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MAC York - Art & Entertainment
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There is something quite magical about York, once visited, never forgotten. York may be a relatively small city, but it has much to offer the visitor in the way of entertainment. Experience it all; everything from cinemas to art galleries--from ghost walks to themed cruises. If music is your scene, then York has all types of music to suit all kinds of tastes. If you prefer shows then York can offer international shows in beautiful surroundings.

Stage and Screen



Theatre and Opera

Why not start with a performance at the Theatre Royal, which is the venue for regular productions of Shakespeare plays and other popular classics. The Joseph Rowntree Theatre hosts performances by York's own Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, while for the full range of concerts, comedy, theatre and dance visit the Grand Opera House. The venue attracts many big West End shows such as the award-winning Rent as well as all the popular kids and adult shows from Carmen to the Chuckle Brothers.

Concerts

York's own Barbican Centre is not just a Leisure Centre but also a concert venue, featuring many stars from the music, comedy and theatre world from the Dubliners to Mark Lamaar. A little further out of town in Pocklington, isthe town's Civic Arts Centre holds a range of theatrical and music events for a range of ages.

Cinema

York has an excellent art-house cinema in City Screen that, unique to its genre, boasts three screens and luxury seating. Here you can catch screenings of independent, mainstream and world cinema, as well as some educational events, talks and previews. To see the blockbusters visit the Odeon in the City Centre, or the giant and modern Warner Village north of the city in Clifton Moor Retail Park where the choice is much greater.

Racing

Fancy a flutter? York's racecourse at Knavesmire is affectionately known as the Ascot of the north. Voted 'Northern Racecourse of the Year', this sterling venue hosts many of Britain's top meetings on the racing calendar. Its proximity to the City Centre means you can work a day at the races in with a meal at one of York's fine restaurants.

The Music Scene



Classical Music

If you just want to close your eyes and listen to sweet music, York is the perfect place to experience classical concerts, in the most tranquil of settings. Lunchtime recitals are held at York Minster and include performances by the York Musical Society Chorus & Orchestra. Similar religious and historical venues for classical events include, the St. Michael le Belfry Church, just opposite the Minster, which is home to the Yorkshire Bach Choir, the Central Methodist Church and the Guildhall. Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, located in the University of York in nearby Heslington holds many unique musical events, with performers such as the Hilliard Ensemble.

Live Pub Music

If you want to stay local then all is redeemed by the dynamism of York's live music scene. Venues such as Fibbers have been host to some top names through the years, from Everything But the Girl, to the Stereophonics and Travis, and continue to promote local talent alongside popular gigs. The more awake of York's pubs often provide space for evenings of live music, spanning the taste spectrum from folk to rock, punk and pop. For years the Northern Wall, the Black Swan and the First Hussar have attracted punters wishing to make more of their time down the boozer.

Jazz

Jazz lovers can catch regular gigs at The Maltings and Borders Books, while the Red House café and antiques centre has a resident pianist providing a swing to Thursday evenings.

Nightclubs

Those caught with the desire to move those feet and swing those hips are probably wondering why there's been no mention of nightclubs so far. The simple fact is York is not blessed with the crop of the clubbing scene. Of the city's five clubs, Toffs, Ziggys and Ikon & Diva (the names give them away somewhat) and the Gallery appeal to mainstream and student tastes. The fifth, at York Arts Centre has begun to attract the interest of the nations up-and-coming DJs. Most serious boppers head off to Leeds, not far by train, but they may wish to sample one of York's many pre-club venues first to get them started. Walkers Bar, Edwards and Harry's Bar are but a few popular spots to get in the mood with a mix of dance music, plenty of fun drinks and a dressy crowd or two.

Cultural Entertainment

York hosts a variety of cultural events from the Mystery Plays, to the York Carnival in July. There are also always buskers about in York, particularly in the summer along Parliament Street and in the squares. So if you just fancy wandering and taking in the evening in this most intriguing, historical city, York's narrow streets, packed with restaurants, bars and cafes will more than suffice. You could even take in a Ghost Walk on your evening travels, a novel and humorous experience of the city's dramatic past.







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Black Swan


Open fires and regular live music
Peasholme Green
York YO1 7PR
United Kingdom
+44 1904 68 6911
This is an elegant 17th century pub with gorgeous oak panelling, open fires and regular live music. Before it became a pub it was originally built as a family residence in 1471 and prides itself on the preservation of its history. Located on the edge of the city centre it's within easy reach of most of York's entertainment and nightlife. The numerous ghosts that are reputed to haunt this pub include a disappearing man, a woman in white who stares into the fireplace and a pair of legs that walk around the landlord's room. The menu is diverse and offers a number of hearty meals at reasonable prices. But for a quick bite, a hot steak baguette is about £4.50 and a cheeseburger with everything costs just over £4. There are many guest ales on offer and beer costs around £2 per pint.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Black Swan photo by cardivonius
Photo: cardivonius
 

 
Borders


Not just a bookshop
1-5 Davygate
York YO1 8QR
United Kingdom
+44 1904 65 3300
A recent addition to the city center, Borders promises to be not just a bookshop but an exciting arts venue too. No frills décor-wise, just pleasant, plain and spacious with a good range of books, newspapers and stationery to browse through. Events range from authors' visits, open mike poetry evenings and conversational Italian, to jazz, discussion groups and story telling for children. After browsing the books, try the peaceful surroundings of the gallery café for a variety of teas, coffee and snacks.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Borders photo by Brenda
Photo: Brenda
 

 
Clifton Moor


Located just outside York
Retail and Leisure Park
Clifton Moor
York YO30 4XZ
United Kingdom
+44 1904 69 0206
http://www.cliftonmoorcentre.c...
This shopping centre is located a few miles north of the city, just off the A1237 outer ring road. There are shops here to suit every need: from large supermarkets to sports shops, from travel shops—for that holiday you always promised yourself—to clothes shops, where you'll find that special outfit in which to travel. After a busy day's shopping you might like to eat in one of the many restaurants, or alternatively, at the local pub, the Flying Legend, which has a good and varied menu. Finally, perhaps a visit to the Warner Village cinema complex, and the Vue Cinema where you could take in the latest film to round off your day nicely.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Fibbers


A hot spot for local live music
Stonebow House
Stonebow
York YO1 2NP
United Kingdom
+44 1904 65 1250
http://www.fibbers.co.uk
Fibbers is a continental style café-bar by day and a hot spot for local bands by night. It's also the major venue in York for new talent. Despite being small there are usually tables free during the day but at night these are often removed to create more space. The walls are liberally adorned with rock and roll memorabilia from bands who have played here. Vegetarians are especially catered for as well as those who like a bit of spice in their food. A main meal will set you back around £5 and beers are about average for a city-centre pub. During the day a wide range of coffees, teas and hot chocolates are available.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Ghost Hunt


Get spooked in the Shambles
The Shambles
York YO1
United Kingdom
+44 1904 60 8700
http://www.ghosthunt.co.uk
The history of York groans and simmers with foul deeds from the Roman, Viking and Medieval periods, grim executions and murders spawning a myriad of ghosts in what is claimed to be the most haunted city in Europe. Escorted by a professional guide, ghost hunts prowl the streets and old snickleways of York unearthing strange and gruesome tales. This emotional roller coaster tour mixes horror and hilarity.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Ghost Hunt photo by Eric Rothhaus
Photo: Eric Rothhaus
 

 
Grand Opera House


For lively entertainment
Cumberland Street
York YO1 9SW
United Kingdom
http://www.york-operahouse.co.uk
A fine Edwardian theatre, refurbished in 1989 with all the latest equipment and facilities, this venue manages to combine the old time music hall feel with luxurious and intimate surroundings. It hosts a wide variety of national and international shows, including musicals, concerts, comedy, drama, as well as opera. With a choice of five bars, including the Cumberland Suite for hospitality events and the Piano Bar, there's little chance of going thirsty! Disabled access and wheelchair spaces are available; plus loop system and some special signed performances. Guide dogs are welcome. Ticket prices: anything from £5.50 to £29, varying according to the show (concessions available).

Review © 2007, Wcities
Grand Opera House photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Guildhall


Hidden history
St Helen's Square
York YO1 9QN
United Kingdom
+44 1904 61 3161
http://www.york.gov.uk
The original Guildhall was badly damaged by an air raid in 1942 but has since been sensitively restored. Fortunately, the Inner Chambers' walls, dating from the 15th century, were made of stone and so escaped serious damage and now form the foundation of the reconstruction. The history of the building is very interesting and includes many a Royal visit; from the Queen Mother in 1960, right back to 1483 when the notorious Richard III was a guest there. The sequence of events is told through a number of storyboards forming part of the new exhibition, which has recently opened.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Guildhall photo by bill anderson
Photo: bill anderson
Guildhall photo by Chris Maughan
Photo: Chris Maughan
Guildhall photo by John Johnston
Photo: John Johnston
Guildhall photo by Elspeth Golden
Photo: Elspeth Golden
Guildhall photo by Sacha Morrabi
Photo: Sacha Morrabi
Guildhall photo by Rhys Lancaster
Photo: Rhys Lancaster
Guildhall photo by Taylor S-K
Photo: Taylor S-K
Guildhall photo by bellevuestudio
Photo: bellevuestudio
 

 
Harry's Bar


Frequented mainly by the younger set
Micklegate
York YO1 1LD
United Kingdom
+44 1904 62 2293
Only open during evenings, this bar is situated on York's famous student pub-crawl, which is better known as the Micklegate Run. Frequented mainly by young twenty-something clubbers, it can get very busy here so be prepared to have to stand. Large ornamental fish swim across the ceiling, which is a little surreal at first, but don't let that put you off because they tend to look better as the night goes on. There is also an open dance floor, but it's rarely used for dancing, mainly just for congregating in. There's a large selection of bottled beers and spirits to choose from. Most drinks are around £2 per pint but there are always plenty of promotions available.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Ikon & Diva


A lively, dual-themed nightclub
Stirling Road
Clifton Moor
York YO30 4WZ
United Kingdom
+44 1904 69 3999
Located on the outskirts of the city, this is one of the popular chain of two-in-one nightclubs and is the largest club in York. As the name suggests, this place is divided into two halves. The Ikon half plays mostly dance and chart music, whilst Diva concentrates on 70s and 80s hits. The interior of both rooms is spacious and modern and the sound system is excellent. Themed nights are common, such as the legendary foam parties, and famous DJs have been known to make special appearances. A free bus to and from the club is available and money saving vouchers are always up for grabs.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Maltings


Fine ale and fine food
Tanners Moat
York YO1 1HU
United Kingdom
+44 1904 65 5387
http://www.maltings.co.uk
A former Yorkshire pub of the year, it has a strong reputation for both quality food and ale. As well as a huge list of guest beers there are usually so many real ales and traditional ciders running at any one time that connoisseurs cannot afford to pass this place by. Under one guise or another this place dates back to 1842. It's very popular amongst locals and tourists alike, probably because it is so close to the city wall walk, which should be tackled before you hit the pub. It's always busy, so expect to stand. A wide variety of food is served all week, but only midday to 2p Monday to Friday and noon to 4pm on a Sunday.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Maltings photo by Martin
Photo: Martin
Maltings photo by tony.hetherington
Photo: tony.hetherington
Maltings photo by Mark James (Mouse)
Photo: Mark James (Mouse)
Maltings photo by Oscar_from_Denmark
Photo: Oscar_from_Denmark
 

 
Northern Wall


A venue for local bands
5 Fossgate
York YO1 2TA
United Kingdom
+44 1904 61 5411
This is a large pub on the edge of the city centre. Live bands often play here and most of York's major nightlife attractions are within easy reach. The main bar area is spacious and there are plenty of tables available, and for those who like to eat and drink outdoors, a beer garden is also on hand. The menu is quite small, but the food, though mostly snacks, is very good and so is the service.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Pocklington Civic Arts Centre


Local entertainment
Market Place
York YO42 2AR
United Kingdom
+44 (0)1759 30 1547
http://www.pocklingtonartscent...
The Civic Arts Centre at Pocklington is situated in the very heart of this thriving market town, which is not far from York, and is housed in a listed building that dates from the 17th century. Oak House offers a year-round programme that includes feature and specialist films, performing and visual arts, music and drama, along with arts and crafts exhibitions, providing a much-needed centre for Pocklington itself as well as the surrounding villages. There is wheelchair access but places are limited so please book in advance.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Sir Jack Lyons Hall


York's classical music mecca
University of York
Heslington
York YO1 5DD
United Kingdom
+44 1904 43 2446
http://www.york.ac.uk/depts/mu...
Sir Jack Lyons Hall is the University's classical music concert venue. Thanks to its affiliation with the Department of Music, the Hall offers the musical gourmet an adventurous and varied diet. There are also various theme festivals throughout the year. From colliery brass bands to high Romanticism, by way of string quartets, experimental pieces, jazz orchestras, world music, and much more, the Sir Jack Lyons Hall is bound to come up with something to suit even the most recalcitrant of ears. There are lunchtime and evening concerts, phone the above number for more details.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
St Michael le Belfrey


The Minster's little sister
Church of England
Deangate
York YO1
United Kingdom
http://www.st-michael-le-belfr...
Dwarfed in stature by the York Minster, but not by its stonework and charming ancient appearance, it is thought that the original church of St Michael le Belfrey dated back to the eighth century. It was rebuilt between 1523 and 1536 and was considered to be one of the finest examples of a parish church during Henry VIII's reign. Its painted glass is a rare survivor of the Reformation. Present day activities include live music as part of some services and evening concerts by the Yorkshire Bach Choir. "Faith in the City" (30 minute services) take place every Wednesday, where worship is combined with reading and prayer, followed by lunch in the Church Hall.

Review © 2007, Wcities
St Michael le Belfrey photo by Andrew Dyer
Photo: Andrew Dyer
St Michael le Belfrey photo by Oliver Hill-Andrews
Photo: Oliver Hill-Andrews
St Michael le Belfrey photo by Matt Seymour
Photo: Matt Seymour
St Michael le Belfrey photo by David P. Powell
Photo: David P. Powell
 

 
The Gallery


A large, city-centre nightclub
12 Clifford St
York YO1 1RD
United Kingdom
+44 1904 647 947
http://www.ukcn.com/clubs/Desk...
Although there isn't an awful lot of competition, this is the largest nightclub in the city centre. Situated at the tail end of the "Micklegate Run" [York's famous pub-crawl trail] this is a popular place for young twenty-something revellers. For the most part, the music is chart orientated and mostly dance music, mainstream and indie; although the resident DJs do occasionally venture in to 70s and 80s hits. There are regular promotions and themed nights which seem to be hugely popular, so be prepared to join the ever ascending, spiral staircase queue, to get in.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Theatre Royal


A theatre for all
St Leonard's Place
York YO1 7HD
United Kingdom
+44 1904 62 3568
http://www.theatre-royal-york....
This theatre dates back to 1744, built on the site of St Leonard's Hospital. Backstage it is still possible to see the remains of the medieval hospice and an ancient well. Georgian and Victorian alterations combine with present day additions to make a pleasant and up-to-date theatre experience. Productions still carry the calibre of former times when great actors such as Henry Irving graced the stage, but also offer a tremendous range: from opera, Shakespeare and John Godber's Hull Truck Theatre to York Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society and the local youth theatre. There are excellent facilities for disabled theatre-goers with sign language interpreted and audio described performances. The café bar is open from 10am and offers good value.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Theatre Royal photo by Edward McDevitt
Photo: Edward McDevitt
Theatre Royal photo by HS Crump
Photo: HS Crump
 

 
Toffs Nightclub


A City Centre Nightclub
3/5 Toft Green
York YO1 6JT
United Kingdom
+44 1904 62 0203
http://www.toffsnightclub.co.uk
This is an upbeat, sophisticated nightclub located in the centre of York. A rocking dance floor, a busy bar and some of the best DJs in the region, Toffs is hopping throughout the week. There are regular money saving promotions and theme nights along with student discounts. Chill out in one of the lounge areas or dance the night away to a little techno, dance, R&B, rock, or alternative. Check their website for upcoming events.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
York Carnival


Annual City Carnival
19 Harington Avenue
York YO10 3SU
United Kingdom
+44 7816 44 8986
http://www.yorkcarnival.co.uk/
York's annual carnival is held with a full day of partying. Among the activities planned by community groups and associations all over York are barn dances, barbecues and street parties, all with the aim of raising money for local Hospice charities, as well as having a good time! The Carnival Parade is a colorful medieval costumed event open to all. Those wishing to participate in this year's Carnival should ring the Carnival hot-line to find out about costume-making workshops. Admission to the carnival activities is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities
York Carnival photo by Ksenia Shutenko
Photo: Ksenia Shutenko
York Carnival photo by Alex Hazell
Photo: Alex Hazell
York Carnival photo by eugenio zucchelli
Photo: eugenio zucchelli
 

 
York Minster


A magnificent landmark
Deangate
York YO1 7HH
United Kingdom
+44 1904 55 7216
http://www.yorkminster.org
Centrally situated, the famous York Minster is visible from much of the city. It has three towers and is the fifth church to be built on this particular site. It's the largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe and dates right back to medieval times, although excavations have unearthed Norman, Roman and Viking beginnings. See for yourself the wonderful 14th and 15th century stained glass, including the famous Rose Window. Admission to the main body of the Minster is free, although contributions to the York Minister Fund and Friends of York Minister are welcome.

Review © 2007, Wcities
York Minster photo by Trevor Bowden
Photo: Trevor Bowden
York Minster photo by Sten Govaerts
Photo: Sten Govaerts
York Minster photo by Trevor Bowden
Photo: Trevor Bowden
York Minster photo by guy_incognito
Photo: guy_incognito
York Minster photo by guy_incognito
Photo: guy_incognito
York Minster photo by Todd Martin
Photo: Todd Martin
York Minster photo by Janette Martindale
Photo: Janette Martindale
York Minster photo by Andrew West
Photo: Andrew West
York Minster photo by the detestrian
Photo: the detestrian
York Minster photo by Chris Maughan
Photo: Chris Maughan
York Minster photo by Janette Martindale
Photo: Janette Martindale
York Minster photo by Andy Munzer
Photo: Andy Munzer
York Minster photo by Will
Photo: Will
York Minster photo by Simon Pocock
Photo: Simon Pocock
York Minster photo by Rick Martindale
Photo: Rick Martindale
York Minster photo by Todd Martin
Photo: Todd Martin
York Minster photo by Stephen Young
Photo: Stephen Young
York Minster photo by Andy Munzer
Photo: Andy Munzer
York Minster photo by Scott Hanslip
Photo: Scott Hanslip
York Minster photo by ollie harridge
Photo: ollie harridge
York Minster photo by magchester
Photo: magchester
York Minster photo by Carol Cameron
Photo: Carol Cameron
York Minster photo by kevin broughton
Photo: kevin broughton
York Minster photo by Charlotte F Addison
Photo: Charlotte F Addison
York Minster photo by Gu
Photo: Gu
York Minster photo by william a dobson
Photo: william a dobson
York Minster photo by Mark Smith
Photo: Mark Smith
York Minster photo by Amy
Photo: Amy
York Minster photo by Erik Karlsson
Photo: Erik Karlsson
York Minster photo by mookboy
Photo: mookboy
York Minster photo by John Meyer
Photo: John Meyer
York Minster photo by Jonathan Davis
Photo: Jonathan Davis
York Minster photo by arun rajendran
Photo: arun rajendran
York Minster photo by art makes me smile
Photo: art makes me smile
York Minster photo by Edi Weissmann
Photo: Edi Weissmann
York Minster photo by Pat & Jim Watkinson
Photo: Pat & Jim Watkinson
York Minster photo by Kev Freer
Photo: Kev Freer
York Minster photo by ariagloris
Photo: ariagloris
York Minster photo by happy alone
Photo: happy alone
York Minster photo by alonza driver
Photo: alonza driver
York Minster photo by Sheila Partridge
Photo: Sheila Partridge
York Minster photo by Jen B
Photo: Jen B
 

 
Ziggy's Night Club


A small, city centre night club
55 Micklegate
York YO1 1LJ
United Kingdom
+44 1904 62 0674
This is a rather small nightclub at the tail end of a variety of drinking holes (or pubs), which are better known as the "Micklegate Run." It is popular amongst both those who love 70s nostalgia as well as those who actually remember the 70s. Ziggy's is unique in that it offers an alternative to the other clubs in York, which tend to concentrate only on chart and dance music. There are regular theme nights, students are welcome and drinks promotions are plentiful. It may not be the best nightclub in York but everyone who goes there always seems to have a good time.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "York - Art & Entertainment"
York
York - Historical Background
York - Neighborhood Guide
York - Where to Stay
York - Dining & Drinking

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Birmingham (171 miles)
Cambridge (206 miles)
Oxford (244 miles)
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