Calendar of Events
Browse our calendar and plan which events to attend each day of the Festival. All times are British Summer Time (BST, UTC+1), so please check your specific time zone if you are joining us for online events from outside the UK.
All events
Past events
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Diminishing Horizons
Join archaeologists as they discuss the damaging effects of global warming on waterlogged archaeological sites and explain how two projects aim to tackle this issue in York.
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Echoes of the Moon
Join us for an unforgettable evening as Syncretism presents a mesmerising concert with spectacular lighting, immersive projections, captivating dance performances and epic music.
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Can We Find a Shared Way Forward on Housing?
How do we solve the housing crisis? Take part in an innovative online workshop focusing on shared goals. Role-play different perspectives and explore solutions in York.
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LUMA Film Festival
Join us to celebrate the passion and creativity of the filmmakers of the future at the LUMA Film Festival, hosted by University of York students.
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Two Fish
Traditional fisherman John is the last of a dying breed… Join us for a performance of Two Fish followed by a discussion of the issues raised in the play around sustainable fishing.
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Exploring the University of York Art Collection
Explore the hidden treasures of the University of York’s art collection on a guided walk with its inaugural curator, Helena Cox.
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The Fairy Queen
Take a journey through the magical forest to the Fairy Queen’s party at a delightful family concert by OAE TOTS.
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The Pirates' Code
What was life really like aboard a pirate ship? Join historian Rebecca Simon for a rollicking account of pirates’ codes - the strict rules essential for survival at sea.
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Archaeology and Ideas of Progress in 1970s York
Celebrating the Friends of York Archaeological Trust’s 50th anniversary, author and archaeologist Richard Morris revisits and reflects on 1970s York and the founding of York Archaeological Trust.
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Stained glass: Conservation and restoration
Conservator Alison Gilchrist discusses the significant collection of stained glass at All Saints and its recent restoration, before leading a tour of the windows.
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The Liberation of Voice Through Creative Writing
Discover the power of creative writing to foster connection and community for those with lived experience of mental ill health at our interactive workshop.
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Protecting Our Blue Planet
Warming seas, plastic pollution, overfishing. Join our panel of experts from France and the UK as they discuss the challenges our oceans face and how we can preserve them.
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Comes in Waves
Enjoy a rich soundscape across a lake near the Ron Cooke Hub which uses a robotic piano, machine learning and ambisonic surround sound to explore the fragile nature of human relationships.
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Two Treasures of Herat
Join Barbara Brend, a specialist in the field of Persian painting, as she examines two manuscripts illustrated in late 15th-century Herat.
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So Bracing: A potted history of the railway poster
Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, rail historian Roger Backhouse examines how railway posters developed from the mid-19th century.
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Illumino: A history of Medieval Britain in twelve illuminated manuscripts
Take a journey across time and space, and explore the history of medieval Britain through the biographies of illuminated manuscripts and their creators with author Michelle P. Brown.
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The Thistle and the Rose: The extraordinary life of Margaret Tudor
Writer Linda Porter presents the compelling story of the misunderstood and underestimated elder sister of Henry VIII, Margaret Tudor, whose determination to fight for the rights of her son, James V, is at the core of her dramatic life.
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Lunchtime Organ Recital
Join Daniel Cook, Master of Choristers and Organist of Durham Cathedral, as he demonstrates the power and versatility of the magnificent 1959 Walker organ.
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A Greener York as the White Rose Forest Grows?
Discover how trees contribute to our sense of place within urban communities and explore how a space-based approach could colour a green-print for York as a White Rose Forest city.
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Big Science and Bold Futures in India
Join Jahnavi Phalkey, Founding Director of Science Gallery Bengaluru, as she delves into the emergence of big science in 20th-century India and shares her vision for the scientific future of the country.
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LUMA Film Festival
Join us to celebrate the passion and creativity of the filmmakers of the future at the LUMA Film Festival, hosted by University of York students.
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Comes in Waves
Enjoy a rich soundscape across a lake near the Ron Cooke Hub which uses a robotic piano, machine learning and ambisonic surround sound to explore the fragile nature of human relationships.
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The Golden Road
Join historian and bestselling author William Dalrymple as he explores how India transformed the culture and technology of its ancient world - and our world today as we know it.
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At Sea with Viking Poetry
Hear poetry about Viking voyages, waves and waters, and discover what really happened when the great god Thor went fishing for the world serpent.
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Sonic Pasts
Find out how researchers study the sounds of the past with Mariana López of the University of York.
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Presence: The strange science of the unseen other
Psychologist Ben Alderson-Day digs into historical accounts and contemporary cases of 'felt presence', hunting for the key to unlock this strange phenomenon.
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Motherland: African culture and identity
Join us for a ground-breaking exploration of African culture and identity as author Luke Pepera journeys through 500,000 years of history to connect with his extraordinary heritage.
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Eighth-Century Twinning? York and Münster
Discover what linked York and Münster historically, the background to the cities’ twinning, and how links are ongoing today.
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Leftovers: A history of food waste and preservation
Historian Eleanor Barnett charts the ingenious ways people have sought to extend the life of food and reuse leftovers from the 16th-century kitchen to the present day.
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Back on Track: Return to work toolkit
Simon Gilbody, a leader in the field of mental health interventions, discusses a toolkit to help those experiencing long-term sickness absence back into work.
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LUMA Film Festival
Join us to celebrate the passion and creativity of the filmmakers of the future at the LUMA Film Festival, hosted by University of York students.
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Comes in Waves
Enjoy a rich soundscape across a lake near the Ron Cooke Hub which uses a robotic piano, machine learning and ambisonic surround sound to explore the fragile nature of human relationships.
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The Ghosts in My Bedroom
Throughout time, there have been stories of people being visited or attacked by nocturnal monsters. How can modern science help us to understand this cultural history? Join psychologist Dan Denis.
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When We Ruled: African queens and warriors
Join author Paula Akpan for a revelatory history as she takes you into the fascinating worlds of the queens and warriors who ruled vast swathes of the African continent.
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Kingmaker
Join bestselling author and journalist Sonia Purnell for a discussion of the complexities, intricacies and mysteries of leadership, focusing on Pamela Churchill Harriman, daughter-in-law of Winston Churchill.
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The Virtues of Underwear
Modesty, flamboyance, filth. Join writer Nina Edwards as she unravels the intimate narratives woven into the fabric of our most personal garments.
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Spin, Spin a Story
Enjoy an enchanting story full of magic spells and much mischief at a fun-filled interactive concert with OAE TOTS.
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Innit Marvellous? The world of Hancock and Steptoe
Celebrate the comedic genius of Ray Galton and Alan Simpson (Hancock’s Half Hour and Steptoe and Son) at an event showcasing the archive acquired by the University of York in 2024.
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Is Europe Safe?
There is serious possibility the US might withdraw its security guarantees for Europe, in place since 1945. Our expert speakers review the options and consider what the future of Europe might look like.
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Law and Death
Join Heather Conway, an expert on death law, as she explores some of the complex legal questions about the disposal and post-mortem fate of the dead.
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When Smartphones and Nature Meet
Bring along your smartphone for an interactive nature tour as your guides demonstrate how to get involved in citizen science.
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A Queer Walk of York
Join us for StreetLife's Queer Walk of York, an LGBTQI+ heritage trail of sites of significance to the city's queer communities, and a post-walk conversation on Spaces of Queer Activism in York.
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Exploring the Fairy Tale Structure
Join postgraduate researcher Lacey Allen of the University of York for an interactive workshop exploring the fairy tale structure and its components.
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A New World Order?
With Trump’s second presidency, are we returning to an era of Great Powers and ‘might means right’? What are the implications for the so-called ‘global rules-based order’? Join in the discussion with our expert panel.
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Sunday Best: Travels through the day of rest
Closed shops and roast dinners. Bulky newspapers and the hum of lawnmowers. Join author Daniel Gray for an evocative celebration of the seventh day in all its rich variety.
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Dirty Dancing: A workshop of scandalous dance
Join a workshop led by Lottie Adcock of Dance the Past and take a trip through time to learn some of the most scandalous dances in history.
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DNA: Discovering new adventures
Join biochemist Jenny Hayes of the University of York on a DNA adventure as she reveals the background to new medical discoveries and treatments.
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York’s Monument Men and Women
Hear the story of the production of the five groundbreaking Royal Commission volumes on the archaeology and Architecture of the City of York from Roman times to the 20th century. Join Peter Addyman, former Director of York Archaeology.
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York: Present and future flooding
Find out how and why York floods, explore different kinds of flood defence schemes in operation and discuss what the future may bring on a York’s Hidden History guided tour.
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Protecting Vision and Heart Health
Leading consultant in ophthalmology Richard Gale and cardiologist Ramesh Nadarajah of the University of Leeds explore how early diagnosis and intervention can transform outcomes for age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Atrial Fibrillation (AF).
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Discovery Zone
Join us for some family fun as we spark children’s imaginations with a range of hands-on, interactive activities.
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Disinformation, Polarisation and the Future of Democracy
Are the deep splits in society being created and maintained by disinformation? What can be done to rein in big tech? Our expert speakers discuss if democracy can survive in these circumstances.
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Making Waves... of Words - Saturday
Learn about the latest trends in European literatures and languages, give voice to your crafty self and contribute to our multilingual wor(l)d-map with a word, a sketch or a drawing at our interactive event.
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Interactive Media Showcase
Join us at the Interactive Media Showcase and enjoy the phenomenal work created by students from the University of York’s School of Arts and Creative Technologies.
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Comes in Waves
Enjoy a rich soundscape across a lake near the Ron Cooke Hub which uses a robotic piano, machine learning and ambisonic surround sound to explore the fragile nature of human relationships.
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Rossini: Petite Messe Solennelle
Yorkshire Bach Choir presents Rossini’s final, powerful choral work filled with flair, faith and joyful musicality.
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Sam Kelly and The Lost Boys
Enjoy a performance by one of the UK’s most exciting folk acts. BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner Sam Kelly leads the powerhouse band The Lost Boys.
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John and Paul: A love story in songs
Writer Ian Leslie traces the twists and turns of John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s relationship through the music it produced, offering insights into the nature of creativity, collaboration and human connection.
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Puzzles in the Pub
Join us for an informal session in the ancient and medieval arithmetical gymnasium.
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Come, Let Us Reason Together: Unions at Rowntree’s
As part of the Joseph Rowntree Centenary, The Rowntree Society explores the story of Rowntree’s relationship with Trade Unions during the 1920s.
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Alexander the Great: Lives and legacies
Learn more about Alexander the Great’s life, personality and impact as historian Stephen Harrison of Swansea University offers a fresh perspective on his reign.
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Her Secret Service
From decrypting enemy messages to penning propaganda and infiltrating organisations, writer Claire Hubbard-Hall reveals women’s pivotal role in the history of the British intelligence services.
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Liquid Sovereignty: Moby-Dick, reservoirs of power and the anointed body
Join Arthur Bradley of the University of Lancaster as he explores the relationship between theatre and sovereignty in modern political theory, philosophy and performance.
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Rail: A gateway to the future
As we celebrate 200 years of the modern railway, our expert speakers reveal how the spirit of invention and innovation of rail’s early pioneers lives on, driving a new future.
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Delights of Football
From the beauty of floodlights to the glorious moment when a referee falls over, join author Daniel Gray as he lyrically celebrates the simple joys of the beautiful game.
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Shout, Grow, Mend: Stories of disability
Enjoy a Playback Theatre performance which takes its inspiration from the histories of disabled people in York and encourages attendees to share their own stories from 2025.
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Stepping Through: Experiences of recovery
Join us for an innovative exploration into the intersection of mental health and interactive media at a film screening and workshop challenging stigma around mental health.
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Reflections on Fear and Love (in-person)
Michael Guilding, a retired psychotherapist, examines fear and love from the perspective of human biology and reflects on what each of us might do to shift the balance between these powerful forces.
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How Big Is Space?
Take a journey through the stars, planets and galaxies as Mike Shaw, Head of Astronomy at Bootham School, uses engaging storytelling to introduce you to the scale of the Universe and our significance in it.
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John Crace in Conversation
Join one of the Guardian’s most beloved columnists, political sketch writer John Crace, for some hilarious insights into politics and modern-day Britain.
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A Green Future: Community action and inclusion
Explore real-world stories of community-led projects that are making a difference by combining environmental action with social equity. Join Dilay Celebi Gonidis of CITY College, University of York Europe campus.
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Medieval Masons’ Marks Tour
Take a tour of Fishergate Postern Tower’s Medieval masons’ marks and then watch a professional stonemason cut a mark on stone and, if you like, design your own!
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Mathletics: How statistics is changing the game in sport
Find out how the data revolution in sport is influencing decision making in areas such as tactics, strategy and recruitment with statisticians from the University of York.
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York: A 21st-century rail hub
Discover how the major changes taking place in the heart of our city centre, driven by York’s Masterplan and the ambitious York Central regeneration scheme, will drive economic, social and cultural growth.
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Pushing Boundaries in Biomedicine
Join scientific experts at York St John University for a hands-on journey through advances in medicine and healthcare. Examine your own microbiome, analyse some DNA and look at what’s in blood.
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Soapbox Science
Listen to top female and nonbinary scientists as they take science to the streets of York - while standing on a soapbox.
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York Pride Festival
York Pride returns to the Knavesmire with a vibrant afternoon of entertainment and family-friendly activities. Why not come along and celebrate inclusivity and diversity?
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Festival Fringe Family Fun Afternoon
Join us for an afternoon of energetic, creative, crafty, puzzling, scientific and historical fun at this year’s Festival Fringe Family Fun Afternoon.
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Medieval Masons’ Marks Tour
Take a tour of Fishergate Postern Tower’s Medieval masons’ marks and then watch a professional stonemason cut a mark on stone and, if you like, design your own!
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A Queen’s Book of Flowers
Visit a letterpress display reimagining women’s knowledge about plants. Join in a botanical printing activity and discover a book of flowers written for a queen.
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Holbein and the Year That Changed Tudor England
Join historian Tracy Borman as she unlocks the mysteries of Holbein’s enigmatic artwork The Ambassadors, revealing the secrets it tells us about the Tudor court.
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Let's Talk About Non-Visible Disabilities
Writer Pippa Stacey guides you through the key things you should know about non-visible disabilities in 2025, sharing her own lived experiences of managing a chronic illness and non-visible symptoms in everyday life.
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The Return of the Housewife
Why does the burden of housework still fall on women? Sociologist Emma Casey offers a powerful call to challenge the prevailing myths around housework.
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Pride Parade March
Come along and join the fabulous Pride Parade March through the city centre streets to the Knavesmire.
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Medieval Masons’ Marks Tour
Take a tour of Fishergate Postern Tower’s Medieval masons’ marks and then watch a professional stonemason cut a mark on stone and, if you like, design your own!
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Making Waves... of Words - Saturday
Learn about the latest trends in European literatures and languages, give voice to your crafty self and contribute to our multilingual wor(l)d-map with a word, a sketch or a drawing at our interactive event.
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Curious Minds Discovery Zone
Explore the world of children's minds. Solve puzzles, enjoy games and discover facts about the human mind and brain in a fun and interactive way.
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Swing Dance Festival
York Lindy invites you to a free one-day swing dance festival, featuring a pop-up exhibition, dance classes, history and music talks.
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Medieval Masons’ Marks Tour
Take a tour of Fishergate Postern Tower’s Medieval masons’ marks and then watch a professional stonemason cut a mark on stone and, if you like, design your own!
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Transforming York: Rail’s legacy
Join our expert speakers as they look back over 200 remarkable years of rail history and assess its transformative impact on the city of York and the wider region.
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Making Sound Waves: Musical transformations
Find out how Jessie’s Fund is playing an important role in giving children access to music therapy and creative music-making through a talk, film clips and performance.
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A Queen’s Book of Flowers
Visit a letterpress display reimagining women’s knowledge about plants. Join in a botanical printing activity and discover a book of flowers written for a queen.
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York’s Three Minute Thesis Competition
Join us for a challenge against the clock as competing finalists each have just three minutes to outline the power of their research in the annual York Three Minute Thesis competition.
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Interactive Media Showcase
Join us at the Interactive Media Showcase and enjoy the phenomenal work created by students from the University of York’s School of Arts and Creative Technologies.
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York Army Museum Family Day
Drop into the York Army Museum and the Eye of York and learn about D-Day with the East Yorkshire Regiment Living History Group.
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Comes in Waves
Enjoy a rich soundscape across a lake near the Ron Cooke Hub which uses a robotic piano, machine learning and ambisonic surround sound to explore the fragile nature of human relationships.
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Partners in Progress: People in research
Come along to an interactive workshop and discover how patient and public involvement is improving clinical and biomedical science research at the University of York.
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Medieval Masons’ Marks Tour
Take a tour of Fishergate Postern Tower’s Medieval masons’ marks and then watch a professional stonemason cut a mark on stone and, if you like, design your own!
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A Day Out with the Vikings
Immerse yourself in the world of the Vikings as expert speakers look at the past, present and future of festivals and public events on a Viking theme.
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What Did Jeremy Think?
Lauded as ‘the greatest public servant of our time’, Jeremy Heywood was confidant and trouble shooter for both Conservative and Labour Prime Ministers. Suzanne Heywood talks about her late husband and his life of public service.
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Interactive Media Showcase
Join us at the Interactive Media Showcase and enjoy the phenomenal work created by students from the University of York’s School of Arts and Creative Technologies.
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Intraterrestrials: Discovering the strangest life on Earth
Learn what alien microbes living in the deepest, darkest recesses of Earth’s crust can reveal about the dawn and future of our planet with biologist Karen Lloyd.
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The National Debt: A short history
From medieval times to the 2008 financial crash and the present day, economist Martin Slater explores the central role and changing fortunes of the National Debt.
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Past, Present and Future: Printing in York
From Europe's earliest wallpaper to printing on ice, join Helen Smith, Director of Thin Ice Press: the York Centre for Print, to learn about the history of printing in York.
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Sustainable Futures Through Regional Growth
Join in the discussion as our expert panel examines the economic forces shaping our lives and the intersecting challenges of inequality, health, social relations and the planet.
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Climate Fresk Workshop
Do you want to help tackle climate change? Our Climate Fresk workshop will teach you the science behind climate change and empower you to take action.
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York’s Hidden History of Flooding
Discover the fascinating history of how flooding has shaped York over the centuries on a guided city centre tour. What clues to the past do York’s castles, bridges, churches and halls offer?
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Economic Growth: Who actually benefits?
In a time of global geopolitical instability, rising energy prices and changing Government spending priorities, our expert panel examines the impact of economic growth on households’ financial resilience.
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Doctors by Nature: How animals heal themselves
Join biologist Jaap de Roode of Emory University, US, to hear the astonishing story of how animals from ants to apes use medicine and what it can teach us about healing ourselves.
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Public Attitudes Towards Harassment of British MPs
To what extent does the general public tolerate abuse and harassment of MPs? Does counter-narrative messaging reduce this tolerance? Hear from expert speakers.
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The Power of Cute
From emojis to like Hello Kitty, philosopher Simon May explores the worldwide obsession with cuteness and what it reveals about our age.
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Framing: The social art of influence
Sociologist Mikael Klintman offers a toolkit for exposing and analysing the rhetoric that saturates our everyday lives in today's chaotic media landscape.
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The Unexpected Side of Old Coins
Join archaeologist Barry Crump as he explores the more unusual and unexpected ways people have made and used coins from the Roman period onwards.
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Dirty Dancing: A history of scandalous dance
Take a trip through time with Lottie Adcock of Dance the Past to find those dances that broke boundaries and shocked polite society.
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Bioscience: The musical
Enjoy watching a concert-style musical and learn more about the innovative bioscience research being carried out at the University of York.
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Chinese and Any Other Asian
Writer Anna Sulan Masing explores what it means to be East and South East Asian in Britain today and celebrates the varied experiences that make up ESEA identity.
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What to Expect When You're Dead
Find out how ancient peoples dealt with death as classicist Robert Garland explores the beliefs and practices of a wide range of cultures and traditions.
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ABC: Art, biodiversity and collaboration
Join the conversation as artists and scientists discuss the importance of collaboration across disciplines for biodiversity change.
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Shamini Flint Talks Crime
Take a journey through the backstreets of Asia at this in conversation event with writer Shamini Flint, best known for her Inspector Singh Investigates series.
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The Next Crisis: What we think about the future
Join leading UK geographer Danny Dorling as he unpacks polling data and shows that our global crises are often very different from what’s in the headlines.
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Accidental: Unintentional science breakthroughs
Prepare for a rip-roaring adventure through science gone wrong with author Tim James and discover how accidental discoveries have changed humanity for the better.
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Austen and Turner: Creativity and connection
Find out about how contemporary artist Lela Harris and writer Rommi Smith create new work through creative practices in connection with Jane Austen and JMW Turner.
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A Story in Stone: World Heritage and York City Walls
Join archaeologist John Oxley on a guided walk exploring how the narratives of York’s City Walls evidence and support York's case for World Heritage status.
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Ecclesiastical Architecture: History and future
Learn how churches have developed over the centuries and enjoy a guided tour around one of England's most important ecclesiastical buildings.
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Object Journeys
Find out about the background to an exciting new exhibition at the York Army Museum, Object Journeys, and have input into the choice of archives and objects included.
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Council for British Archaeology Open Day
Visit the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) offices and find out more about archaeology and the work they do across the UK.
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Object Journeys
Find out about the background to an exciting new exhibition at the York Army Museum, Object Journeys, and have input into the choice of archives and objects included.
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York's Changing Waterscapes
How can people's enjoyment of the waterscapes of York be enhanced? How can flooding and other aquatic issues be better understood and communicated? Talk to the team from the York Waterscapes project.
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The Evolution of Imperfection
Discover the science of why we aren’t and can’t be perfect with Laurence Hurst, an expert on evolution and genetics from the University of Bath.
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No One Wants to See Your D*ck
As the epidemic of male violence towards women and young girls reaches new heights, women’s rights campaigner Jess Davies provides a toolkit to understand and tackle online misogyny.
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Can We Create a Better Technological Future?
We're living in the technological future, but is it the one we want? Join in the discussion as we explore if digital technologies are solving the right problems of the modern age.
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A Brief History of Mathematics
Join James Ratcliffe, Deputy Head at Bootham School, for a whistle-stop tour of the mathematical world from 25000 BCE to 1000 CE
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Bacteriophages: The good viruses
Discover how bacteriophage (viruses) can help tackle the problem of increasing antimicrobial resistance with Martha Clokie of the University of Leicester.
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The Quest for Eric Milner-White
Historian Allen Warren explores the life and legacy of York’s most remarkable 20th-century Dean, Eric Milner-White.
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Building Foundations for Wellbeing in Primary Schools
Find out about the development of an evidence-based mental health and wellbeing curriculum for primary schools with Joshua Stubbs, Head of Research at the PSHE Association.
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King Tyrant: A natural history of Tyrannosaurus rex
Join palaeontologist and artist Mark P Witton for a stunningly illustrated talk on what we now know about the fearsome and extraordinary king of the dinosaurs.
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Beer and Beowulf
Join us in the beorsele or beer-hall of the Duke of York pub for an evening of beer and Anglo-Saxon poetry.
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Captured at Sea: Piracy, Prize and the Circulation of Art in Early Modern Europe
Rebecca Earle of the University of Warwick reveals how, alongside painters, patrons and dealers, privateers formed part of Europe’s early modern art world.
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York Cares Summer Sparkle
Get ready to shine bright at York Cares Summer Sparkle - a fun-filled event celebrating summer with music, cake and, of course, lots of sparkle!
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Doomscrolling and Mental Health
Anna G. Orfanidou of CITY College, University of York Europe Campus examines how to break the cycle of doomscrolling - the compulsive consumption of negative news.
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Cobweb
Schoolchildren are invited to hear readings from Michael Morpurgo’s latest work, Cobweb, and to ask him questions about his work and inspiration at our exciting live webinar.
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Family Romance: John Singer Sargent and the Wertheimers
Join author Jean Strouse for the riveting story of portrait artist John Singer Sargent and his relationship with an eminent Edwardian family, the Wertheimers.
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The Future of Higher Education in a Climate Crisis
How can those in higher education work together to address the challenges of a global climate crisis? Our expert panel discusses some unique new approaches.
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Between the Salt and the Ash
Take a journey into the soul of Northumbria with writer Jake Morris-Campbell as he seeks to understand the deep past and uncertain future of his homeland.
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Touch Transmission
Explore the power of musical touch through performance and a hands-on workshop with pianist Catherine Laws, theatre practitioner Teresa Brayshaw and psychologist Natalie Bowling.
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Motorbikes and Marathons: Andy Ibbott's story
Hear the incredible story of how globally renowned motorcycle track instructor Andy Ibbott turned adversity into opportunity after suffering a life-changing stroke.
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My Heart was a Tree: The concert
Enjoy a mesmerising programme of poetry and music inspired by our beautiful countryside presented by renowned children’s author Michael Morpurgo.
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Protecting the Brain While Healing Hearts
Discover how specialised brain training programmes can boost recovery and quality of life after heart surgery with clinical neuropsychologist Kalliopi Megari.
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In the Service of the Shogun
Author Frederik Cryns traces William Adams’s remarkable rise from humble English pilot to a position of immense influence in Japan’s foreign relations in the 1600s.
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Ripples in the Gene Pool That Made Us Who We Are
Archaeologist Julian Richards explores the genetic history of the British Isles from hunter gatherers to Huguenots and beyond, as well as the evidence provided by archaeology.
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Landsmart: A practical guide to transforming our countryside
How can we use land cleverly to give both humanity and nature the space to thrive on just the one planet? Join BBC Countryfile presenter Tom Heap to find out.
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Sounding Bombe: Enigma project
Enjoy a live performance of an experimental, multi-media composition based on the mathematics used to crack the enigma code during World War II.
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A Pub for All Seasons
What makes the perfect British pub across the four seasons? Find out with journalist and beer-expert Adrian Tierney-Jones.
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Making (Sound) Waves: Exploring vocal authenticity
Discover the benefits of community singing and acting at an event combining speaking/singing performance, documentary footage of singing groups and live analysis of vocal recordings.
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Aallotar: Women's voices in Finnish acapella
Discover the important role of women’s voices in two collections of Finnish folk poems and songs, the Kalevala and Kanteletar in the company of acapella choir Enkelit.
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Making with Jane Austen and JMW Turner
Our immersive workshop focuses on the materials of Austen and Turner’s creativity. Use watercolour paints, inks and textiles, and learn about their innovative techniques.
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The Art of Explanation
Discover how to communicate with clarity and confidence with BBC presenter and journalist Ros Atkins, creator of the viral 'Ros Atkins on...' explainer videos.
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Creative Bookbinding Skills
Explore the skills and techniques of bookbinding with archive conservator Catherine Firth and book and paper conservator Emma Lloyd-Jones.
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The Path to Net Zero
Join David Trousdale, Principal Advisor for Climate Change and Net Zero at Newcastle City Council and hear how he and his team are successfully driving change in the city.
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The Filthy, Beastly Tour of York
Have you faced the fiery poo-bison? Been chased round a garden by an escaped bear? No? Then you've obviously not been on The Filthy, Beastly Tour of York! Enjoy a family-friendly guided tour.
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Making with Jane Austen and JMW Turner
Our immersive workshop focuses on the materials of Austen and Turner’s creativity. Use watercolour paints, inks and textiles, and learn about their innovative techniques.
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The Wavy Nature of Nature
Benito Juárez Aubry of the University of York explores whether the final description of the Universe will be that everything is just wavy.
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Ancient DNA, West Africa and the Early Medieval Migration
Leading archaeologist Duncan Sayer reveals how ancient DNA is helping us explore the movement of people in the early Middle Ages, from AD 450–750.
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Recognising Unique Wellbeing Needs
Join psychologist Karisha George and learn why a more holistic approach to wellbeing support is needed for people from underrepresented backgrounds.
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The Filthy, Beastly Tour of York
Have you faced the fiery poo-bison? Been chased round a garden by an escaped bear? No? Then you've obviously not been on The Filthy, Beastly Tour of York! Enjoy a family-friendly guided tour.
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The Newsmongers: A History of Tabloid Journalism
From the first printed ‘Strange Newes’ sheets of the 16th century to the sensationalism of today’s digital age, author Terry Kirby reveals the seedy history of tabloid journalism.
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He Said, She Said
Award-winning barrister Charlotte Proudman highlights the troubling biases and shocking prejudice that underlie our legal system, putting forward her own inspiring vision for long-term change.
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Play, Place and Print: Gaming local histories
Join us for an interactive role-playing game session set in Renaissance York, featuring women printers operating in the city.
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God and AI: A reflection through Choral Evensong
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making waves and changing the world around us. Join us for an exploration of how Christian faith is affected by AI within the context of Choral Evensong.
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The Mercian Chronicles: King Offa and the Birth of the Anglo-Saxon State, AD 630–918
Writer Max Adams discusses a fascinating century of change in early Medieval Britain when kings Æthelbald and Offa dominated the political landscape of the rising power of Mercia.
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Jane Ewbank’s York – 1805
Join a guided walk and travel back 220 years to the world of Jane Ewbank, the 26-year-old daughter of a York apothecary who enjoyed a rich cultural life in the city.
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Medieval Mayors, MPs and Mariners of York
Join Pat Cullum, lead volunteer at Holy Trinity Goodramgate and learn how former York MPs Robert de Holme Sr and Nicholas de Blackburn made waves by taking to the waves.
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Jane Ewbank’s Music – 1805
What sort of music did diarist Jane Ewbank hear and perform as a well-to-do young woman living in early 19th-century York? Join musicologist Rachel Cowgill for a new take on Georgian York.
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British Vogue: The biography of an icon
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary British Vogue magazine as author Julie Summers presents a beautifully illustrated talk about its fascinating and glamorous history.
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Indoor Dig: Bringing the past to life
What’s it like to be an archaeologist? Why not become a dig detective and join archaeologist and broadcaster Julian Richards for an exciting interactive event and find out.
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Hunt for Medieval Masons’ Marks
Hunt for Medieval masons’ marks in the 500-year-old Fishergate Postern Tower. We know there are at least 81, so why not see how many you can find?
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Common Ground
Join us at a creative workshop and find out about Common Ground, a University of York-funded initiative providing music workshops for the refugee and asylum seeker community.
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Four Points of the Compass
North, south, east and west: almost all societies for millennia have used the four cardinal directions to orientate themselves. Historian Jerry Brotton promises a journey of directional discovery.
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Bob Ross, Health Equity and Decision Making
Using the medium of art, Robert Malcolm, Project Director at York Health Economics Consortium, explores the trade-offs that need to be made when funding medical interventions.
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Make Space York: Are parks inclusive?
How can the design of parks be more welcoming for women and girls? Find out more and share your ideas at an interactive Make Space York pop-up exhibition.
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Step into Nature with St Nicks
York Cares is supporting St Nicks’ work at Fulford Ings to remove balsam with some balsam bashing. Join us on a gentle 2km walk and find out more.
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Hunt for Medieval Masons’ Marks
Hunt for Medieval masons’ marks in the 500-year-old Fishergate Postern Tower. We know there are at least 81, so why not see how many you can find?
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Revealing the Secrets of Stem Cells
Discover how stem cell and bone marrow research at York could help improve the effectiveness of transplants for patients. Join postgraduate student Charlotte Titterington-Colman.
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Inequalities and Meningitis
Maisie Green of the York Health Economics Consortium explains inequalities associated with meningitis and why treatments should target socioeconomically deprived areas.
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Fragments
Join us for the launch of a thought-provoking exhibition by an eclectic group of artists exploring the theme of 'fragments' in varied media.
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Hunt for Medieval Masons’ Marks
Hunt for Medieval masons’ marks in the 500-year-old Fishergate Postern Tower. We know there are at least 81, so why not see how many you can find?
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Dogs, Religion, Hogwarts and Military Culture
Join retired US Marine Steve Van Riper as he discusses the cultures of the US military services - Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines - through some rather interesting analogies.
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Thomas Cromwell: Understanding his rise and fall
Thomas Cromwell is one of the most famous - or notorious - figures in English history. Discover his true place in the making of modern England and Ireland - for good and ill - with historian Diarmaid MacCulloch.
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Sagaland: A history of British writers in Iceland
Postgraduate researcher Hannah Armstrong of the University of York examines a 19th-century form of literary tourism which saw readers of medieval sagas sail to Iceland to see where their Viking heroes lived and died.
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Indoor Dig: Bringing the past to life
What’s it like to be an archaeologist? Why not become a dig detective and join archaeologist and broadcaster Julian Richards for an exciting interactive event and find out.
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Hunt for Medieval Masons’ Marks
Hunt for Medieval masons’ marks in the 500-year-old Fishergate Postern Tower. We know there are at least 81, so why not see how many you can find?
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York World Heritage Bid: From the riverfront
Enjoy a walking tour around the riverfront of the Ouse as we showcase York’s highlights and illustrate the role of the river in York’s World Heritage bid.
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The Humber Hovercraft
Explore the hidden history of a remarkable hovercraft that whizzed passengers directly between Hull and Grimsby in the late 1960s. Join Paul Drury-Bradey of the Humber Hovercraft project.
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Step into Nature with St Nicks
York Cares is supporting St Nicks’ work at Fulford Ings to remove balsam with some balsam bashing. Join us on a gentle 2km walk and find out more.
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Good Nature: The new science of how nature improves our health
Join eminent biologist Kathy Willis as she takes a science-based look at how, by bringing nature into our towns and cities, we can create a better, happier and healthier environment.
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Untold Stories of Migration and Belonging in York
What does York history mean for its residents? Whether you have lived in the city for a few months or many generations, why not drop by our workshop and share what York means to you?
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Hunt for Medieval Masons’ Marks
Hunt for Medieval masons’ marks in the 500-year-old Fishergate Postern Tower. We know there are at least 81, so why not see how many you can find?
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Ultimate Breath
Explore the impact of air pollution on our health through talks and a special meditative musical performance by Sonic Threads.
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Exterminate/Regenerate: The story of Doctor Who
Writer John Higgs invites you to step into his TARDIS on a journey to discover how ideas emerge and survive despite the odds, and why a wonderful wandering time traveller means so much to so many.
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Uncomfortable York Tour
Join an Uncomfortable York walking tour and hear untold histories and diverse stories highlighting the impact of women, people of colour and LGBTQIA+ individuals from York's past.
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Explore Space @Discovery Zone
Come along and enjoy some space-themed family fun as we spark imaginations with a range of interactive activities.
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From Silencing to Strength: Addressing spiritual abuse and abuses of power
Join Lisa Oakley, an expert on safeguarding in faith contexts, as she discusses addressing spiritual abuse and abuses of power as part of the Ebor Lecture Series collection.
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Sound the Global Trumpet
Join renowned Canadian trumpeter Merrie Klazek and the UK's own celebrated organist/conductor Anita Datta for an eclectic program of music from around the world.
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Brahms: A German Requiem
The University Choir, The 24 and the University Symphony Orchestra join forces in the historic setting of York Minster for Brahms’ A German Requiem.
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Gamelan Sekar Petak
Enjoy an evening of discovery with Gamelan Sekar Petak, Eoferwic Strings and the vocal group Animas as they explore how Javanese and Western instruments interact.