All the fun of the Fair

Starts Sat 15 Sept

Rides of all shapes and sizes, plus special ‘appearances’ – keep an eye out for posters and advertising features, or keep up to date on www.yorkfestivals.com

A York 800 Film Festival

Sat 14 and Sun 15 Sept

The festival opens on Friday with one of the most critically acclaimed and best-loved British documentaries, Night Mail (1936), featuring the poetry of York born W H Auden and music by Benjamin Britten. Our railway theme continues with Buster Keaton in the silent comedy classic, The General (1926). Live musical accompaniment will be provided by Kieran White as he performs an original score, specially composed for the event.

On the Saturday, the day’s programme begins with the family favourite, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) and chocolate-themed events to celebrate York’s tradition of chocolate making.

The matinee film marks the contribution of another son of York, John Barry, to cinema by showing Goldfinger (1964), the James Bond film with one of his most memorable scores.

The final feature is Brassed Off (1996) which tells the story of a group of miners faced with the closure of their pit and united by a brass band. We are delighted to be joined by the film’s writer and director and York resident, Mark Herman, for a discussion after the screening.

For more information, visit www.sbcommunitycinema.co.uk

Huntington revisited

Tues 11 Sept

This talk begins with an imaginary stroll down Main Street looking at the historic houses of Huntington, some of which are 300 years old, including the thatched cottage, the Working Men’s Club, the Lodge and Clock Cottage.　

This illustrated journey will also highlight other buildings of note in the village covering a variety of periods and examining the development of the village including West Huntington Hall, the village’s churches, the old Board School, the Corn Mill, the Brewery, the Railway Station and the tragic bomber crash in the main street during the war.　

Ticket available from Huntington Community Library

　　　　　　 　　　　　　　 　

　　　　　　 　

Feeling inspired by the team GB cyclists?

Sat 8 Sept

York Festival of Cycling returns for its third year and will be even bigger and better, with something for all the family whether you're a cyclist or not.

Stunt show - be wowed by amazing stunt show riders - The Clan -  the most extreme and skilful cycling display show in the UK.

Have a go - on a bike of your choice in our themed 'try out' areas - choose from the main track (50 bikes), KMX Karts zone, or the learner and toddler areas. Something for the entire family.

Guided rides - borrow one of our bikes (no charge) - for a ride around one of York's beautiful scenic routes.

Information - advice from local exhibitors and the latest news from Cycling City York.

Pedal powered Scalectrix - race your friends on the four-rider track.

Megabikes - including seven-seater CircleCycles.

And so much more...Fun, games, food and drink plus information and stands – guaranteed to be a great family day out.

For more information visit: www.yorkfestivalofcycling.org.uk

A trip in time to York 1212

Tues 4 Sept

The World in 1212 with Professor Robert Bartlett

If you lived in York in 1212, what would be your view of the world? You wouldn’t know about America, but you would have heard of Jerusalem. You wouldn’t know about black holes, but would probably be more familiar with the stars and planets than most people today.

Join Professor Bartlett to learn about medieval views of the earth, the heavens and their inhabitants.

Tickets are limited, book early to avoid disappointment. Adult price: £4

Starts 7pm at Explore York Library Learning Centre

This event forms part of this year’s Big City Read, which features 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

It's Fair time for sports and activities

Sat 15 Sept

If you’re feeling inspired by the Olympics, then this is a great chance for you to try new sports and activities for free in York, whilst watching a thrilling mascot race.

Come along and join in the celebrations at the Just 30 Fair, a fantastic event for all the family to enjoy.

For more information contact: Dean Sharp or Neil Gulliver, City of York Council on 01904 553377, or email: dean.sharp@york.gov.uk, neil.gulliver@york.gov.uk or visit www.york.gov.uk/yorkgold2012

Happy Times awaiting on the Knavesmire!

Wed 19 to Sat 22 Sept

There will be over 250 beers – with the focus on Yorkshire and local breweries; over 50 real ciders and perries and a fine selection of English wines plus foreign bottled and draught beers will be on offer over the course of the Festival, served from 5 bars within the large Marquee.

Hot and cold food will be available from a variety of specialist caterers.

Live entertainment in the afternoon and evenings; CAMRA membership and publications will be available, as well as a tombola, games and a whole range of other stalls. Ample seating an tables inside and out. Children welcome in the afternoons.

For more information visit: http://www.yorkbeerfestival.org.uk/2012