Welcome to the Make Space Festival 2025
Over two weekends in June, York Parks will come alive with a range of free events and activities designed especially for teenage girls – with some sessions also open to women and younger girls.
The festival aims to encourage teenage girls to engage in public spaces, try new things, meet new people and have fun! The events are part of the ongoing project that aims to reduce the drop off of in girls’ use of parks, compared to boys, as they enter their teenage years. We want girls to know they are welcome in parks and carry into adulthood that confidence that they have the right to be in all public spaces.
Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th June - Rowntree Park
Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd June - Homestead Park
The events programme includes sports & exercise, arts & crafts, performing arts, photography, nature and mindful sessions, zine making, printing, creative writing and much more.
Events are aimed at girls aged 10–18, with some suitable for younger children and others open to women too. While most sessions are free and require booking, there will be a range of drop-in activities and stalls throughout both weekends – creating a relaxed community-focused atmosphere (we’re using the term “festival” lightly!)
Inside this programme you’ll find a simple event overview plus detailed listings to help you plan your days. Look out for our information stall and community stalls – near the table tennis area/toilets in Rowntree Park, and beside the Pavilion in Homestead Park.
BOOKING:
https://rowntreepark.org.uk/ makespace
Why do we need to ‘Make Space for Girls‘ in parks?
The Make Space York project began in 2022 in Rowntree Park. The focus is on reversing the trend of girls using parks less than boys as they enter their teenage years. This matters because parks offer huge benefits for physical health, mental wellbeing, creativity and independence. Everyone should feel welcome in these spaces, especially teenage girls.
It can be argued that to some extent that teenage girls have been designed out of parks! When councils build facilities for teenagers it is often sports related such as skateparks, multi-use games areas (MUGAs), basketball courts and BMX tracks and 90% of users are boys and men. While it’s important to tackle the barriers girls face in these spaces, it’s just as vital not to assume that all teenagers want the same things. Girls’ voices deserve to be heard when designing or improving public spaces.
For teenagers, play is still important – not just sport. Parks are a free space where they can explore independence, connect with others and just be. When you design with teenage girls in mind, the great thing is that lots of other groups benefit too.
The Project in York
MORE
https://rowntreepark.org.uk/make-spacefor-girls-older-girls-and-rowntree-park/
The ‘Make Space for Girls’ in Rowntree Park project was founded in 2022 by Abigail Gaines – Charity Manager of Friends of Rowntree Park and Director of The Tiny Roar CIC. Inspired by the national Make Space for Girls campaign (of which Abigail is also an associate), the York-based project is her own initiative, focused on real, local impact.
After in-depth research and direct engagement with girls across York, the project has focused on two key areas:
• Co-creating a space in Rowntree Park designed with teenage girls – including features and equipment they actually want.
• Running regular events and activities tailored to teenage girls – to invite creativity, confidence, and community into public spaces.
Want to Help Make a Difference?
You can support Make Space York by: Together, we can reimagine parks as places where teenage girls feel safe, seen, and welcome – now and into adulthood.
An Award-Winning Project
Make Space (for Girls) Festival launched in 2023 and was honoured with national recognition, winning the Green Flag Award for Best Initiative to Engage and Increase the Use of Parks by Women and Girls. This brand-new award category was introduced to spotlight innovative efforts to make parks more inclusive – and Make Space proudly led the way. This recognition highlights the growing understanding that parks must be welcoming, safe, and engaging for everyone –and that teenage girls deserve to be heard, included and celebrated in these spaces.
Supporters of Make Space Festival 2025
This year’s festival has been made possible with the support of:
The York Children’s Trust
Email makespaceyork@gmail.com
Find out more about the project:
https://rowntreepark.org.uk/makespace-for-girls-older-girls-androwntree-park/
Special Thanks
Programme design: Heni Sampson Festival logo: Lazenby Brown Make Space for Girls song: Holly Taymar And to all the incredible organisations and volunteers who’ve given their time, energy and creativity – thank you!
Let‘s Keep Making Space - Together
Every step towards more inclusive public spaces matters. This festival is just one part of a growing movement. By showing up, spreading the word, and supporting projects like this, you’re helping create lasting change.
EVENT LIST - HOMESTEAD PARK
TIME: 12.00-12.45 | 13.00-13.45
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 10+
BOOK ONLY: https://rowntreepark.org.uk/makespace/
TREASURED CHARM JEWELLERY (DAYDREAM JEWELLERY)
Create your own charmed jewellery in this fun hands-on session enabling you to use your imagination to express your own personal style and individuality. An opportunity to use a wide range of colourful charms, beads and themed trinkets to create a bracelet as well as a phone or bag charm for you to take home.
@Daydreamjewellery1
14.6.25 SATURDAY 14.6.25 SATURDAY 14.6.25
SATURDAY
TIME: 12.30-13.30
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 8+
DROP IN: No booking required
OUR RIGHT TO BREATHE (ARTNPASSION STUDIO)
A powerful, hands-on art event to come together to create a bold, beautiful mural celebrating our right to access parks, nature, and green spaces - and the benefits they bring. Together, you will help transform a blank space into a living, breathing expression of what it means to grow, thrive, and feel free outdoors. This isn’t just painting — it’s a movement.
@isa_artnpassion
TIME: 12.30-13.30
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 10-13
BOOK ONLY: https://rowntreepark.org.uk/makespace/
MAKE SPACE FOR GOALS (NORTH RIDING FA AND YORK RI WOMEN’S RECREATIONAL FOOTBALL)
Come and join the football fun! Sign up now for our big kick about. Enjoy fitness, fun games, and a friendly match in a supportive, all-girls space with experienced coaches. No football experience needed – just bring your energy (and shin pads).
@yorkriafc_openagewomens
14.6.25 SATURDAY
TIME: 13.00-14.00 | 14.00-15.00 | 15.00-16.00
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 8+
BOOK: The 15.00 session is drop in. Book the 13.00 and 14.00 sessions via https://rowntreepark.org.uk/makespace/
BASKETBALL SESSION (YORK EAGLES BASKETBALL)
Join York Eagles for an exciting basketball session! Learn new skills and foster teamwork in a fun friendly environment. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced player, come shoot hoops and have a great time! Don’t miss out!
@york_eagles yorkeagles.co.uk
TIME: 13.30-14.30
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 10+
BOOK ONLY: https://rowntreepark.org.uk/makespace/
CARICATURE IN THE PARK (LUCY MONKMAN ILLUSTRATION)
Explore the art of caricature with local illustrator Lucy Monkman. The session will be looking at the people, animals and statues in the park to create a series of fun drawings. All materials will be provided and no experience is needed.
@lucy.monkman lucymonkman.com
14.6.25 SATURDAY
TIME: 13.30-14.30
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 8+
BOOK ONLY: https://rowntreepark.org.uk/makespace/
TIK TOK DANCE (SITA - MAMAS GOT MOVES)
A dance class that is lots of fun with a chance to learn some moves and create Tik Tok inspired dances. It’s all about fun, music, and laughter. Don’t miss the chance to join the ultimate dance party! @mamas.got.moves mamasgotmoves.com
14.6.25 SATURDAY
14.6.25 SATURDAY
TIME: 14.00-16.00
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 8+
BOOK ONLY: https://rowntreepark.org.uk/makespace/
ORIENTEERING (EBORIENTEERS)
Orienteering is a challenge for mind and body, a treasure hunt, a race! You will have a map with checkpoints to find and can do this on your own or with a friend, running or walking. Orienteering increases confidence, fitness and gives a sense of wellbeing.
@eborienteers eborienteers.org.uk
TIME: 14.30-15.30
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 10+
DROP IN: No booking required
BODY PERCUSSION DANCE CLASS (YORK RHYTHM & TAP)
Ever fancied playing the drums or tap dancing? Then body percussion is for you! Come along and enjoy the world of rhythm and dance. @yorkrhythmtap yrtap.co.uk
14.6.25 SATURDAY 14.6.25 SATURDAY
TIME: 14.30-16.30
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 10+
BOOK ONLY: https://rowntreepark.org.uk/makespace/
NEEDLE FELT A CACTUS (FELTY & FABULOUS)
Join Brenda in this fun workshop learning how to sculpt with wool into a 3D shape using the art of needle felting. You will create your very own cactus using just a blob or two of wool and a special needle. @felty_and_fabulous feltyandfabulous.square.site
14.6.25 SATURDAY
TIME: 15.30-16.30
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 8+
BOOK ONLY: https://rowntreepark.org.uk/makespace/
MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP (PQA - MUSICAL THEATRE)
Get ready to shine! PQA York’s Musical Theatre workshop for girls is packed with singing, dancing, and acting fun. Learn from our passionate team in a high-energy environment. Develop your performance skills, boost your confidence, and create unforgettable moments on stage. Join in for an exciting theatrical adventure! @pqayork pqacademy.com
TIME: 14.30-15.30
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 10+
BOOK ONLY: https://rowntreepark.org.uk/makespace/
OPEN MIC (HOLLY TAYMAR)
Why not join a girls-only open mic session led by local singer-songwriter Holly Taymar. Sing, play or say - share your creativity by performing a song, poem or idea (you can bring your backing track if you like). This event offers an inclusive, supportive space for girls and young women to share their voices.
@hollytaymar hollytaymar.co.uk
14.6.25 SATURDAY
TIME: 10.30-16.00
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 8+
DROP IN: No booking required
HOPE BLOOMS (POPPY BURR)
A collaborative paper mural built around the idea of hope. You are invited to come and add a petal upon which you can write or draw hopes for the future, and how parks and spaces can be a part of this. All ages are invited to share their hopes and dreams in this supportive session.
@poppy.burr
14.6.25 SATURDAY
TIME: 11.00-15.00
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: All ages
DROP IN: No booking required
BUILD YOUR CITY (MEETING PLACE)
Come and play your part in designing and building your perfect city. Drop in or stay for a while as we decide what a city needs, where it should go and how spaces should fit together. We will use found materials, paper and pen and oodles of creativity to create a city that is equitable, safe and fun for everyone.
@meeting_place meeting-place.uk
15.6.25 SUNDAY
TIME: 10.00-11.30
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 10+
BOOK ONLY: https://rowntreepark.org.uk/makespace/
CAMPFIRE, CRAFTS & CHILL (FRIENDS OF ROWNTREE PARK)
A relaxing morning of nature crafting, chilling out in hammocks, finished off with a fire and marshmallows. Led by Forest School leader, Christine, this session is a great way to connect with nature and each other.
@friendsrowntreepark rowntreepark.org.uk
15.6.25 SUNDAY
15.6.25
SUNDAY
TIME: 11.00-12.30
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 10+
DROP IN: No booking required
DANCEFLOOR PROJECT (BOLSHEE)
Join Bolshee on their pop-up dance floor in the park. Take up some space, bust a move, pick up a pen and tell us your demands for a safer world.
@bolsheecreativeprojects bolshee.com
15.6.25 SUNDAY
TIME: 12.30-13.30
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 10+
DROP IN: No booking required
RUN LIKE A GIRL (UP AND RUNNING)
Come and join in some high-energy running activities. Through some action-packed games, the Up & Running team aim to spark a life-long value of fitness. Up & Running staff will be on hand to answer all questions running-based and impart valuable running knowledge and experience, tips and tricks, to all those who wish to learn!
@upandrunningyork
TIME: 11.00-12.00
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 8+
BOOK ONLY: https://rowntreepark.org.uk/makespace/
DANCE LIKE NO ONE’S WATCHING (DANCE WITH JO)
A fun dance workshop designed to get you moving, being creative and feeling like you. Warm up with playful dance games, learn some movement and also create some of your own! Come join this workshop to feel inspired, move in new ways and dance with freedom.
@dancewithjoyork
15.6.25 SUNDAY
TIME: 13.30-15.00
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 8+
DROP IN: No booking required
CEILIDH IN THE PARK (OLIVIA GRAHAM)
Get your dancing shoes on and join us for a traditional Celtic ceilidh... out in nature! Come and dance the day away to a live fiddle and learn some of Scotland and Ireland’s most iconic folk dances. No previous dance experience is required.
@oliviagrahammusic oliviagrahammusic.com
15.6.25
SUNDAY
TIME: 14.30-15.30
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 8+
BOOK ONLY: https://rowntreepark.org.uk/makespace/
MUSICAL MADNESS (JMH PERFORM)
A fun-filled dance workshop where you’ll learn a routine to an upbeat song from a popular musical! All experience levels welcome to join for a confidence boost and a right good boogie!
@jmh.perform
15.6.25 SUNDAY
TIME: 10.30-15.30
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 8+
DROP IN: No booking required
HOPE BLOOMS (POPPY BURR)
A collaborative paper mural built around the idea of hope. You are invited to come and add a petal upon which you can write or draw hopes for the future, and how parks and spaces can be a part of this. All ages are invited to share their hopes and dreams in this supportive session.
@poppy.burr
15.6.25
SUNDAY
TIME: 14.30-15.30
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 10+
BOOK ONLY: https://rowntreepark.org.uk/makespace/
CARDIO TENNIS SESSION (JILL LE PLA)
Cardio Tennis is a fun, sociable group fitness class with a tennis twist. This tennis workout is open to anyone - you don’t need to be a tennis player! Great music, cardio and you’ll get to hit lots of tennis balls during your class, build up your skills and work up a sweat. This would work well as a mother and daughter session.
clubspark.lta.org.uk/RowntreeParkTennis
15.6.25 SUNDAY
TIME: 11.00-14.00
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 8+
DROP IN: No booking required
PLACARD MAKING WORKSHOP (YORK THEATRE ROYAL - SWEET LEGACIES PROJECT)
Join the Sweet Legacies Team for an exciting drop in session where we will be making placards! Using recycled material we will create signs that show our passions and the changes we want to see in our world! ‘Sweet Legacies’ is a project celebrating the Rowntree Family legacy.
@yorktheatreroyal yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
15.6.25 SUNDAY
TIME: 10.30-14.30
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: 10+
DROP IN: No booking required
DESIGN A TOTE BAG (MAKE SPACE PROJECT)
Drop by to create a tote bag. Get creative, show your individuality and have fun! Can take anything from 10 minutes to an hour depending how artistic you are feeling!
@makespaceyork
15.6.25 SUNDAY
TIME: 10.00-15.00
LOCATION: ROWNTREE PARK
AGE RANGE: All ages
DROP IN: No booking required
MAKE SPACE YORK PROJECT INFORMATION STALL (MAKE SPACE STALL)
Find out more about the Make Space York project, and the festival. Get involved in some of the activities on the stall and share your ideas on how to make parks more welcoming to teenage girls.
@makespaceyork
21.6.25 SATURDAY 21.6.25 SATURDAY
TIME: 10.00-11.00
LOCATION: HOMESTEAD PARK
AGE RANGE: 10+
BOOK ONLY: https://rowntreepark.org.uk/makespace/
PARK FIT (ATTUNED FITNESS)
Exercising outdoors, and socially, is good for the mind and body, so come and learn some bodyweight exercises you can do in the park. Focusing on the 6 functional movement patterns, this workout only requires you, a drink, the park and possibly some friends.
@attuned.fitness.ch
21.6.25 SATURDAY
TIME: 11.00-12.30
LOCATION: HOMESTEAD PARK
AGE RANGE: 8+
DROP IN: No booking required
NATURE POSTCARDS (SOPHIE ASKEW)
Come along for a good old cut-and-stick session, and make your own nature themed postcard. Let’s get crafting.
TIME: 10.00-11.30
LOCATION: HOMESTEAD PARK
AGE RANGE: 10+
BOOK ONLY: https://rowntreepark.org.uk/makespace/
POTTERY IN THE PARK (SCHIEWE CERAMICS LTD)
Unleash your creativity in this fun clay sculpting session! Learn cool building techniques and texture tricks as you create your own funky air-dry cactus. Personalise it with your unique flair and take home a sculpture that’s totally you.
@schieweceramics schieweceramics.org
21.6.25 SATURDAY
TIME: 11.00-12.00
LOCATION: HOMESTEAD PARK
AGE RANGE: 8+
BOOK ONLY: https://rowntreepark.org.uk/makespace/
ALL-STAR CHEERLEADING (VIKINGS CHEERLEADING U18)
Come and see what Cheerleading is really about! Vikings Cheerleading will take you through a variety of different stunts to give you an insight into what they do and then if you love it - you can find out how to get involved!
@vikingscheeru18s vikingscheerleadingu18s.com
21.6.25 SATURDAY 21.6.25 SATURDAY
TIME: 12.30-13.30
LOCATION: HOMESTEAD PARK
AGE RANGE: 16+
DROP IN: No booking required
TRY T1 RUGBY (T1 RUGBY)
Try T1 Rugby in this taster session. A focus on fun and fitness in a safe environment. Maybe you never really thought about rugby - come and see what the game is all about in this non-contact form. This session is aimed at ages 16+ (women of all ages welcome). northyorkshiresport.co.uk/latest/news/ womens-rugby
TIME: 12.30-14.00
LOCATION: HOMESTEAD PARK
AGE RANGE: 11+
BOOK ONLY: https://rowntreepark.org.uk/makespace/
CARVE A SCOOP (THRIVE CIC)
A relaxing woodland session based around the campfire with a chance to learn about whittling and carving, and make a wooden scoop to take home.
@thriveoutsidecic thriveoutsidecic.org.uk
21.6.25 SATURDAY 21.6.25 SATURDAY
TIME: 13.30-14.30
LOCATION: HOMESTEAD PARK
AGE RANGE: 8+
BOOK ONLY: https://rowntreepark.org.uk/makespace/
TIK TOK DANCE
(SITA - MAMAS GOT MOVES)
A dance class that is lots of fun with a chance to learn some moves and create Tik Tok inspired dances. It’s all about fun, music, and laughter. Don’t miss the chance to join the ultimate dance party!
@mamas.got.moves mamasgotmoves.com
TIME: 13.30-14.30
LOCATION: HOMESTEAD PARK
AGE RANGE: 10+
BOOK ONLY: https://rowntreepark.org.uk/makespace/
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
(BEC HUDSON SMITH)
Come along and find out what makes a great photograph and how to take them. Whether you are interested in nature or people, you can focus on what interests you in the park and photographer Bec Hudson Smith will give you tips and guidance to get the best from your images. Suitable for cameras and phones.
@bechudsonsmith becsmithphoto.com
21.6.25 SATURDAY
TIME: 10.00-15.00
LOCATION: HOMESTEAD PARK
AGE RANGE: All ages
DROP IN: No booking required
TILLY & MOO STALL (TILLY & MOO)
22.6.25 SUNDAY
TIME: 10.00-11.00
LOCATION: HOMESTEAD PARK
AGE RANGE: 8+
BOOK ONLY: https://rowntreepark.org.uk/makespace/
MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP (PQA)
Selling a range of creating handmade hairbows, gifts & prints. @tillyandmooofyork
Get ready to shine! PQA York’s Musical Theatre workshop for girls is packed with singing, dancing, and acting fun. Learn from our passionate team in a high-energy environment. Develop your performance skills, boost your confidence, and create unforgettable moments on stage. Join us for an exciting theatrical adventure! @pqayork pqacademy.com
22.6.25 SUNDAY
22.6.25 SUNDAY
TIME: 10.30-14.00
LOCATION: HOMESTEAD PARK
AGE RANGE: 10+
DROP IN: No booking required
ZINE MAKING, PRINTING AND BADGE MAKING (YORK ZINE FEST)
TIME: 11.00-12.30
LOCATION: HOMESTEAD PARK
AGE RANGE: 10+
DROP IN: No booking required
DANCEFLOOR PROJECT (BOLSHEE)
Come and get creative with Yorkzinefest. Cut, stick and print to create your own zine that shows your individuality and/or what matters to you. May be swing by and make a badge. Stay as long or as little as you like. @yorkzinefest
Join us on our pop-up dance floor in the park. Take up some space, bust a move, pick up a pen and tell us your demands for a safer world. Drop in between the times. @bolsheecreativeprojects bolshee.com
22.6.25 SUNDAY
TIME: 10.30-14.30
LOCATION: HOMESTEAD PARK
AGE RANGE: 10+
DROP IN: No booking required
FLAG MESSAGES (MAKE SPACE PROJECT)
Drop by to create a flag with a message - get your views heard. Pens and print - and a chance to get creative!
@makespaceyork
22.6.25 SUNDAY
TIME: 10.00-15.00pm
LOCATION: HOMESTEAD PARK
AGE RANGE: All ages
DROP IN: No booking required
MAKE SPACE YORK PROJECT INFORMATION STALL (MAKE SPACE STALL)
Information stall with activities. Drop by to find out all about the project and get involved in sharing ideas on how to make parks more welcoming to teenage girls. Come and have a chat and/or get involved in collaging too!
@makespaceyork
Rowntree Park
Address: Terry Ave, York YO23 1JQ
A 20-minute walk from York City Centre (0.8 miles)
Homestead Park
Address: 40 Water End, Clifton, York YO30 6WP
1.5 miles from York City Centre.
There is some limited parking at both venues, but we’d recommend that you aim to walk, cycle or use public transport where possible.
