Six things to do in York this weekend: September 6-7, 2014
Family fun at the races, sci-fi and fantasy frolics in the city centre, a legendary crooner, open gardens and free festivals of music and dance… How can we fit it all in? Remember our What’s On Guide has more
Family Race Day
The finale of the season is a colourful affair with York Family Race Day. As well as the typical seven thoroughbred races to get the blood pumping, there will be a bouncy castle, creative competitions for children and Peppa Pig. Bring your own picnic and settle down to watch the horses in the parade ring this Sunday, September 7 at York Racecourse from 11.15am – 5.15pm.
If you fancy something different Yorkshire Air Museum are hosting their Allied Forces Memorial Day this Sunday, Sept 7 from 10am – 5pm
Tony Bennett
York Barbican are hosting a very special performer this Sunday, Sept 7 from 8pm. Tony Bennett, legendary American crooner is on tour promoting his new album ‘Cheek to Cheek’, featuring songs recorded by him and pop sensation Lady Gaga. With Emmy awards, Grammys and millions of record sales under his belt this is a must-see concert.
Catch Songbirds at Joseph Rowntree Theatre this Saturday, Sept 6 at 2pm featuring Rebecca Newman
Don’t forget The Basement’s Down by the River Variety Show this Saturday, Sept 6 from 7.30pm
FantasyCon 2014
Who needs San Diego Comic Con when you have the British Fantasy Society’s FantasyCon on your doorstep? A three day event held at the Royal York Hotel features talks, screenings, workshops and even some karaoke. Guests of honour include True Blood creator Charlaine Harris, Being Human showrunner Toby Whithouse and Game Of Thrones artist Larry Rostant, whose work is shown above. This Friday, Sept 5, 3 – 7.30pm, Saturday, Sept 6, 10am – 9pm and Sunday, Sept 7 10am – 2.30pm.
Music and dance festivals
There’s not only one but two free festivals taking place in York this weekend. York Festival of Traditional Dance will be morris dancing it’s way around the city centre. It runs from 10am – 5pm on Saturday, and 11am – 1pm on Sunday starting from St Helen’s Square.
Meanwhile the MOR Music On Rails festival makes its first appearance at the National Railway Museum. Among the talented performers will be Beth McCarthy, Littlemores and We Could Be Astronauts. MOR takes place Saturday, Sept 6 from 3pm – midnight.
Tracks on the tracks: Guide to MOR Music’s live music fest at the NRM
York’s Late Music Festival present Delta Saxophone Quartet at St Saviourgate Unitarian Chapel this Saturday, Sept 6 from 7.30pm
Edible York
Before York Food Festival starts, Edible York sees a host of gardens across the city opening their gates to encourage hands on experience of what edible gardening entails. Edible York wants to increase the consumption of local produce and the connection between the people, the food they eat and how it grows. This Saturday, Sept 6 from 1pm at different locations across York.
Have more fun in the sun with St Nicks Fields Eco-Active Day this Saturday, Sept 6 from 10am – 2pm
Heslington Church are hosting their village Flower and Art Festival this Saturday, Sept 6 from 10am – 6pm
York Does Vintage Again
York’s favourite vintage fair is back in town, with the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall hosting the wonderful York Does Vintage. There’ll be plenty of wares to browse from clothes to accessories to kitchenalia; and after a hard day of shopping you can reward yourself with a nice pot of tea. This Sunday, Sept 7 from 10.30am – 4.30pm.