York Entertainment

York may be a comparatively small city, but in the way of entertainment it has much to offer visitors. Buskers regularly perform in the summer along Parliament Street and in the citys public squares, and Yorks narrow streets are lined with restaurants, bars and cafs.

Nightlife

Traditional pubs are scattered all over the city, while Swinegate, in the city centre, is home to lots of newly opened wine and caf bars. Apparently, York has 365 pubs, one for every day of the year. York being home to two universities, you can expect many students looking for a fun night out. Popular student hangouts include Lendal Cellars and Ye Old Starre Inn. Toffs is a venue with two rooms, each featuring a different sound. It also contains the biggest VIP lounge in York. Ziggys is considered to be Yorks foremost alternative nightclub, playing the best in NU Metal and indie. Just tag along with the hordes of youngsters when you want to keep on partying after last orders and youre likely to end up at one of the current hot venues. A good number of serious clubbers make their way to Leeds, not far by train, after having warmed up at one of Yorks many pre-club venues to get them started.

Theatre and music

The Theatre Royal hosts regular productions of plays by Shakespeare and other popular classics. The Joseph Rowntree Theatre stages performances by Yorks local Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society. Visit the Grand Opera House, seating 1,800, for a full range of concerts, comedy, theatre and dance. The Friargate Theatre is a vibrant studio theatre, hosting touring productions by the Riding Lights Theatre Company, as well as a range of events by visiting performing arts groups.

Yorks vibrant live music scene is home to venues such as Fibbers, hosting several top names through the years and also providing a venue for local talent. Many pubs often make space available for live music, ranging from folk to rock, punk and pop. The Northern Wall, the Black Swan and the First Hussar continue to attract punters wishing to make more of their time down the local. Jazz lovers are well catered for with regular gigs at The Maltings and Borders Books, while the resident pianist at the Red House caf and antiques centre lends a swing to Thursday evenings. For classical music fans, the York Minster stages lunchtime performances by the York Musical Society Chorus & Orchestra. Other religious and historical venues for classical events include St Michael le Belfry Church, just opposite the Minster, home to the Yorkshire Bach Choir, the Central Methodist Church and the Guildhall.

Festivals

The residents of York like to party and lively street fairs, carnivals, parades and numerous historical events are included in the areas exciting calendar of festivals and events.

• Viking Festival (February) features combat events and a parade through the city centre. More than 10,000 visitors come to watch Norse warriors stage mock fights with their enemies, the Saxons.
• The York Magic Festival (May) mystifies and entertains audiences across the city. Showcasing some of the UKs most talented magicians, events include medieval street performers, Victorian stage conjurers, mind-reading and sleight-of-hand.
• The Festival of Rivers (June to July) features exhibitions, musical performances, walks, dancing, swimming and fishing on the riverbanks and on long boats along the Ouse and the Foss rivers.
• The York Early Music Festival (July) lays claim to the title of Britains leading festival of Early Music, held in the citys medieval churches, historic houses and guildhalls.
• The Roman Festival (July) includes a battle between Romans and Barbarians, gladiators, military re-enactments, childrens activities, music and crafts stalls.
• The Yorkshire Airshow (August), held at Elvington Airfield, features an exciting aerial display, just south of Yorks city centre. The finale of the two day event is a Red Arrow flypast.
• The York Ghost Festival (October) is staged by the ghost investigation group Psychic & Spectral Investigations. It offers the public a guide to the local ghosts.
• St Nicholas Fayre (November) sees the citys medieval streets swarmed with street performers, and a wealth of Christmas markets offer plenty of gift shopping opportunities.
• The York Early Music Christmas Festival (December) provides seasonal entertainment at the Chapter House of York Minster and St Olaves Church, Marygate as well as the National Centre for Early Music itself.