Loves

Anne Lister’s story was brought to international fame by the BBC and HBO series Gentleman Jack. Immerse yourself in Anne’s 19th-century world on a guided walking tour exploring her loves in York.

Trailblazer: Yorkshire female archaeologist

Find out about trailblazing York archaeologist Mary Kitson Clark (1905-2005), a former Curator of Roman Archaeology at the Yorkshire Museum.