Tales of noblemen and ne’er-do-wells

Mystery abounds as storyteller Susanna Oldfield thrills us with a lively series of medieval tales. Suitable for 12 years and upwards.

Tickets cost £5 and are available now on the Inspire website.

This events forms part of this year’s Big City Read, which will feature walks, talks and workshops all tying in with the themes of our chosen book, ‘Mystery in the Minster’. You can view the full programme of Big City Read events online.

The Grand Old Duke of York's Final Battle

Explore York Library Learning Centre
Sunday 19 August 2pm to 3pm

Cost: £4.00

Revisit and explore this epic War of the Roses battle, which saw a decisive Lancastrian victory and Richard, Duke of York killed and his army destroyed.

On 30th December, 1460, the veteran warlord Richard, Duke of York, led his army to catastrophic defeat at the Battle of Wakefield. The reason for his suicidal decision to engage the much larger Lancastrian army has been hotly debated ever since.

Was York simply a poor commander, deservedly mocked in nursery rhyme? Or an heroic failure who gallantly attempted to rescue a foraging party or avenge insults to his honour?

Local Historian, Helen Cox has her own theory and in this illustrated lecture on ‘The Battle of Wakefield Revisited’, will present a different and more convincing explanation of the Duke’s conduct in his ill-fated northern campaign.

To book visit http://www.feelinginspired.co.uk/

Turning history into fiction

An Evening with Elizabeth Chadwick

Elizabeth Chadwick is the best-selling author of nineteen novels set in the Middle Ages. Her research has taken her from the Welsh borderlands during the reign of King John in ‘To Defy a King’ to 12th century Jerusalem in ‘The Falcons of Montabard’.

She is currently working on a major new trilogy about Eleanor of Aquitaine, the feisty wife of King Henry II. She joins us to talk about her fascinating experiences of turning medieval history into fiction.

Tickets cost £7 and are available now on the Inspire website.

Pedal to the Pump Track – Family Bike Ride

A gentle easy ride for the whole family! At Rawcliffe enjoy a skills session on the Pump Track followed by a picnic stop, before cycling back into York along the riverside path.

All you need is your lunch, a roadworthy bike, a pump, a spare inner tube, lock, suitable clothing and a drink. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Please book to attend this ride by contacting Sarah Prescott on (01904) 553377 or email sarah.prescott@york.gov.uk

Summer Fairs

Come along for a fun day out for all the family, including the dog at our summer fairs this month! There will be activities including a birds of prey flying demonstrations, fun dog shows, willow weaving, face painting, community stalls and much more.

For more information please contact Jenny Cairns on 07833 436832 or jennifer.cairns@york.gov.uk. There is no parking at the venues so visitors are asked to walk, cycle or take public transport.

Make a splash with synchronised swimming

If you’re looking for something different and exciting to do on Friday evenings then get in-sync at Energise, with synchronised swimming sessions.

To take part in the sessions you must be able to swim 25 metres and tread water.
For further information or to book a place on the course call Energise reception on 01904 552424, or email energise@york.gov.uk

You will not believe your eyes!

For more than twenty years Extreme Events Europe have been presenting creative, high impact arena entertainment. They have not only presented shows here in the UK but have covered the globe and entertained audiences across Europe as well as Brunei, Bahrain, Dubai Thailand, Malaysia, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Now it is York’s turn to experience this top quality show.

Tickets available from Ticket Web on 08444 771000. For more information visit: www.extremeeventseurope.com