Minecraft, Lego and prehistoric cheese: 15 epic free events to try on Yornight

Lego, Minecraft, World Cup football and prehistoric cheese – if these sound like the components of your perfect night then brace yourself for a whole heap of fun this Friday (Sept 25).

Yornight, created by the University of York to mark European Researchers Night in a fun and educational way, sees events taking place at venues across York, including King’s Manor, Yorkshire Museum, Barley Hall and York Explore to celebrate all things historical and scientific.

It’s part of a mega event which takes place every year simultaneously in several hundred cities all over Europe and beyond to show how research influences daily life for all of us.

Family events

To infinity and beyond

British astronaut Tim Peake is blasting off into space next year but what will his day to day life be like? Take along your own little would-be astronaut to find out (if nothing else, they’ll want to know how he’s going to go to the loo in space).

Costume on Kirkgate

This is your chance to swish around in full Victorian costume (fainting and moustache-twiddling are optional) handmade by museum volunteers.

Virtual dig: Minecraft and archaeology

Minecraft isn’t just for gamers – it’s for archaeologists too. Come and see how our ideas and theories about the past are being tested every day on this incredibly popular game.

Night sky in the observatory

York Observatory offers you the moon and the stars (but not the sun, for obvious reasons) as it opens its doors to visitors keen to learn about the history of astronomy in the city. Weather permitting, you’ll get a chance to gaze through the historic telescope.

What can Lego tell us about radioactivity?

Learn more about the practical uses of radioactivity while helping to build a large nuclear chart out of Lego. (They had you at ‘Lego’, didn’t they?)

Interactive History

Heritage Jam

Change how we visualise history by jamming with artists, gamers, students, archaeologists and historians on collaborative projects ranging from sketches and info-graphics to poetry and fine art.

How to make prehistoric cheese

Farmers living in Europe 7,000 years ago had a ready supply of milk, but no ability to digest it. To overcome the – ahem – side-effects, they processed it into cheese. This is your chance to find out how our ancestors did it and to have a go yourself.

Flying Scotsman

The Flying Scotsman, one of the world’s most famous locomotives, is set to return to the rails in 2016 after a full restoration programme at the National Railway Museum. In the meantime, this event investigates the history of the iconic loco and its rollercoaster career. You can also sample a Flying Scotsman cocktail, recreated from an original recipe.

Historical talks

Behind the scenes at the cold war bunker

Take a tour of the operations room and listen to Dr Charles Barton from the University of York give a brief introduction to nuclear science and the fundamental forces of nature in the unique environment of the Cold War Bunker. Discover how historic radioactive detectors operated and find out what it means to be a modern nuclear physicist.

Rediscovering Richard III

A panel of leading experts discuss the dramatic story of Richard III, which captured the world’s attention in 2013 when his remains were discovered in a Leicester car park.

In conversation with Bettany Hughes

Award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes talks about her career and passion for getting academic ideas – in particular those relating to history – on screen, on radio and online to the widest possible audience.

Off the beaten track

Why did the chicken cross the globe?

With perhaps one of the best event titles of the night, how can you resist finding out about the history of man and his feathered friend now the seed has been sewn?

Do you want a photo of your ideal partner?

Ever wondered what you’re actually looking for in that special someone? Come along and create a photo to help your dating future. (You can make your own ‘Wanted’ poster with it later, if you so wish.)

Pi and chips

If scientific talks aren’t your thing but you love a good pub quiz, why not test your knowledge with friends over a drink in the Duke of York?

FIFA World Cup 1966: planning for success

How did the Three Lions manage to win the World Cup nearly 50 years ago? Two members of York Management School think they have the answer. If only they’d share it with Roy Hodgson.