An escapologist, a robot – not sure what the act on the left is doing… Buskival 2013
School’s out for a week, and York has plenty to keep everyone entertained. From a massive new Minster exhibition to the best of the buskers, there’s something for all ages and wallets. So what are you waiting for: ready, steady – chill! Full listings in our What’s On guide.
The great outdoors
Our city is serenaded all year round by those hardy street entertainers. And over the first two days of the Bank Holiday Weekend, the very finest take part in Buskival. Expect stilts, unicycles, musicians and, well, oddballs, all battling it out to be named the best busker. More details here.
More outdoor fun
Beyond The Veil – a crime thriller set in Scarcroft Allotments (Wednesday, May 29)
Flyball Racing – dogs, hurdles and trophies at Knavesmire
Brand new history
York Minster has just become that bit more awesome. Its new exhibition in the Undercroft is combines marvellous multi-media and ancient artefacts to tell the story of the site, from Roman times on. Here’s our sneak preview of Revealing York Minster, which opens on Saturday, May 25, and entry is free to York residents. More details here.
Other stuff for history buffs
After The Ice – a new exhibition at the Yorkshire brings together remarkable Stone Age finds. From Friday, May 24
Meet The Servants – Barley Hall volunteers bring to life a servant’s day in Master Snawell’s home, on Wednesday, May 29
Marvellous music
Are you Down With The Kidz? You can be at the Grand Opera House on Friday, May 24, at this showcase for young York bands. Musicians aged from nine to 18 take part in the fundraising concert, competing for a chance to perform at the York Rocks Against Cancer show in June. Full details here.
More for musos
Holiday Tear Up – a chance to party by the Ouse on Sunday night, May 27, with a host of guest DJs, and it’s free
Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show – fresh from his stint covering for Jo Whiley on Radio 2, Craig mans the decks at the Duchess on Sunday, May 26
Family fun
What links spiders, horses, piglets and a miniature railway? They’re all part of the National Railway Museum’s holiday event, Animals And The Railways. Learn about the animals which worked on the railways, meet some cuddly youngsters from Riggmoor Farm and take part in various activities. Free entry, some activities have a small charge. Steam along here for more details.
Whistle Down The Wind was a classic Sixties British film – you remember, the one where Hayley Mills thinks she’s found Jesus in a barn. More recently it was turned into a musical by some bod called Andrew Lloyd Webber, and it’s being staged by York Stage Musicals at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre all week. Details here.
More theatricals
May Play In A Day – let’s get together and put on a show – about Mother Shipton. Drama workshop for 11 – 14 year olds at the Theatre Royal on Thursday, May 30
Shadow Stories – five- to seven-year-olds are invited to come and perform at the Theatre Royal on Tuesday, May 28
Words And Whippets – spoken word artists from across Yorkshire entertain with dynamic performance poetry at the Theatre Royal on Saturday, May 25
Super shopping
Vintage is so now. The latest event to celebrate all things retro is the Pop Up Vintage Market, where designers, crafters and vintage vendors will share their wares at the City Screen Basement on Sunday, May 26. More here.
Other events for shopaholics
Antiques Valuation Event – like the antiques roadshow only there’s no Fiona Bruce; Bar Convent on Thursday, May 30
York Farmers Market – local delicious and on Parliament Street on Friday, May 31
Cracking comedy
Sean Lock has been around for ever on the comedy scene, and to do that takes true talent. His latest show, Purple Van Man, hits the Barbican on Tuesday, May 28, a glorious chance to catch the man The Independent describes as “one of the finest and most original comedians around”. Full details here.
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Our city is serenaded all year round by those hardy street entertainers. And over the first two days of the Bank Holiday Weekend, the very finest take part in Buskival. Expect stilts, unicycles, musicians and, well, oddballs, all battling it out to be named the best busker. More details here.
York Minster has just become that bit more awesome. Its new exhibition in the Undercroft is combines marvellous multi-media and ancient artefacts to tell the story of the site, from Roman times on. Here’s our sneak preview of Revealing York Minster, which opens on Saturday, May 25, and entry is free to York residents. More details here.
Are you Down With The Kidz? You can be at the Grand Opera House on Friday, May 24, at this showcase for young York bands. Musicians aged from nine to 18 take part in the fundraising concert, competing for a chance to perform at the York Rocks Against Cancer show in June. Full details here.
What links spiders, horses, piglets and a miniature railway? They’re all part of the National Railway Museum’s holiday event, Animals And The Railways. Learn about the animals which worked on the railways, meet some cuddly youngsters from Riggmoor Farm and take part in various activities. Free entry, some activities have a small charge. Steam along here for more details. 
Whistle Down The Wind was a classic Sixties British film – you remember, the one where Hayley Mills thinks she’s found Jesus in a barn. More recently it was turned into a musical by some bod called Andrew Lloyd Webber, and it’s being staged by York Stage Musicals at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre all week. Details here.
Vintage is so now. The latest event to celebrate all things retro is the Pop Up Vintage Market, where designers, crafters and vintage vendors will share their wares at the City Screen Basement on Sunday, May 26. More here.
Sean Lock has been around for ever on the comedy scene, and to do that takes true talent. His latest show, Purple Van Man, hits the Barbican on Tuesday, May 28, a glorious chance to catch the man The Independent describes as “one of the finest and most original comedians around”. Full details here.