Fossgate Festival promises a feast of family fun – and not a car in sight

One of York’s most vibrant streets is freed up for family fun this Saturday (May 2).

The Fossgate Festival sees the roar of traffic replaced by live entertainment as cars are banished from historic Fossgate for the day.

Owners of the cafés, restaurants, pubs and other businesses are joining in, bringing their wares onto the street for some al fresco browsing.

Organised to coincide with the Tour de Yorkshire, this is the first Fossgate Festival. Five more are planned in the coming months.

Running from 9.30am to 9pm, there will be a barbecue, drinks, and lots of bands, many courtesy of popular Fossgate trader MOR Music.

Fossgate Festival music

“The York music scene has a myriad of talent,” said Lynne O’Dea of MOR Music, which staged the Music On Rails Festival at the NRM last year.

“We showcase as many acts as possible, providing both little-known acts the opportunity to play in front of a wider audience and also well-known local bands at every event we run.”

So who’s on the MOR Music Acoustic Stage at Franklins Yard off Fossgate?

11am Harrison Rimmer

Harrison has been playing as a solo act now for more than five years. His style is a blend of Johnny Cash with Nirvana.

He’s played gigs up and down the county supporting acts like, Huskies, Daniel Dobbs, AMiTY, Matt Henshaw and Guy Jones.

1pm Mulholland

York’s Mulholland bring their own take on Americana mixing the sounds of the city and the spirits of the backwoods “from California to the New York Island, from the Redwood forests to the Gulf Stream waters…”

With their mix of harmonies, rhythm guitars, keyboards, bass and drums, accordion, mandolin and fiddle the band bring new energy to classic Americana.

3pm Leather’O

A high energy five piece gypsy celtic crossover band based in York. Leather’O play all acoustic, traditional instruments in venues from small bars unamplified, to full-on ceilidhs, festivals and weddings.

Tap your feet, drink your beer, dance, sing along, drink more beer, start shouting, stamp your feet.