Your Local Link: July 2026

Experience a fantastic weekend of outdoor cinema at Castle Howard from 17th to 19th July, with films for all ages. Read more on

Summer Fun In The Sun

Dear Reader, Oof… it’s hot out there!

Looking for something to do in the Chocolate City this month? As usual, we’ll be keeping you up to date with every local event listing worth knowing about, from walks, talks, workshops, and community get-togethers to fun, family-friendly days out in the sun and unique local festivals, including York Early Music Festival 2026 and AcombFest, the first-ever international street art festival in York!

We’ll be checking out the programme for Adventure Cinema’s

open air summer screenings at Castle Howard, opening the pages of two recently released acclaimed debut novels written by local authors (including one from our very own book columnist, Ben Robinson), and lifting the lid on a brand-new exhibition at the Yorkshire Museum, which unearths one the largest hoards of Iron Age metalwork ever found in Great Britain, discovered by a North Yorkshire metal detectorist!

We’ll also be peeking behind the curtain and providing you with all you need to know about every musical, play, stand-up comedy

set and live stage show worth attending this month, including exciting new productions at the Friargate Theatre and a landmark promenade performance from the York Theatre Royal Youth Theatre company.

And, to celebrate our 23rd year in business, we’ve also put together a birthday bonanza, including kind words from some of our most trusted local advertisers, who’ve been with us since the very beginning… Until next month, The YLL Team

Quotes of The Month

“July is like the sunniest hour of the day.”

William C. Bryant

“If I had my way, I’d remove January from the calendar altogether and have an extra July instead.” Roald Dahl

Design/Editorial & Social Media: Scott, Sophie, Vincent, Ted & Molly. Accounts: Louise & Nicola. Advertising: Mim, Craig, Mackenzie & Jack. Distribution: Simon & Matt. Managing Director:

Call: 01904 767881 Email: info@yourlocallink.co.uk Write to us: Unit 3a Kettlestring

Deputy

If in doubt, check

Gini.

MD: Mim.

Lane, Clifton Moor, York YO30 4XF.

Simon

Gini Scott Sophie

Mim Craig Mackenzie

Molly Jack Matt Louise

Ted Nicola Vincent

What’s Inside this month JULY 26

14 - WIN, WIN, WIN

This month, our readers could be in with a chance of winning TWO FREE TICKETS for ‘LIVE/ WIRE: THE AC/DC SHOW’ at The Crescent, plus TWO FREE TICKETS to see DUO LÉGER make their UK debut in York!

16 – HOROSCOPES

Want to know what’s written in the stars this month? Our astrologer Heather is at hand, with trusty horoscope readings to let you know what’s in store…

INTERVIEWS

40 – BEN ROBINSON

Your Local Link’s very own Ben Robinson has released his debut novel, Finding Charlotte, a deeply personal, one-of-akind fictionalised memoir. We caught up with him to celebrate the launch!

40 – YORK THEATRE ROYAL YOUTH THEATRE

In anticipation of this month’s immersive promenade

performance Forward to Victory, we had a chat with York Theatre Royal Youth Theatre’s Julian Ollive about propaganda and the power of youth theatre…

FEATURES

44-45 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY, YOUR LOCAL LINK!

We’re celebrating our 23rd birthday this year - help us bring out the birthday cake and read some kind words from some of our longstanding advertisers.

46 – SUMMER GLOW UP

Seeking out a summer glow-up in the rising heat? Check out our selection of picks, perfect for the sunny season!

34-35 – FOOD AND DRINK

Whether you’re after a familyfriendly meal with the tribe or are looking to be wined and dined in style, we’ve picked out some of the best places to be fed and watered in York this month.

10 – TIME TRAVEL

Join our resident Time Traveller

for a journey into the interesting history of one of York’s most photographed buildings, St William’s College.

53 – ASK A VET

With tick season in full swing, Bishopton Vets will be letting us know how to protect our pets from those pesky parasites!

37 – WE TRIED

Find out what Scott made of this year’s Slam Dunk Festival at Temple Newsam, and see what our plane-mad teen contributor (and aspiring pilot) Charlie made of his visit to Eden Camp.

46 – FASHION FOCUS

Getting ready for a trip to the beach? Check out our pick of beautiful beachwear - let’s hope the sun comes out!

REVIEWS

34 – THAI SEASON

See what our reviewer made of Thai Season, which brings an authentic taste of the Land of Smiles to Chocolate City!

More Than Just Financial Guidance

Let’s be honest, life isn’t always smooth sailing. That’s why at PenLife, we don’t just crunch numbers and talk pensions (though we’re pretty great at that too). We’re here for the big moments, the wobbly bits, and everything in between. As a Chartered Financial Planning firm in York, we’re proud to support our clients not just in the good times, but also when life presents its challenges.

“ “

I’ve been very lucky to have you working for me. You keep me updated and I can always contact you if I have any issues. My daughter and son-in-law have just invested with you and are very happy with your advice and help with their financial affairs. You feel more like family than financial advisers.

Experience the difference of a financial partner who’s with you every step of the way.

Whether you’re planning for the future, navigating unexpected changes, or simply seeking peace of mind, PenLife is here to guide you with care and expertise. We offer advice on retirement planning, Inheritance Tax planning, investment planning, tax planning, and protection, so you can feel confident that every aspect of your financial future is covered. To book a complimentary meeting with one of our Financial Planners, call us on 01904 661140, email enquiries@pen-life.co.uk or scan the QR code.

Walking with THE WANDERER

Poppleton, Red House and the Ouse

IS THIS WALK FOR ME?

Although relatively long, this is an easy walk. There are no hills or stiles, and much of the route is on tracks or lanes with hard surfaces, making it suitable for any time of year. If the river is in flood, the route may be impassable between Red House and Poppleton.

GETTING THERE

The recommended starting point is the green in Upper Poppleton, where considerate roadside parking is available. Bus no.10 runs regularly

Directions

1/ Starting from Upper Poppleton, and with the Nisa store and White Horse pub behind you, take the road opposite (Hodgson Lane), keeping the maypole left. Walk on the right-hand pavement, pass the Lord Collingwood and in about 200 metres, and where the pavement ends, turn right into Westfield Lane. Continue, soon leaving the houses, on the narrow tarmac road, eventually reaching a crossroads.

2/ Go straight over, still on tarmac. Pass a telecoms mast continuing ahead. Keep going over a dip/beck, but 200 metres beyond this, fork off right on a stoned track with a wooded area to the left. In a further 700 metres, with a house/farm buildings to the right, do not take the signed footpath right, but go through the wooden gate ahead into a grass field.

3/ Keep to the field’s right edge. At the corner, turn left with a fence to the right until you reach a metal gate. Go through and continue to a tarmac drive. Take this for a short distance, but where this goes left, be sure to take the earth track to the right (yellow arrow). Follow this, soon going between hedges and bending left to return to the drive. Turn right and continue on the drive for just over a kilometre to a T-junction.

4/ Turn right (not ahead through an enticing gate opposite) on the

Time: 3½ hours | Distance: 8 miles

to Upper Poppleton - alight at The Green stop. An alternative public transport option is to take a train to Poppleton and walk 400 metres on Station Road to the start point. If driving, it is also possible to start near the river at Nether Poppleton (parking area at Direction Point 6), or close to the entrance to Red House (Direction Point 4, very limited parking spaces).

REFRESHMENTS

Upper Poppleton has two pubs. The Lord Collingwood is open daily,

hedged lane. Go under pylons, ignoring all turnings off. In about 800 metres, pass the Park Farm complex, soon after which the lane bends right with woodland to the left. Where the tarmac splits, keep ahead into Red House Estate on its access drive. As the drive bends right, look for a ‘Permissive Footpath To River’ sign on the left. Take this, soon going through a gate. Where the path forks, keep right on a raised bank near trees/ bushes to the right. Continue to a path junction in a small grassy open area.

5/ Turn right, passing between gateposts with paddocks and the buildings of Red House to the right and the river to the left. (To view the water treatment works lagoon, turn left for 100 metres, then retrace your steps). Now, continue beside the river, soon passing through a gate, then with youngish trees to the right. Beyond this, the path trends slightly away from the water onto a bank with a field at the right. It then enters a slightly overgrown area to arrive at a wooden footbridge over a beck.

6/ Cross the bridge and keep going on the obvious path, which returns closer to the

but not until 4pm on Mondays to Wednesdays. The White Horse is also open daily except Monday (4pm opening on Tuesdays). The popular Poppleton Social in the Poppleton Centre has an extensive menu and is open every day, but closes at 4pm on Sundays and Mondays.

WHAT TO SEE

Despite the suburban development, Upper Poppleton retains a village feel in the area around the green. The 20-metre-high maypole was

river. After nearly 1,500 metres of riverside walking, reach an open grassy area surrounded by trees, at the end of which the path splits. Here, take the main path to the right, going through trees to arrive at a parking area and road.

This walk explores the countryside west of Poppleton, between the Ouse and the A59. With just a few farms and scattered houses, this is one of the quietest and least frequented areas close to the city. About a third of the route is alongside the river, with most of the rest over farmland, mainly on tracks and lanes.

erected in 1961, the fifth to have stood on the green since the first was recorded in 1830. Red House has a long history, and the chapel is open for public viewing. Slightly upriver is the waterworks lagoon, a good bird-watching site. On the riverside, a range of wildlife may be encountered. Sand martins nest on this section of the Ouse. The entire area has a mix of wildlife - reed buntings were spotted by the river, and curlew were calling and seen at Direction Point 3.

7/ Turn right on the road. Pass a bus stop on the left (return bus to the city centre), staying with the road as it bends right. Pass the Poppleton Centre and school to the right. Keep going, soon with part of the green to the right, to reach the starting point.

Time Travel

Exploring York’s past, one place at a time

You may have heard that the historic building of St William’s College, on College Street, is in the process of being restored. After closing in 2014 due to essential roofing work, planning was approved to help the building meet the needs of the 21st century.

With work expected to continue until August 2027, the project will include improvements such as a new lift, and better accessibility, offices for the Chapter of York, and new events and conferencing facilities.

Seeing how this medieval building is being brought into the modern era, I decided to investigate its fascinating history. Despite its name, St William’s College was never actually an academic college. It was originally built to house the Chantry Priests of York Minster.

THIS MONTH: St William’s College

licence was renewed. The building was finally completed in 1465.

They named the building after William Fitzherbert, the Archbishop of York in 1143-1147, who was recognised as a saint in 1226. He was also the nephew of King Stephen, who ruled from 1135 to 1154, and the great-grandson of William the Conqueror.

St William’s College was home to the Chantry Priests until the 16th Century. By the 17th Century, it had been divided into apartments and rented to some of York’s wealthiest residents.

Over the centuries, the building has served many purposes.

“The great antiquity, scale and historical significance ... creates a delicate balancing act as we seek to protect, restore and bring this extraordinary building back into use.”

- Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct

The Chantry Priests were medieval clergymen who were employed to pray for the souls of wealthy benefactors after their deaths. However, the priests were often drunk and disorderly, causing embarrassment for the Archbishop of York, who decided that they should have their own residence.

So, in 1457, a licence was granted for the college to be built. However, due to the delays caused by the War of the Roses, the project was postponed until 1461, when the

During the Civil War it became a Royal Printing Press. When King Charles I fled London, the Royal Printer was ordered to follow, and they set up the new headquarters in St William’s College. This reintroduced the print trade in York and was a strategic centre for royalist propaganda.

It was later a private home and underwent some alterations including new windows, which were installed to the front of the building in the 1800s.

Afterwards, the building fell into disrepair and became little more than a slum. Fortunately, in the late 19th century, Francis Green, the owner of Treasurer’s House just around the corner, bought the building and sold it to the council, not for personal gain, but to rescue

the building from falling further into ruin.

This allowed the council to restore St William’s College in the early 1900s, after which it came under the care of the Dean and Chapter of York Minster.

Like many historic buildings in York, St William’s College is also said to be haunted. It is said to be haunted by the spirit of a man searching for

his brother, after he was wrongly punished for a murder that his brother was guilty for in the 17th Century.

While its walls have witnessed centuries of change, the restoration of St William’s College ensures this piece of York’s history will continue to have a future, as well as a past.

BY SOPHIE LANCASTER

A PIECE OF History

One of York’s lesser-known stories.

The Walker Family:

In the Holy Trinity Church on Micklegate, you may have noticed a memorial plaque which remembers the Walker family, and tells the tragic story of one of York’s prominent families during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Captain Edwyn Walker and his wife Elizabeth lived at Mill Mount House in York and had five children: Captain Oswald Walker, Major Wilfrid Walker, Edwyn G. Walker, Captain Roger Walker, and their daughter Dorothy Walker, later Dorothy Brewis. With three sons serving in the army, another working as a barrister, and the family living at the impressive Mill Mount residence, the Walkers were clearly part of York’s uppermiddle-class society.

Tragedy struck the family repeatedly between 1910 and 1920. Their son Edwyn, a barrister, was killed in a horseracing accident in 1910. Sadly,

this was only the beginning of the family’s suffering.

When the First World War began, three more sons were lost. Oswald and Wilfrid were both killed in combat in 1914, followed by their brother Roger, who also died in service in 1918, just weeks before the war ended. Sadly, stories like this were not uncommon for families during the conflict.

Perhaps due to being heartbroken by the loss of her sons, Elizabeth Walker died in 1915, leaving Captain Edwyn and their daughter Dorothy behind. Just a few years later, in 1919, Captain Edwyn died at the age of 81, with Dorothy becoming the sole surviving member of the family.

It was Dorothy who later erected the plaque in Holy Trinity Church, creating a lasting memorial to the devastating losses endured by the Walker family during one of history’s darkest periods.

Image: Make It York

Image: Make It York

Dear Daphne

Got a problem? Of course you do! Lucky for you, our sharp-tongued yet warm-hearted agony aunt Daphne is here to slice through the chaos and help tackle all your burning life dilemmas with wit, wisdom, and just the right amount of tough love!

Dear Daphne,

I moved to York from Asia last year and am approaching my oneyear mark. Despite my efforts, I constantly feel like an outsider. I haven't fully adapted to the language and culture, struggled to make friends, and couldn't find a job I love, which is my biggest source of frustration.

My family back home really wants me to return, and I’m seriously torn. Part of me wants to pack up and leave. Yet, I love the beautiful scenery of York and the peaceful moments here.

I’m constantly questioning myself: Is this experience helping me grow, or am I just running away because of failure? How do I know when it’s time to keep fighting or time to go home?

Alice.

Dear Alice,

First of all, give yourself some credit. You packed up your life and moved across the world. Most people struggle to move house, never mind move continents.

Reading your question, I'm not convinced you're desperate to leave York. I think you're exhausted by feeling unsettled. There's a difference. You say you feel like an outsider, but you also admit you haven't fully adapted to life here yet. Well, of course you feel like an outsider, darling, you've only been here a year!

The part of your letter that stood out to me most wasn't the homesickness; it was the job. You describe not finding a job you love as your biggest frustration. That makes me wonder whether York is really the problem, or whether life here simply hasn't turned out how you hoped it would yet.

Before you pack your bags, ask yourself one question: if someone offered you your dream job tomorrow, would you still want to leave? If the answer is no, I don't think you're running away from York; I think you're running away from disappointment.

There is no shame in going home if that's what you truly want. Just make sure you're moving towards something, not simply escaping a

difficult year. One year feels like a long time when you're living through it, but it's not very long when you're building a new life.

And remember, struggling doesn't mean you've failed. Sometimes it just means you're still finding your feet.

Daphne x

Dear Daphne,

I've been with my partner for just over 3 years, and recently his mum and sister keep talking about "when we have a baby" and saying things like "you won't be able to do that when there's more than just you two." It seems to come up every time we see them.

The thing is, we're not even sure we want kids. It's starting to make me feel quite uncomfortable and, if I'm honest, a bit annoyed. I know they probably mean well, but how do I tell them to stop bringing it up without causing family drama? Emily.

Dear Emily,

Oh Emily, this is the classic mother and sister-in-law who have heaps of wishful thinking!

Unfortunately, the moment you've been in a relationship for more than five minutes, certain relatives seem to appoint themselves as project managers of your future. First it's "when are you moving in together?", then it's "when's the wedding?", and before you've had chance to answer that, they're already picking out baby names.

The important thing to remember is that this is your life, not theirs. Whether you decide to have children now, have them later, or never have them at all is entirely up to you!

I suspect they probably mean well. Most people who make these comments aren't trying to pressure you, they're simply getting carried away imagining the future. The trouble is, what feels like harmless chatter to them can become incredibly irritating when you hear it every single time you meet. The next time it comes up, I'd keep it light but firm. A simple, "We're

quite happy as we are for now," or, "You'll be the first to know if anything changes," usually does the trick. Repeat as necessary. And if they still won't let it go? Start asking them when they're getting a Labrador. After all, if we're handing out unsolicited life plans, it's only fair that everyone gets involved.

Daphne x

Dear Daphne,

My mum keeps borrowing my stuff without asking and never puts it back. Most of the time it's my hair straighteners and hair products. Whenever I need them, they've somehow ended up in her bedroom. It sounds petty, but it's really starting to annoy me. How do I get her to stop? Jess.

Ahh Jess,

The problem isn't the straighteners, dear, it's the principle! Most people don't mind lending things out, they just like being asked if its OK first. Have a quick word with your mum and tell her exactly that. Keep it calm and don't start World War Three over a pair of hair straighteners, please. If that doesn't work, start borrowing her favourite mug and leaving it in random places. It's amazing how quickly people learn the importance of returning things once their belongings start going missing too.

Daphne x

Dear Daphne,

I've just started my first full-time job and I'm painfully shy. I get embarrassed speaking in front of groups and the more I worry about it, the worse it gets!! What can I do? Maddy.

Dear Maddy,

The bad news is that confidence doesn't just arrive overnight unfortunately. The good news is that almost nobody feels confident when they first start a new job, they're just better at hiding it. The more you avoid speaking up, the more daunting it becomes for you. Start small. Ask a question in a meeting, speak to one new colleague, and build yourself up from there.

Remember, everyone is far too busy worrying about themselves to spend their time judging you.

Daphne x

Have you got a question for Daphne?

Send it to info@ yourlocallink.co.uk with the subject "FOR DAPHNE" and check back here next month to see if your question is featured!

PUZZLES & COMPETITIONS

WIN: TWO FREE TICKETS FOR ‘LIVE/ WIRE: THE

AC/ DC SHOW’ @ THE CRESCENT

After repeatedly selling out shows across the country, Live/Wire, the hugely successful AC/DC tribute band, returns to The Crescent for another pair of shows on 24 & 25 July. Complete with a wall of Marshalls, the band will be taking the audience on a journey of over two hours of high voltage rock ‘n’ roll, in a show widely acclaimed for its closeness to the real thing!

To be in with a chance of winning two free tickets to either the Friday or Saturday show, simply answer the following question:

Which classic rock band is Live/Wire a tribute to?

A. Queen

B. AC/DC

C. Fleetwood Mac

Send your answer (along with your name, address and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked ‘ACDC Competition’ to Unit 3A Kettlestring Lane, York, YO30 4XF, or by email to competitions@yourlocallink.co.uk. The closing date is Friday, 17th July. Terms and conditions apply.

WIN: TWO FREE TICKETS FOR DUO LÉGER @ HOLY TRINITY GOODRAMGATE

Win Win

Duo Lèger is a partnership between harpist Eleonora Congiu (Théâtre de la Monnaie, Belgian National Orchestra) and tenor Shawn Mlynek (Carnegie Hall, Slovak National Theatre). They have performed successfully throughout Europe and the USA, with upcoming engagements at Frankfurt’s Internationals Theater, as well as their Scandinavian debüt in Gothenburg, Sweden. Their York concert, starting at 7:30 on 30 July, has something for everyone, from Renaissance to Pop songs of the 50s and 60s!

To be in with a chance of winning two free tickets, simply answer the following question:

Which kind of musicians make up Duo Lèger?

A. A harpist and a violinist

B. A harpist and a tenor

C. A harpist and a pianist

Send your answer (along with your name, address and daytime contact number) on a postcard marked ‘Duo Competition’ to Unit 3A Kettlestring Lane, York, YO30 4XF, or by email to competitions@yourlocallink.co.uk. The closing date is Thursday, 23rd July. Terms and conditions apply.

Send your completed puzzle, marked ‘JULY Puzzle Competition’ along with your address and telephone number to Unit 3a Kettlestring Lane, Clifton Moor, York, YO30 4XF, to reach us no later than 31st July. The first entry picked out of the hat will win the prize. Good luck!

01904 768439

www.dutchnurseries.co.uk

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Horoscopes Cancer

This July could be a truly transformative month for those of this sign, so take extra care in your actions, words, and decision-making! A midmonth New Moon in Cancer (14th July) could provide the energy needed to transform and reset many parts of your life, even encouraging you to reevaluate your own personal identity. Be aware that new financial opportunities may appear by the end of the month, but be carefuldecisions made now could impact your long-term future.

Aries

(March 21 – April 19)

For Arians, the first half of the month could be the perfect time to slow down, take stock of priorities, and focus on family and home life. If you’ve been feeling the pinch at work, take the time to reset, rest, and replenish your energy supplies. A break from the rat race is unlikely to ruin ongoing career plans, and you could find that your efforts are revitalised mid-month, when you’ll be able to get back on track with vigour. By the end of July, you could find that new opportunities snowball, and confidence and productivity return.

Taurus

(April 20 – May 20)

Taureans may find this month is exceptionally busy, especially when it comes to social obligations. While you’re likely to be inundated with meetings and negotiations at work, and conversations related to travel, family, and friendships away from the office, the movement of Mercury will ensure that your communication skills are sharper than ever - use this to your advantage, and don’t shy away from difficult verbal transactions!

Gemini

(May 21 – June 20)

This month, those of this sign would do well to focus on the inherent value of key facets of their lives, and honestly assess their financial, personal, and emotional wealth. Amidst this soul searching, you may be encouraged to question your own self-worth, but never fear - by the end of July, you’re likely to have a better grasp of what’s what, and

you could be rewarded accordingly. Take time to engage in restorative hobbies to boost wellbeing.

Leo

(July 23 – August 22)

This July will start off quietly, giving you the necessary time to look inwards and prepare for the month ahead. When the Sun enters Leo on 22nd July, you’re likely to experience a newfound burst of vitality, confidence, and charisma. Make the most of this by embarking on long-held creative ambitions and bathing in the limelight, wherever you can! You may also notice telling patterns in relationships that previously went unnoticed…

Virgo

(August 23 – September 22)

With Venus entering your sign on 9 July, the first weeks of the month could be the perfect time for letting your hair down! Enjoy precious time socialising with friends and loved ones - you may also see new people entering your social circle. When the sun enters your sign on 22 July, you may find that things wind down significantly, giving you some much-needed time to relax and recuperate before the next month begins.

Libra

(September 23 – October 22)

For Librans, this month could be the time when long-held career ambitions finally begin to come into fruition. You may notice that managers, bosses, or superiors in the workplace recognise your hard graft, which could lead to increased responsibility. In and away from work, you could find that your social magnetism is amplified, due to the

movement of Venus - to capitalise on this, network, network, network!

Scorpio

(October 23 – November 21)

This month, Scorpios may find that they’re drawn to expansion, whether that be embarking on new creative pursits, relationships, studies, or opportunities to travel and see the world. You may also see your personal relationships come to a crossroads, where the importance of honesty will come to the fore. By the end of the month, you could see an increase in your sense of personal ambition, encouraging you to take steps forward at work and in your everyday life.

Sagittarius

(November 22 – December 21)

Sagittarians, take note: you may be feeling more introspective than usual this month, with intense emotions surfacing from the outset of July. To counteract any overwhelming feelings, try to channel your emotional energy through creative, cathartic, or spiritual hobbies. Although you may be in for an emotional slog, never fear - your sense of optimism will return with a vengeance by the last week of July.

Capricorn

(December 22 – January 19)

While Capricorns are known to be calculated workaholics, this is a month in which a little emotion (and a rest from work) is likely to go a long way! This July is all about relationships and partnerships, where those of this sign would do well to focus on romance - now’s the time to show commitment where it matters, and demonstrate

flexibility (rather than rigidity) in your love life. Remember to communicate carefully, in order to avoid misunderstandings with your nearest and dearest.

Aquarius

(January 20 – February 18)

This July is likely to push Aquarians to reevaluate their work-life balance. Review your everyday routines and habits to see what really works, and refine these to make your life easier. On 29th, a Full Moon in your sign will push partnerships, relationships, and collaboration to the foreremember that two heads are better than one!

Pisces

(February 19 – March 20)

For those of this sign, the coming weeks could signify a period of creative renewal, where romance and personal expression become a key priority. You may find that dormant creative urges return, leading you to write, perform, and express yourself in the glow of the limelight! Early-month inspiration may reap tangible productivity by the end of July..

Would you like to provide horoscope readings for our readers?

Email info@yourlocallink. co.uk and let us know!

JOIN A CLUB

GO ROW INDOOR

Launched by York City Rowing Club earlier this year, Go Row Indoor offers fun, high-quality indoor rowing classes, combining rowing machine workouts with circuitbased exercise. This low-impact, simple and rewarding workout is thought to burn more calories than almost any other form of exercise, and all fitness levels are catered for. Weekly classes are currently running on Fridays (12.30pm-1.30pm) and Saturdays (2.00pm-3.00pm) at York City Rowing Club boathouse, YO1 6FZ. New members are more than welcome to get on board – please note that participants must be aged 18 or above. Email michaeleporte@gmail.com or anne.l.kirk@gmail.com, or visit webcollect.org.uk/ycrc/event/gorow-indoor to book.

ACOMB TOWNSWOMEN’S CLUB

Meeting on the third Tuesday of each month (except in April and August), Acomb Townswomen’s Club is composed of a friendly group of local ladies who get together to enjoy monthly talks, days out, luncheons and chats, all the while raising funds for local charities. New members are always welcome to join in, and there’s no need to register ahead of time – just rock up and meet the ladies! The group currently meets at 1.45pm for a 2.00pm start at Acomb Methodist Church Hall, YO24 3BX. If you’d like to find out more about Acomb Townswomen’s Club or are thinking of signing up as a new member, please email js5645@yahoo.co.uk for more information.

Do you run a club or society in York?

Dear Your Local Link,

Just thought I’d say how much I find Your Local Link useful, I read it front to back every month, and have used a lot of the local tradesmen to do the jobs around the house and garden. Keep up the good work and thank you for all your hard work, it has certainly paid off as far as I am concerned!

Doreen

Thinking of joining a club? Whether you’re stuck for things to do in York or are simply hoping to give your social life a bit of a boost, there are all sorts of groups and clubs available to join in and around the city. Check out our pick of some of the best!

EAST OF YORK HISTORY GROUP

Are you a local history buff looking to meet with like-minded folk after the summer? Formerly known as the Tang Hall Local History Group, East of York History Group has been active since 1999, when it was first founded at Tang Hall Library. Today, the members meet on the third Thursday of every month (except for July and August) at the Super Sustainability Centre (SSC), Derwenthorpe, YO31 0RW. Each meeting starts at 10.00am and features a variety of speakers, with refreshments available afterwards. Annual membership costs £20, while visitors can attend for just £3 per meeting. All are welcome! To find out more or get in touch, email tanghallhistory@gmail.com or call 07522402945 today.

AGE UK YORK

Active for over 50 years, this local charity is dedicated to connecting isolated elderly people at social clubs, combating issues like pensioner poverty, supporting people to live independently at home, and acting as a voice for the issues that matter most, by lobbying politicians and government groups to initiate change. If you have a few spare hours each week and are able to help out as an Age UK York volunteer, your work could make the world of difference in reducing social isolation in York. To find out more information, please email volunteering@ ageukyork.org.uk or visit www. ageuk.org.uk/york/get-involved/ volunteer/.

If you’d like to feature on our Join a Club page, email us at info@yourlocallink.co.uk

Hello!

This is something I felt bound to write as, after looking at the current Local Link that flopped through the door, I found it ticks so many boxes. And I wanted to say thank you; how good it is. Some are of special interest to me (see below) but I'd just been bewailing the difficulty of keeping up with what's going on in York. Constant online scrolling just doesn't do the business. I love your bigger format. I love the variety and detail of what you cover. The lists, the dates; things you can cut out and keep for reference when you go out. All nicely presented; a good balance between the necessary and often useful advertising, and individual features and articles. And delivered to your home!

Open gardens - so good to have a list. Gardening advice of a sensible sort. An article on the wonderful Isaac and his photography; The Mystery Plays; again so easy to have a little list to cut out and keep. And much more!

Three things particularly hit the spot for me this time. 1, my own painting appears on the front cover behind Dr Will Robertson and colleague of Stonegate Medical Centre! 2. You have an excellent little account and list of the North Yorkshire Open Studios 2026 and participants, even with locations - so helpful, especially if you don't have a brochure. 3. the wonderful York Festival of Ideas, with a LIST of all the events. I hadn't found a booklet/brochure and hadn't yet downloaded the full online programme. And here it is! So thank you.

Warmest wishes, Jill

If you’d like to write to us, please email us at info@yourlocallink.co.uk or write to us at; Unit 3a, Kettlestring Lane, Clifton Moor, York YO30 4XF and check back here in future editions. We’d love to hear from you!

SCAN

This month, check out the cream of

events and attractions taking place

1 JULY - 31 AUGUST

SUTTON PARK OPEN

GARDENS, Sutton Park, YO61 1DP. 11.00am-5.00pm. Marvel at the stunning gardens of the stately home. Guided house tours will also be running from 1 August. Call 01347 810249 or email suttonpark@ statelyhome.co.uk to book or find out more.

4, 12, 18 & 26 JULY

SUMMER PET OPEN DAYS, Pets Pantry, YO32 9NE. Enjoy four fantastic family-friendly pet open days featuring free dog weighing, expert advice on dogs, cats, horses and reptiles, plus raffles, prizes and special offers on selected pet feeds. With visiting stalls from the RSPCA, Cats Protection, Dogs Trust and much more.

4-31 JULY

LIVE MUSIC @ FORTYFIVE

VINYL CAFE, FortyFive Vinyl Cafe, YO1 6JH. Various times. This month, experience the real spirit of Nashville in York, with a packed programme of live music from artists including First Time Flyers, Kylie Price, Maggie Baugh, and Brian Collins. Visit www.fortyfiveuk.com to book or find out more.

9-11 JULY

LIVE AT YORK MUSEUM

GARDENS, Museum Gardens, YO1 7FR. Enjoy three days of live music

in the Gardens, with acts including Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (9th), Self Esteem (10th), and Super Furry Animals (11th). Visit www.futuresoundgroup.com/yorkmuseum-gardens to book.

12 JULY

YORK COMEDY FESTIVAL 2026, Museum Gardens, YO1 7FR. This year’s festival features a top-tier lineup of the UK’s finest comedians, including Russell Howard, Ross Noble, Russell Kane, Suzi Ruffell, Joanna McNally, and more! Visit www.futuresound.seetickets.com/ event/york-comedy-festival-2026/ york-museum-gardens/3561349.

17-18 JULY

YORK STAMP & COIN FAIR, York Racecourse, YO23 1EX. Friday, 10.00am-5.00pm, Saturday, 10.00am-3.30pm. Running since the 1980s, this fair attracts leading stamp, postal history, coin, banknote and medal dealers. Browse and buy, attend specialist society meetings, and bring your own collection to be valued or sold. Visit www.stampshows.net/yorkstamp-coin-fair/ for details.

17-19 JULY

ADVENTURE CINEMA @ CASTLE HOWARD, YO60 7DA. Various times. Enjoy a special programme of family-friendly cinema in the stunning grounds of Castle Howard! Screenings and sing-alongs include Sing, Pride and Prejudice, Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza, The Greatest Showman Sing-a-Long, and more! Visit www.adventurecinema.co.uk/ venues/castle-howard/ for tickets and details.

18 JULY

STONEGATE SINGERS SUMMER CONCERT, St Olaves Church, YO30 7DR. 7.30pm-10.30pm. A special summer concert from the acclaimed community choir, joined by Vox Box and Matthew Palmer. Featuring a solo performance from Stonegate Singers Director, John Hughes. Visit www.tickettailor.com/events/ thestonegatesingers/2133110 to book your tickets.

24-25 JULY

MUSIC SHOWCASE WEEKEND 2026, York Racecourse, YO23 1EX. Various times. Enjoy two days of horse racing and live music in York, with Craig David performing after the EBF Lyric Stakes on Friday, and Tom Grennan hitting the stage after the Sky Bet York Stakes on Saturday. Visit www.yorkracecourse. co.uk/racing-fixtures.html?dates_ step=2&meet_id=163 to book.

1 AUGUST

YORKSHIRE DAY - STEP INTO NATURE AND HISTORY WITHIN THE CITY WALLS, 10.00am4.00pm, Citywide locations. Embark on a free, self-guided trail at your own pace to celebrate Yorkshire Day! Follow the ‘Stepping Stones’ trail and uncover hidden connections between nature, heritage, and historic spaces in York. Visit www.stnicks.org.uk.

6-10 AUGUST

YORK GEORGIAN FESTIVAL, Various times and citywide locations. York Mansion House’s fourth annual York Georgian Festival offers a jam-packed programme of events, including talks, tours, performances and workshops, plus the York Georgian Ball at the Grand Assembly Rooms! Visit www. mansionhouseyork.com/yorkgeorgian-festival to find out more.

15 AUGUST

MINISTRY OF SOUND CLASSICAL, Castle Howard, YO60 7DA. Ministry of Sound Classical heads to the stunning grounds of Castle Howard for a spectacular open-air concert featuring a live orchestra performing iconic dance anthems, with special guests Paul Oakenfold, Judge Jules, Ellie Sax & Danny Rampling. Visit www. castlehoward.co.uk to book tickets.

29-31 AUGUST

ART IN THE BARN EXHIBITION –25TH ANNIVERSARY, Tithe Barn, YO26 6LF. Sat-Sun 10am-5pm, Monday, 10am-4pm. See original artwork, greetings cards and sculpture by 30 local artists, and enjoy homebaked deliciousness from the Pop-up cafe! FREE Admission & Parking. Preview Evening on Friday, 28 August, 7pm9pm. Email gill.griffiths1@hotmail. co.uk for tickets. Visit Facebook: Art in the Barn Poppleton for details.

EVERY TUESDAY

LIFE DRAWING WITH RAE, Pica Studios, Y01 9TT. 6.30pm-8.30pm. A relaxed, friendly, supportive atmosphere to build confidence in drawing. All paper, easels and drawing materials are provided, plus complimentary teas and coffees at break time. Open to all skill levels! Visit www.artwithrae.com to book your spot today.

OPEN THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

DREAMERY GARDENS & MUSEUM, Stamford Bridge, YO41

1AP. Various times. Home to one of England’s best-loved lost Fairy Gardens and an intriguing Fairy Museum, this magical nature sanctuary features a range of beautiful fairy houses set against wonderful woodland. A must-visit attraction just a stone’s throw from York! Book your visit now! Visit www. dreamerygardens.co.uk for details and bookings.

OPEN EVERY SUNDAY

WIGGINTON CAR BOOT, Home Farm, Wigginton, York, YO32 2RD. 6.30am-1.00pm. This giant car boot is held every week, with general admission at just £1 per car. Get yourself down early to scoop up some bargains! Call 01904 768463 or 07964 027362 for further details.

OPEN EVERY DAY

VAN GOGH: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE, St. Mary’s Church, YO1 9RN. 10am-6pm. This unique and immersive experience offers a window into the works of Van Gogh, as you’ve never seen them before! Combining the artist’s classic paintings with an allencompassing light and sound show, this exhibition enables visitors to step into the mind of the great ‘little painter fellow’. Visit www. vangoghexpo.co.uk/york to book your tickets today.

OPEN THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

DARK TALES OF YORK, Meeting at Roman Bath, YO1 8RN. Various times. Discover the darker side of York, known as one of the most haunted cities in the UK! 90-minute private guided tours are available to book now. To find out more, visit www.darktalesofyork. com today.

& ATTRACTIONS Events

Events

27 JUNE

STEW: PICNIC IN THE PARK, Rowntree Park, YO23 1JQ. 1.00pm4.00pm. A sunny afternoon of good food and good vibes, where YOU decide how grassroots funding is spent. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy a laid-back, inclusive approach to local change-making. Visit www.yorktogether.org/post/ stew-a-sunny-picnic to find out more.

2 JULY

COOKS & BOOKS: GEORGINA HAYDEN - MEDESQUE, The Bookshop, YO1 7DT. Doors @ 6.30pm. Join multi-award-winning cook and food writer Georgina Hayden for a talk, tasters, and demo from her latest cookbook. Visit www.toppingbooks.co.uk/events/ york/georgina-hayden-medesque/ for tickets.

2 JULY

SPEED DATING IN YORK, Manhatta York, YO1 8AX. 7.30pm9.30pm. Looking for love? Aged between 30 and 45? Try your hand at speed dating and make a match made in heaven! Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/speeddating-in-york-ages-30-45tickets-1988474639174 for tickets.

3 JULY

SUMMER GARDEN LATES, Castle Howard, YO60 7DA. Last entry @ 7.00pm. Gain access to the Library of the Four Winds at dusk, and see a luminous revolving artwork by Es Devlin, with late entry to the stunning Gardens of Castle Howard. Visit www.castlehoward.co.uk/DB/ whats-on-view-4/summer-gardenlates to book or find out more.

3-5 JULY

ACOMBFEST 2026, Various times and locations. See Acomb transformed with a jam-packed weekend programme of live music, mural painting, art markets, workshops & activities, food & drink offers & events, and more! Visit

Itching for something to do? Read

Information is correct at the time of printing but subject to change. Check with venues ahead of your visit.

www.acombfest.co.uk to see the full programme and find out more.

3-11 JULY

2026 YORK EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL, Various times & citywide locations. This year’s festival features a jam-packed programme of concerts across 9 days, with highlights including Solomon’s Knot, The Sixteen, Thomas Dunford, and B’Rock Orchestra. Turn to p38 to find out more, or visit www.ncem. co.uk/whats-on/yemf to book and see the full programme.

4 JULY

BIRDSALL CHURCH: AN EVENING WITH SARAH CONNOLLY IN AID OF HORATIO’S GARDEN, St Mary’s Church, YO17 9NW. 7.00pm. See celebrated British mezzo soprano, Dame Sarah Connolly, performing a beautiful American-themed programme of songs, with proceeds going towards the church and Horatio’s Garden. Visit www.birdsallestates.co.uk/ events/an-evening-with-sarahconnolly/to book.

4 JULY

RIVER WALK PHOTOGRAPHY, Meeting at Tower Street. 11.00am-1.00pm. Enjoy a day of photography by the river, focusing on reflections, people, boats, and riverside architecture. Visit www. yorkphotographygroup.co.uk/bookevent/36748/ to book.

4 JULY

THE ESCAPE CLUB SUMMER

SPECTACULAR, The Crescent Community Venue, YO24 1AW. 8.00pm-11.45pm. Join resident DJs for a summer-centric night of soul, pop, indie, house and hip-hop. Visit www.thecrescentyork.com/ events/the-escape-club-summerspectacular/ for tickets and details.

4 JULY

POPPLETON COMMUNITY

RAILWAY NURSERY OPEN DAY, Poppleton Community Railway Nursery, YO26 6QA. 10.00am-

4.00pm. Including a wide range of plants (with Buy-One-Get-One-Free on bedding plants), plus homemade refreshments, book, bric-a-brac and craft stalls. The nursery's narrowgauge railway will also be on display. Visit poppletonrailwaynursery.co.uk.

4-5 JULY

DUNCOMBE PARK STEAM & VINTAGE RALLY, Duncombe Park, YO62 5EB. Various times. Two days of family-friendly fun, hosting steam engines of all sizes, tractors, cars, vintage lorries, motorbikes, crafts, a fun fair and much, much more! Visit www.gytec.co.uk for details.

4-5 JULY

VANGUARD REENACTMENT, Murton Park, YO19 5UF. 10.00am4.00pm. Cross swords with this medieval battle re-enactment group, hosting engaging living history displays and performing thrilling combat displays throughout the day. Visit www. murtonpark.co.uk/events/ vanguard-reenactment/ for bookings and details.

5 JULY

SUMMER PARTY - CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF AVOCADO EVENTS, Yorkshire Heart Vineyard & Brewery, YO26 8EL. 12.00pm4.00pm. Celebrate Avocado Events’ tenth anniversary and enjoy paddling pools, a baby play area, bath bomb making workshops, craft tables, a Princess & Superhero character party, and much more! Visit bookwhen. com/avocadoevents#focus=evsse8i-20260619100000 for tickets.

5 JULY

YORK GREYHOUND AND LURCHER WALK, The Fulford Arms, YO10 4EX. Meeting at 10.30am for an 11.00am start. This free, non-ticketed monthly event enables local dog lovers to meet and mingle over a wander with their greyhounds and lurchers - dog bowls available at the bar! Visit www.thefulfordarms.com/event/ york-greyhound-and-lurcherwalk-3/ for details.

5 JULY

ART FOR WELLBEING, York Art Gallery, YO1 7EW. 10.30am-12.30pm. This monthly workshop offers practical art sessions to burgeoning artists of all abilities, designed to foster wellbeing and good health through creativity. Sessions are free and no booking is required. Visit www.yorkmuseumstrust. org.uk/whats-on/events/art-forwellbeing-89/ for details.

5 JULY

HOUSEPLANT LOVERS PLANT SWAP & SOCAL, The Crescent Community Venue, YO24 1AW. 1.00pm-3.00pm. A not-for-profit event where you can socialise with like-minded plant lovers, and bring along your baby indoor plants, rooted cuttings and houseplants to exchange. Visit www.thecrescentyork.com/events/ houseplant-lovers-plant-swapsocial-2/ to find out more.

Tales of York

6, 13, 20 & 27 JULY

PILATES AND YOGA CLASS, Southlands Methodist Church, YO23 1NX. 7.45pm-8.30pm. Focusing on precision, alignment, and correct movement, this class provides a safe and effective workout to build functional strength and mobility. Visit www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/pilates-andyoga-class-tickets-1979455609012 to book.

6, 13, 20 & 27 JULY

PURE LIFE DRAWING, Clements Hall, 6.30pm-8.30pm. A minimalist life drawing sanctuary in which visitors can find presence through Tingsha bells, breathing exercises, and charcoal. Materials provided. Visit www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/pure-life-drawingtickets-1988236096687 for tickets.

7 JULY

SALLY HAYDEN - THIS IS ALSO A LOVE STORY, The Bookshop, YO1 7DT. Doors @ 6.30pm. Get the inside scoop on This is Also a Love Story, powerful globespanning reportage from Sally Hayden, award-winning journalist, photographer and author. Visit www.toppingbooks.co.uk/events/ york/sally-hayden-york-2026/ to book.

7 JULY

ELECTRONIC MUSIC OPEN MIC NIGHT, The Fulford Arms, YO10 4EX. 7.00pm-11.00pm. An open, free and friendly space for artists working in electronic music subgenres including electropop, ambient, drone, and glitch. Sets from 2-15 minutes are welcome! Visit www. thefulfordarms.com/event/emomelectronic-music-open-mic-night/ for tickets and details.

8 JULY

FRAGMENTS, Creative Centre, York St John University, YO31 7EX. 7.00pm-8.00pm. An illuminating second-year showcase from Performance Academy, exploring

& ATTRACTIONS Events

fragments of stories, moments and memories. Visit www. eventbrite.com/e/fragmentstickets-1988165606850.

8 JULY

SUPPORTING VOCABULARY IN SECONDARY SCHOOL: A RESEARCH & PRACTICE WORKSHOP, B/T/019, University of York, YO10 5DD. 9.30am-4.00pm. A day of keynote speaker talks, evidence talks, and interactive discussion sessions focusing on oracy in the curriculum. Visit www. eventbrite.com/e/supportingvocabulary-in-secondary-schoola-research-practice-workshoptickets-1988615394176 for tickets.

10 JULY

TAROT & COCKTAILS, The Hi Ho Club, YO1 8BH. 7.00pm-10.00pm. Settle down for tarot readings over a cocktail or two - you’ll need a secret password to gain entry! Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/ tarot-cocktails-at-the-hi-ho-clubtickets-1343701028949 to find out more.

10 JULY

COOKS & BOOKS: ITAMAR AND SARIT - HONEY & CO. DAILY, The Bookshop, YO1 7DT. Doors @ 6.30pm. Join acclaimed cooks and food columnists Itamar and Sarit for a talk, demo, and tasters from Honey & Co Daily, the new cookbook based on their London café menu. Visit www. toppingbooks.co.uk/events/york/ itamar-sarit-honey-daily/ for tickets.

11 JULY

COUNTRY AND WESTERN FESTIVAL, Allerthorpe Golf & Country Park, YO42 4RL. 12.00pm10.00pm. Enjoy a full day of Country and Western-inspired entertainment, including live music from 5 country music acts, line dancing, a rodeo bull, food & drink, and more! Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/ country-and-western-festival-atallerthorpe-golf-and-country-parktickets-1986808054374 for info and tickets.

11 JULY

MOSS GLOW AND SHADOW BLOOM, The Basement, City Screen, YO1 9QL. 7.45pm. Enthralling

acoustic, electronic and vocal music from Mayshe-Mayshe, No Spinoza, Pefkin & Things Found And Made. Visit bit.ly/nav-events to book or find out more.

11 JULY

ANALOGUE PHOTOGRAPHY & FILM PROCESSING WORKSHOP, SPARK York, YO1 9PB. 11.00am-2.00pm. Learn to shoot and develop your own photos using 35mm film at this hands-on workshop, hosted by York Photographers. Visit www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/analoguephotography-film-processingworkshop-tickets-1987046635978 to book your tickets.

11 JULY

AN INTRODUCTION TO MOKUHANGA, York Art Gallery, YO1 7EW. 10.00am-4.00pm. Settle down with artist Lucy May Schofield for an introductory workshop focusing on unique mokuhanga carving techniques. Visit www. yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk/whatson/events/an-introduction-tomokuhanga/ for details.

11 & 25 JULY

FISHERGATE POSTERN TOWER OPEN DAY, Fishergate Postern Tower, YO1 9AF. 10.00am-4.00pm. Discover the hidden wonders of Fishergate Postern Tower, including its spiral staircase, model portcullis, garderobe, masons’ marks, roof beams and replica displays. Visit www.yorkwalls.org.uk/?p=8842 for details.

12 JULY

YORK ROTARY DRAGON BOAT CHALLENGE, Between Scarborough Bridge & Lendal Bridge, York. First race @ 10.00am. This much-loved annual river race is back again, raising funds for Survive and the York Rotary Charity Fund. See 36 teams battle it out on the River Ouse for the Challenge Trophy! Visit www.yorkrotary.co.uk/dragonboat-challenge to find out more.

12 JULY

AN INTRODUCTION TO JAPANESE BOOKBINDING (ORI-HON & TOJI-HON), York Art Gallery, YO1 7EW. 10.00am4.00pm. Learn how to score, fold, glue and sew Japanese-style accordion books (Ori-hon) and

simple stab-sewn books (Toji-hon) at this introductory workshop. Visit www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk/ whats-on/events/an-introductionto-japanese-bookbinding-ori-hontoji-hon/ to find out more.

14 JULY

YORK JOBS, APPRENTICESHIPS AND SKILLS FAIR, Temple Hall, YO31 7EX. 10.30am-1.30pm. A bustling jobs fair perfect for those looking to switch up their career, find a new position, gain an apprenticeship, undertake training, or meet employers. Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ york-jobs-apprenticeships-andskill-fair-july-2026-exhibitorstickets-1983442918161 for tickets.

15 JULY

THE ART OF MEDICINE SEMINARS - HEALING SPACES, York Medical Society, YO1 8AW. 7.00pm-9.00pm. Supported by York Medical Society, this interactive seminar explores how our senses impact our experience of healthcare spaces. Visit www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-art-ofmedicine-seminars-healingspaces-tickets-1984552649397.

16 JULY

MICHAEL DOWNES - STORY OF THE CENTURY: WAGNER AND THE CREATION OF THE RING, The Bookshop, YO1 7DT. Doors @ 6.30pm. Conductor, lecturer, writer and opera expert Michael Downes arrives in York with his award-winning book, which tell the story behind Wagner’s Ring of the Nibelung. Visit www.toppingbooks. co.uk/events/york/michaeldownes-story-century to book.

17 JULY

A DECADE IN THE SHAKING!10 YEARS OF BURLESQUE, The Crescent Community Venue, YO24 1AW. 7.00pm-11.00pm. Catch eight famed UK burlesque performers, including Vanity Dare, Lily Lustre,

Gigs and concerts in York and the surrounding area.

The

JULY York Cinemas WHAT’S ON AT Gigs & Concerts

From 1 July:

NIRVANNA THE BAND THE SHOW THE MOVIE

Oldz

Severus

Pop

King

Alligator

Canadian comedy directed by Matt Johnson and co-written with Jay McCarrol. Expanding on their acclaimed web and television series, the film stars the duo as fictionalised versions of themselves, who perform as the musical outfit Nirvanna the Band. Their attempt to book a gig at Toronto's Rivoli takes an unexpected turn when a change of plan accidentally sends Matt and Jay time-travelling back to 2008.

From 1 July: MINIONS & MONSTERS

The Minions take over 1920s Hollywood while on the hunt for the ultimate scary creatures to star in their new monster movie. Along the way, they team up with a mysterious green character, but chaos quickly ensues when they accidentally unleash a wave of genuine monsters!

SCARBOROUGH OPEN AIR

THEATRE:

From 3 July: THE INVITE

Sharp comedy about San Franciscan married couple Joe and Angela, whose failing marriage puts them at odds over almost everything. Their tense dynamic is put to the test when Angela invites their attractive, free-spirited upstairs neighbours, portrayed by Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton, over for dinner. What starts as an awkward social gathering quickly turns into a night of marital friction and drama primed to combust.

house. However, the emotional reunion quickly takes a terrifying turn into a literal "family reunion from hell", as members gradually transform into bloodthirsty Deadites…

From 10 July:

MOANA

Disney's live-action reimagining of the 2016 animated adventure. Moana answers a powerful call from the ocean, prompting her to set sail from her home island for the first time, venturing past its protective barrier reef. Joined on her epic quest by the legendary, shapeshifting demigod Maui, she must brave the open seas on an unforgettable voyage to restore the health, safety, and prosperity of her community.

From 17 July: THE ODYSSEY

Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer's Ancient Greek epic the Odyssey follows Odysseus (Matt Damon), the legendary Greek king of Ithaca, on his long and perilous journey home following the Trojan War. He encounters mythical beings, including the Cyclops Polyphemus, the enchanting sirens, and the nymph Calypso, all while desperately attempting to reunite with his wife, Penelope.

Alex

Teddy

James

From 9 July: EVIL DEAD BURN

Horror spin-off from the Evil Dead franchise. Following the tragic loss of a mother's son, a family gathers to grieve together in a secluded

From 31 July:

SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW

Peter Parker devotes his life to protecting New York City as a full-time Spider-Man. However, as the demands of being a hero intensify, the overwhelming pressure sparks a surprising physical evolution that threatens his very existence. To make matters worse, a strange new pattern of crimes emerge, giving rise to one of the most powerful and dangerous threats the web-slinger has ever faced...

and Freida Nipples, for a tenth anniversary celebration – with extra sass! Visit www.thecrescentyork. com/events/a-decade-in-theshaking-10-years-of-burlesque/.

17 JULY

CHARLOTTE TILBURY MAKE-UP MASTERCLASS AFTERNOON TEA, Middletons Hotel, YO1 6DS. 12.30pm-3.30pm. Pick up pro tips, techniques, and tricks of the trade at this makeup masterclass, with indulgent afternoon tea. Visit www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/charlotte-tilburymake-up-masterclass-afternoontea-tickets-1983521527283 for tickets and info.

18 JULY

YORK ACORN SUMMER FAIR, Acorn Rugby Club, YO24 2NW. Run in partnership with Menfulness, this year’s Acorn Summer Fair will feature food stands, funfair stalls, live music, an open bar, plus York’s only 160ft charity bungee jump! Follow Acorn Rugby Club on Facebook to find out more.

18 JULY

WAGGY FUN DAY, The Waggy Dog Creche, YO19 5UP. 10.00am-2.00pm. This doggy-friendly fun day offers four-legged visitors the chance to enjoy walk-in nail trims, daycare facilities, ‘ask the trainer’ sessions and more, with food, drink, and stalls available for the humans. Follow The Waggy Dog Creche on Facebook to find out more or get in touch.

18 JULY

YORK SUMMER WELLBEING FESTIVAL, York Centre for Voluntary Services, YO1 6ET. 11.30am-4.00pm. This free festival of wellbeing offers a range of artisans, wellness retailers, holistic treatment providers and spiritual readers, plus summer activities designed to boost your health and mood. Visit www. facebook.com/events/yorkcvs/york-summer-wellbeingfestival-2026/853027833788634/

& ATTRACTIONS Events

for further details.

18 JULY

COMMUNITY BRUNCH, Strensall Village Hall, YO32 5SR. 10.00am12.30pm. A chance for local people to meet, mingle, and have a chat over great food. All are welcome! Email strensallcc@outlook.com to find out more or if you’d like to help.

18 JULY

MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY

MEETUP, Museum Street, YO1 7FR. 11.00am-1.00pm. Get up close and personal with small objects, such as flowers and insects, for an interesting exploration of macro photography. Visit www. yorkphotographygroup.co.uk/bookevent/36798/ to book.

19 JULY

FLOATING SOUND BATH, Yearsley Swimming Pool, YO31 8SB. 4.30pm. Settle down for 60 soothing minutes of ‘me time’, floating comfortably on a double air bed whilst experiencing an immersive sound journey. Visit www. synergybodymind.com to reserve your space.

19-21 JULY

THE NURSERY OPEN GARDEN, The Nursery, YO26 5PX. 1.00pm6.00pm. The Nursery on Knapton Lane’s annual charity open garden event is back! See beautiful plants and flowers, and enjoy refreshments with Your Local Link columnist, Tony Chalcraft. Visit https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/ garden/20317/the-nursery to find out more.

21 JULY - 4 SEPTEMBER

SUMMER OF PLAY AT BENINGBROUGH, Beningbrough Hall, Gallery & Gardens, YO30 1DD. Various times. Enjoy a packed

programme of family-friendly outdoor events and activities, including activity trails around the gardens, tansy beetle days, and much more! Visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/ beningbrough/events for more info.

21 JULY

FUTURE LANDSCAPE SEMINARS - REWILDING IN PRACTICE, Courtyard Cafe, Castle Howard, YO60 7DA. 7.00pm-8.00pm. Join Lauren Barnes (University of York) for a presentation focusing on the growing interest in rewilding across Britain. Visit www.castlehoward. co.uk/DB/whats-on-naturalenvironment/future-landscapesseminars to see the full programme and book your tickets.

21 JULY

FOLK & WORD, The Black Swan, York, YO1 7PR. 7.30pm, sign-up at 7.00pm. A free open mic session for all kinds of spoken word & acoustic music in a safe, welcoming environment. Follow Navigators Art & Performance on Facebook for further details or to get in touch.

24 JULY

AN EVENING WITH ADRIAN ‘JACKPOT’ LEWIS, Haxby Sports Bar, YO32 3JP. 7.00pm-11.30pm. Join the winner of 26 PDC titles, Adrian ‘Jackpot’ Lewis, and get the chance to take on the man himself for a game. A bullseye for darts fans! Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/anevening-with-adrian-jackpot-lewistickets-1988443298433 to book.

25 JULY

THE EAST YORKSHIRE MESS

SUMMER BALL, National Railway Museum, YO26 4XJ. 7.00pm. Join York, Scarborough, Hull, Scunthorpe and Grimsby Mess for their summer ball, complete with plenty of trains plus a welcome drink, canapes, and a 2-course meal. Visit www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/all-aboard-theeast-yorkshire-mess-summer-balltickets-1984625643725 to book or find out more.

25 JULY

LIFE DRAWING - MODEL AS A MUSE, York Art Gallery, YO1 7EW. 2.00pm-4.00pm. This popular life drawing workshop is suitable for artists of every experience level, over the age of 18. Entry

is £15 per person, and drawing materials are provided! Visit www. yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk/whatson/events/life-drawing-model-asmuse-57/ for details.

25-26 JULY

WAYFINDERS WEEKEND: CASTLE HOWARD INVERTEBRATES, Mill Hills Project, YO60 7DA. 10.00am2.00pm. Learn more about the world of invertebrates, engage in hands-on field training, and get your hands dirty rewilding. Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ wayfinders-weekend-invertebratescastle-howard-yorkshiretickets-1987683774677 for info.

26 JULY

THE FAIRYTALE BALL 2026: FLORAL FESTIVAL, Impossible York, YO1 8QN. 11.00am-1.00pm. This princess party to remember offers guests the chance to choose their own princess dress, indulge in a magical makeover, and even meet a princess or two! Visit www.tickettailor.com/events/ magicalmoments/2188608 for tickets.

26 JULY

YORK CITY DOG TRAINING CLUB CHARITY DOG SHOW, Rawcliffe Rec, YO30 5TS. 11.00am-3.00pm. York City Dog Training Club’s annual charity dog show returns, raising funds for Yorkshire Rose Dog Rescue and Good Life Dog Rescue. Featuring dog activities, competitions, stalls, and more. Visit www.facebook. com/yorkcitydogtraining/ posts/1234863628232246/ for details.

26 JULY

YORK PROMS, Museum Gardens, YO1 7FR. Gates open @ 5.30pm. Enjoy a summer evening of live entertainment in the Museum Gardens, including talented local performers, a live orchestra, soloists, and a spectacular fireworks finale. Visit www.yorkproms.com to find out more.

30 JULY

DUO LÉGER IN CONCERT, Holy Trinity Goodramgate, YO1 7LF. International chamber music duo Duo Léger, composed of opera singer Shawn Mlynek and harpist Eleonora Congiu, make their UK debut in York this month, at the invitation of the Churches Conservation Trust. Visit www. visitchurches.org.uk to book.

31 JULY

MARIO KART LIVE!, The Basement, City Screen, YO1 9QL. 6.00pm11.00pm. This Mario Kart Deluxe extravaganza enables racers to compete on the tracks, and spectators to kick back and cheer on their champs, accompanied by a varied range of music performed by a live band. Visit www.tickettailor.com/events/ mariokartyork/2072886 for details.

31 JULY - 3 AUGUST

FLOWER FESTIVAL, St. Oswald's Church, Flamborough, YO15 1PE. 10.30am-4.00pm. See beautiful flower displays, specially created with the theme ‘On This Day’ in mind. There will also be a children's craft table, quiz, raffle, tombola, second-hand books, and various stalls, plus hot and cold refreshments. .Please call 07933149155 to find out more.

REGULAR EVENTS

OPEN EVERY DAY

YORK WITCHES & HISTORY

WALKING TOUR, Meeting at Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate street sign, YO1 7LZ. 3.30pm & 5.30pm. Are you interested in York’s bewitching history? Attend a 70-minute tour around York explaining its wicked links with witchcraft! Visit www. witches-tour.com/york-witcheswalking-tour/ to book.

MONDAYS, THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS

SELF-GUIDED PRINTING

HISTORY WALKING TOUR, Thin Ice Press: The York Centre for Print, YO1 7PW. 10.00am-5.00pm. Collect your illustrated map from Thin Ice Press, learn more about contemporary printmaking, and

& ATTRACTIONS Events

delve into York’s rich history of printing on this interesting self-guided city tour. Visit www. thinicepress.org to book.

MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS

DISTILLERY TOUR & GIN

TASTING, Hooting Owl Distillery & Lounge Bar, YO1 6HZ. Various times. Familiarise yourself with the Hooting Distillery, see the Master Distiller at work, and taste a tipple or two along the way. Visit www. hootingowl.co.uk/pages/yorkdistillery-lounge-bar for booking.

MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS

NEW TREASURES GALLERY, The Bar Convent, YO24 1AQ. 10am-4pm. Following the discovery of a rare scroll in the Bar Convent’s archive, the museum is sharing more of its hidden history. Go along to see their treasures with your own eyes, including an illuminated medieval scroll known as the Arma Christi, of which there are only ten other copies to be found anywhere in the world! Visit www.barconvent.co.uk to book your tickets today.

EVERY FIRST SUNDAY

ARTFUL AT THE DODGER, The Artful Dodger, YO1 6LJ. 12.30pm4.00pm. This monthly informal art workshop session is free to attend, and materials are provided (donations are welcome). Drop in and out as you wish, whatever your experience level. Follow Navigators Art & Performance on Facebook for further details or to get in touch.

SUNDAYS & BANK HOLIDAY WEEKENDS

DVLR TRAIN RIDES, Murton Park, YO19 5UF. Various times. Ride a DVLR train at Murton Park, for just £1 per person or £5 per group of five people, with park admission. Visit www.murtonpark.co.uk/events/dvlrtrain-rides/ for more information.

EVERY FIRST SUNDAY

NEW EARSWICK VILLAGE

MARKET, New Earswick Bowls Club, YO32 9PX. 10.00am-2.00pm.

Browse locally made artisan crafts across more than 30 stalls, with free parking on site and refreshments available. Search ‘New Earswick Village Market’ on Facebook for details.

EVERY FOURTH SUNDAY

CONNECT SERVICE, Holy Redeemer Acomb, YO26 6AB. 3.00pm-4.15pm. This inclusive group is aimed at supporting children with additional needs. All families are welcome to mingle in this relaxed and friendly environment, learn about God, and enjoy a range of activities including crafts, songs, toys, and stories. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and Makaton signing is also included so that all can feel included and welcome!

EVERY FIRST MONDAY

MENFULNESS KNIGHTS TALK GROUP, York Knights Shop/Office, YO32 9AF. This is a great way to vent your problems, no matter what you're going through, in a pressurefree environment. Pizza and light refreshments provided. Visit www.meetup.com/menfulness/ events/313155205/.

EVERY FIRST MONDAY

BINGO NIGHT, Strensall Village Hall, YO32 5XW. Doors open at 7.00pm, eyes down at 7.30pm. Enjoy a competitive game of BINGO, with a top cash prize of £100 (which will increase to £150 if 100 players attend), and refreshments and raffle during the interval. Email strensallbowlschair@ gmail.com for further details.

MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS COME AND PLAY PÉTANQUE, Stockton Fox Pétanque Club, at the rear of Stockton-on-the-Forest Village Hall, YO32 9UR. 7.00pm. Get to grips with Pétanque (French Boules) at this friendly club, with equipment provided.

EVERY FIRST TUESDAY

COFFEE MORNING, Mossdale Residence Care Home, YO31 0AF. 10.00am-12.00pm. Open for all visitors to join, this friendly monthly coffee morning offers a welcoming space to meet, mingle, and have a chinwag over a cup of Joe. Call 01904 293061 or email pauline.

hagan@hc-one.co.uk for more info.

EVERY TUESDAY

BOXING FITNESS - WITH LEGIONS GYM, Legions Gym, YO19 5RZ. 8.00pm-9.00pm. Attend beginner-friendly boxing fitness sessions, no pressure, no experience needed. Just come down and have fun! Visit www.meetup.com/ menfulness/events/chfnvtyjcfbpc/ to find out more.

EVERY THIRD TUESDAY

EAST RIDING COMMUNITY BEREAVEMENT CAFE, Hospitality Suite, East Riding Crematorium, YO25 3BL. 9.30am-11.30am. Hosted by qualified counsellor Sue Dixon of Evolve Talking Therapies, this café has been created to provide a calm and supportive environment where local people can meet others who understand the experience of grief. Entry is free, with no booking required. Call 07712 567659 or email evolvetth@gmail.com for further information.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

QUINGO - QUIZ MEETS BINGO!, SPARK York, YO1 9PB. 7.00pm. Get ready to jump into a world of fun quizzes and interesting problems. Bring your friends - teams of up to 6 people are welcome! Visit www. sparkyork.org/events/quingo/ for further details.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

YORK HACKSPACE OPEN EVENINGS, York Hackspace, YO31 7UU. 7.00pm-9.00pm. This weekly makerspace allows hackers to get together, share ideas, work on projects, chat and make things together. Under 18s have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Visit www.york.hackspace. org.uk/wiki/York_Hackspace to find out more.

MOST WEDNESDAYS & EVERY THURSDAY

MEDIUMSHIP & TAROT SESSIONS, The York Group of Spiritualists, YO32 2PU. 7.00pm-

8.30pm. These regular sessions include soundbaths, shamanic drumming, and healing. Email Vince at sensingspirit@ymail.com to find out more.

WEDNESDAYS TO THURSDAYS

COUNTESS OF YORK, National Railway Museum, YO26 4XJ. Various times. Enjoy a delicious, traditional afternoon tea aboard the Countess of York, an iconic dining carriage set within the museum’s Station Hall. Visit www.opentable.co.uk/ countess-of-york-national-railwaymuseum to make a booking.

WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS

YORK DATABANK, SPARK York, YO1 9PB. 9.00am-10.30pm. Online access is one of the most important factors in navigating the modern world. If you need help getting online, this bi-weekly event is here for you. Visit www.sparkyork. org/events/york-databank/ to find out more.

EVERY THIRD WEDNESDAY

YORK FLOWER CLUB, St Chad’s Church Hall, YO23 1PE. 1.00pm. Running every third Wednesday except in August, York Flower Club offers a variety of events for local flower lovers, from demonstrations and talks to quizzes and socials. Email Rita.nat.judge.speaker.judge@ gmail.com to find out more.

EVERY THURSDAY

ACTING CLASSES, SPARK York, YO1 9PB. 6.30pm-8.30pm. Thursdays. Matt Zina Acting classes provide you with the skills, technique, confidence and knowledge for camera-ready performance. These weekly classes are perfect for film and TV performers in the making that want real experience in acting. Visit www.sparkyork.org/events/ mza-acting-classes to find out more.

THROUGHOUT

THE MONTH

& ATTRACTIONS Events

ART OF MOTION - CLOCKWORK TOYS AND OTHER WONDERS , York Castle Museum, YO1 9RY. Various times. A fascinating display inspired by the history of automata, clockwork devices resembling lifelike forms, which peaked in popularity in the 18th century. Visit www.yorkcastlemuseum. org.uk/exhibition/art-of-motionclockwork-toys-and-other-wonders for details and bookings.

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

COOKERY SCHOOL @ THE GRAND, The Grand, York, YO1 6GD. Various times. Join The Grand York’s distinguished team for a diverse range of cooking classes, where you can learn tricks of the trade for making Goan curry, Spanish paella, pastry and desserts, Thai red curry, artisan bread, and more! Visit www. thegrandyork.co.uk/the-cookeryschool/book/ to browse the full programme of classes and reserve your place.

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

CHOCOLATE MANUFACTORY TASTING JOURNEY, York Cocoa Works, YO31 8AE. Various times. Explore the chocolate-making process and sample the finest treats produced in the heart of Chocolate City! Visit www. yorkcocoahouse.co.uk/pages/ workshop-calendar to see the full list of upcoming workshops.

THROUGHOUT THE MONTH

EXHIBITION: THE SIXTIES, York Castle Museum, YO1 9RY. Various times. See fascinating objects that typify the social history, art, fashion, music, sport, and counterculture of the Swinging Sixties! Visit www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk/ exhibition/the-sixties to find out more.

UNTIL 22 JULY

NOT A POT, York Art Gallery, YO1 7EW. 10.00am-5.00pm. This must-see exhibition from York Art Gallery’s renowned Centre of Ceramic Art showcases the wide range of sculptural pottery in its collection, displayed to mark the death of influential British potter

Gordon Baldwin (1932-2025). Visit www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/ exhibition/not-a-pot to book.

UNTIL 30 AUGUST

MAKING WAVES: THE ART OF JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINT, York Art Gallery, YO1 7EW. Various times. Covering over 300 years of Japanese woodblock printing history from the 17th to 21st centuries, this must-see exhibition features more than 100 iconic works by the likes of Hokusai, Hiroshge, Utamato, and more. Visit www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/ exhibition/making-waves-the-artof-japanese-woodblock-print for further details.

UNTIL 30 SEPTEMBER

RACE ACROSS THE WORLD: THE EXPERIENCE IN YORK, Various times, citywide locations. Inspired by the award-winning BBC TV show, this immersive live experience offers Yorkies the chance to embark on a thrilling, adventurous race across the city, solving riddles, challenges, and physical puzzles along the way! Visit www. raceacrosstheworldexperience. com/york to book or find out more.

UNTIL SEPTEMBER

SUGAR, SKILL AND SHIFTWORK: YORK’S CONFECTIONERY WORKERS, York Castle Museum, YO1 9RY. Various times. This new community exhibition focuses on the history of confectionery in our city, sharing the voices and experiences of workers in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the death of Joseph Rowntree. Visit www.yorkcastlemuseum.org. uk/your-visit/tickets to book.

UNTIL DECEMBER

SNICKELWAYS & SILLY STREET NAMES TRAIL, Various times and locations.

A fun, self-guided, family-friendly walking adventure across the city. Download the map, get your boots on, and immerse yourself in York’s

Be the first to know about upcoming events! Scan the QR code to receive our events e-shot!

maze of magical snickelways and unique streets. Visit www.littlevikings.co.uk/events/snickelwaystrail-york/ to download the map and find out more.

UNTIL 31 DECEMBER

YORK DISTILLERY - GIN

TASTING, York Distillery, YO1 6DS. Various times. Sample all manner of weird and wonderful, locally produced gins. You’ll receive a G&T on arrival, generous tasters of core gin offerings, nibbles, plus an insight into gin history! Visit www.fareharbor.com/embeds/ book/yorkgin/items/680701/ calendar/2026 to book.

UNTIL JULY 2027

VIKING NORTH, Yorkshire Museum, YO1 7FR. Various times. Showcasing the finest catalogue of Viking finds to be displayed outside of London, this landmark exhibition takes visitors back in time to Viking Age Northern England, with wondrous objects from 866 to 1066. Visit www.yorkshiremuseum. org.uk/exhibition/viking-north to book or find out more.

UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 2027

CRESSIDA COWELL’S HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON SCHOOL EXHIBITION, DIG St Saviour’s Church, YO1 8NN. 10.00am-4.00pm. Perfect for young dragon trainers in the making, this exciting interactive exhibition offers fun activities and hidden treasures inspired by Cressida Cowell’s beloved book series. Visit www.digyork.co.uk/ cressida-cowells-dragon-school.

& SHOWS Theatre

Theatre

&Shows

GRAND OPERA HOUSE

To book, call 0333 009 6690 or visit atgtickets.com

6 JULY

THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY

This hit show merges projection photos and original film footage with live performances of muchloved Simon & Garfunkel hits, including Bridge Over Troubled Water and Mrs Robinson.

7 - 11 JULY

I’M SORRY, PRIME MINISTER

Starring Clive Francis and Simon Rouse, and written by the BAFTA Award-winning Jonathan Lynn, this cutting political satire acts as the final chapter in the Yes, Minister series.

14 - 15 JULY ZOG

Based on the much-loved children’s classic by Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler, this must-see show offers the chance to see Zog, the keenest dragon in Madam Dragon’s school, live on stage!

16 JULY

GARY DELANEY: GARY ON LAUGHING

Catch the acclaimed stand-up comedian (as seen on Mock the Week and One Night Stand) in the flesh this month, performing his latest set - don’t bring the kids!

17 JULY

PAUL SMITH - HAPPY

Join Hot Water Comedy Club’s beloved resident compere in York for his new stand-up set, HAPPY, as part of his biggest international tour to date.

18 JULY

WHATEVER THE WEATHER WE STAGE TOGETHER

This end-of-year showcase from the talented students at York Stage School offers an uplifting

celebration of the seasons and the power of musical theatre, whatever the weather!

20 - 25 JULY

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

As seen by more than 35 million theatregoers so far, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock’n’roll musical will be running in York for five nights, directed by Christopher Luscombe.

28 JULY - 1 AUGUST

THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE

From the Tony and Olivier Awardwinning director of Jersey Boys, this must-see musical tells the story of June Carter and Johnny ‘The Man in Black’ Cash, from the perspective of their son, John Carter Cash. Featuring hits including Ring of Fire, Hey Porter, and I Walk the Line.

YORK THEATRE ROYAL

To book, call 01904 623568 or visit yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

30 JUNE – 1 JULY

VENUS AND ADONIS

A rare opportunity to see Greg Doran’s acclaimed production of Shakespeare’s Venus and Adonis, performed with marionettes, rod, shadow and table-top puppets.

2 JULY

DARRELL SMITH AND SOUL BROTHERS SYNDICATE

Featuring classic hits from the era, including There’s A Ghost in My House and Run for Cover, this must-see live show pays homage to the Northern Soul movement, from its beginnings at the Twisted Wheel to its Wigan Casino heyday.

4 JULY

TOGETHER WE MOVE

A special and inspirational performance by York Dance Space, to celebrate its tenth anniversary on the floor!

7 - 11 JULY

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED)

A rapid rollercoaster ride through all 37 plays by The Bard, arriving in York off the back of nine years in the West End and an acclaimed international run. Presented by Selladoor Worldwide and The Theatre Chipping Norton.

8 - 11 JULY

A MONTAGE OF MONET

Performed by award-winning actor Stephen Smith, this one-man montage of the life of Monet was a certified sell-out at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe.

9 - 11 JULY

FORWARD TO VICTORY

Presented by the York Theatre Royal Youth Theatre group in association with York Castle Museum, this unique promenade performance takes place on the museum’s recreated Kirkgate, and follows five York lads during the First World War. Turn to p40 to find out more about the show!

11 JULY

ONE MAN POE: THE BUSINESS MAN AND THE CASE OF M. VALDEMAR

Taking place at York Medical Society, this special performance explores two lesser-known stories from Edgar Allen Poe, with a postshow discussion with performer & director Stephen Smith.

16 - 18 JULY

A BRIEF CASE OF CRAZY

Inspired by slapstick favourites including Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, this award-winning romantic comedy from Skedaddle Theatre blends mime, puppetry, clowning and slick choreography.

17 JULY

TOMMY BANKS SPINNING PLATES: LIVE!

This illuminating stage show follows the inspirational success story of renowned North Yorkshire chef Tommy Banks, who famously opened the first Michelin Star restaurant in York.

18 JULY

DINOSAUR ADVENTURE LIVE: DANGER ON T-REX MOUNTAIN

An awe-inspiring interactive live stage show, which offers dinosaur buffs both young and old the

Information is correct at the time of printing but subject to change. Check with venues ahead of your visit.

chance to get up close and personal with some of the most incredible species to ever live on our planet.

YORK BARBICAN

Head to yorkbarbican.co.uk or call 01904 676332 to book.

6 - 8 JULY

LORD OF THE DANCE: 30TH ANNIVERSARY

Having been enjoyed by more than 60 million fans worldwide since its 1996 debut, Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance returns to the road to mark its 30th anniversary milestone.

10 JULY

JINKX MONSOON - SPEAKING OF WITCH

Blending fabulous musical performances with stand-up and storytelling, this show is written and delivered by none other than musician, drag queen, and Broadway and West End star Jinkx Monsoon, as seen on RuPaul’s Drag Race.

12 JULY

JOHN WILSON AND SINFONIA OF LONDON: AN ENGLISH SUMMER

Conducted by John Wilson, this celebration of English music, ‘An English Summer’, features Sinfonia of London and Charlie Lovell-Jones performing works by Vaughan Williams, Haydn, Walton, and more.

22 JULY

LENNY PEARCE - TODDLER RAVE WORLD TOUR PART 2

Arriving in York as part of his 2026/27 Toddler Rave World Tour, ‘Toddler Techno’ pioneer Lenny Pearce will be bringing his own unique brand of family entertainment to the Barbican this month.

25 JULY

BRITAIN’S STRONGEST WOMAN 2026

Witness an array of seriously strong ladies take to the stage to compete for the Britain’s Strongest Woman crown. Will defending champion Lucy Underdown defend her title?

26 JULY

ENGLAND’S STRONGEST MAN 2026

Presented by Official Strongman,

this year’s England’s Strongest Man competition will see the nation’s toughest vie for the title.

JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE

To book, email boxoffice@ jrtheatre.co.uk or 01904 501935

4 JULY

DANCING THROUGH LIFE

Wonder at great performances from dancers from York Dance Works and the Academy of Theatre Studies, in styles ranging from ballet and ballroom to street and jazz.

17 - 18 JULY

CINDERELLA

Encompassing a range of diverse dance styles, this show offers a unique take on the classic rags-toriches fairy tale. You shall go to the ball!

23- 25 JULY

BOEING BOEING

Enjoy a fresh performance of Marc Camoletti’s much-loved French farce, first staged in English in the 1960s on the West End and Broadway.

31 JULY

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

The Four Forty Theatre team take their hand to A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Expect breakneck character changes, inventive staging, and an imaginative take on one of The Bard’s best!

THEATRE@41 Monkgate

To Book your tickets visit tickets.41monkgate.co.uk

24 JUNE - 4 JULY

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

York Light present their new production of the comedic Broadway smash, which follows an eclectic group of teens aiming for glory in a spelling championship.

8 JULY

A SIMPLY BEASTLY MURDER

Nominated for the Funny Women Awards, this fun and irreverent show gives the Famous Five (now

& SHOWS Theatre

all grown up) a British film noir twist, with additional voices by Alistair McGowan.

9 JULY

OLIVIA GRAHAM: LEGEND & LORE

Join acclaimed Celtic bard Olivia Graham for a night of storytelling and original songs, including music from her debut album Faerie Songbook, and her latest EP, A Time Called Before.

10 JULY

NIGHT OF THE WEREWOLVES LIVE

This sell-out interactive comedy horror show invites participants to conspire, debate, accuse, and brutally murder their fellow audience members - can you pick out the werewolf in the pack?

11 JULY

NT LIVE: THE PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD

Directed by Caitríona McLaughlin, this National Theatre Live production of John Millington Synge’s classic play stars Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) and Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment).

12 JULY

HIDE, WATSON! TWO ADVENTURES BY SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE

Adapted and performed by Robert Lloyd Parry, this show combines two thrilling Conan Doyle tales, The Adventure of the Creeping Man & The Adventure of the Dying Detective.

15 - 16 JULY

WRIGHT AND GRAINGER’S SELENE

This Wright & Grainger and Theatre@42 co-production follows a Yorkshire girl, Panda, who develops a very special relationship with the moon…

16 JULY

TEST DRIVE SCRATCH NIGHT

This unique event offers a creative space where artists and writers can share their latest work and stories, and participate in a collaborative and dynamic development process.

24 JULY

ANDREW O’NEILL: ESCAPE

Join the acclaimed cult comedian, writer, and heavy metal enthusiast for a surreal and hilarious stand-up set, recommended for ages 14+.

FRIARGATE THEATRE

To book your tickets visit, www.ridinglights.org/whatson

27 JUNE – 4 JULY

MISTERO BUFFO

Presented by the Riding Lights Theatre Company, this hilarious take on the city’s Mystery Plays is penned by Nobel Prize-winning playwright Dario Fo.

9 - 11 JULY

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS!

A must-see local production of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s beloved sci-fi smash-hit musical, presented by Top Hat and Tails Theatre.

16 JULY

SHE SAYS… PRESENTS IMPROV BUFFET

Enjoy three courses of laughs at this casual improvisational comedy night, with performers ranging from improv newbies to seasoned comics.

17 - 18 JULY

TWICE NIGHTLY

Celebrate the glory days of the Variety theatre era with Freddie Francis, featuring iconic routines and numbers including Goodnight and Happy Days Are Here Again.

24-25 JULY

INVISIBLE

A frank, fast-paced comedy drama dealing with how older women are perceived in society, the relationships they forge, and most importantly, their ‘invisibility’.

SCARBOROUGH SPA

To Book your tickets visit www.scarboroughspa.co.uk

3 JULY

NORTHERN LIVE - DO I LOVE YOU

This Northern Soul celebration features an 11-piece band with 4 lead vocalists performing more than 30 original hits from the likes of Jimmy Radcliffe, R Dean Taylor, Dobie Gray, and many more.

4 JULY

BARRY STEELE’S ROY ORBISON STORY - THE PLATINUM YEARS Relive seven decades of Roy

Orbison hits, including Crying, Only The Lonely and Oh, Pretty Woman, as well as Traveling Wilburys favourites.

11 JULY

THANK ABBA FOR THE MUSIC

Offering two hours of non-stop ABBA magic, this acclaimed tribute stage show features much-loved hits Dancing Queen, Waterloo, Mamma Mia, and many more!

17 - 19 JULY

SEAFEST AT THE SPA

This three-day extravaganza celebrates Scarborough’s rich heritage and maritime history, with live music, street performers, food stalls, art exhibitions, and beyond…

19 - 22 & 26-29 JULY

SCARBOROUGH SPA ORCHESTRA WEEK ONE

Join the acclaimed Scarborough Spa Orchestra for their 114th anniversary celebration, including eight days of morning and evening concerts, gala night concerts, and two Teddy Bears’ Picnics.

24 JULY

STEVE STEINMAN’S ANYTHING FOR LOVE - THE MEATLOAF STORY

Join Steve Steinman for a rundown of the incredible Meatloaf story, with live performances of careerspanning hits including Anything for Love and Bat Out of Hell.

26 JULY

JIMMY NAIL: STORIES AND SONGS

The much-loved actor, musician, writer, and certified Geordie icon Jimmy Nail will be arriving in Scarborough this month, reflecting on his seven-decade career with a night of stories and songs.

29 JULY - 26 AUGUST

THE MAGIC MIKE SUMMER SHOW

Packed with ventriloquism, dazzling illusions and laugh-outloud comedy, this enchanting family stage show is a top ticket in Scarborough this summer!

Lifestyle

& CULTURE

Markets, Car Boot Sales

5 JULY

HARROGATE VALLEY

GARDENS ARTISAN MARKET

Valley Gardens, HG1 2SZ. 10.00am-3.00pm.

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 JULY

STORE & BREEDING STOCK MARKET

York Auction Centre, YO19 5GF. 11.00am.

9 JULY

HARROGATE FARMERS

MARKET - REAL MARKETS

Cambridge Street, HG1 1RW. 10.00am-4.00pm.

18 JULY

EASINGWOLD ARTISAN MARKET

Easingwold Market Square, YO61 3AN. 9.00am-2.00pm.

11 JULY

ACOMB FLOURISH & FEAST MARKET

Front Street, YO24 3BZ. 10.00am-4.00pm.

12 JULY

WETHERBY ARTISAN MARKET

Market Place, LS22 6NE. 10.00am-3.00pm.

18 JULY

ACOMB ARTISAN MARKET

Front Street, YO24 3BZ. 10.00am-3.00pm.

19 JULY

BISHY ROAD BAZAAR

Bishopthorpe Road Car Park, YO23 1NA. 11.00am-3.00pm.

19 JULY

HARROGATE MAKERS MARKET

Cambridge Street, HG1 1RW. 10.00am-4.00pm.

19 JULY

THIRSK ARTISAN MARKET

Market Place, YO7 1HQ. 10.00am-3.00pm.

25 JULY

MALTON MONTHLY ARTISAN MARKET

Market Place, YO17 7LX. 10.00am-3.00pm.

26 JULY

RIPON ARTISAN MARKET

Market Place, HG4 1BP. 10.00am-3.00pm.

Regular Markets & Car Boot Sales:

MONDAYS TO SUNDAYS YORK SHAMBLES MARKET

Silver Street, YO1 8RY. 9.00am-5.00pm.

EVERY FIRST SUNDAY

THE DERWENT ARMS CAR BOOT

Osbaldwick Village, YO10 3NP. 9.00am-12.00pm.

EVERY SUNDAY

RUFFORTH CAR BOOT

Wetherby Road, YO23 3QH. 8.00am-1.00pm.

EVERY MONDAY

PICKERING MARKET

Market Place, YO18 7AA. 10.00am-4.00pm.

MONDAYS & SATURDAYS

THIRSK MARKET

Market Place, YO7 1EY. 8.30am-3.30pm.

EVERY TUESDAY

POCKLINGTON MARKET

Market Place, YO42 2AL. 9.00am-4.00pm.

EVERY WEDNESDAY KNARESBOROUGH MARKET

Market Place, HG5 8AG. 7.30am-3.00pm.

EVERY THIRD WEDNESDAY

EASINGWOLD FARMERS MARKET

Market Place, YO61 3AA.

EVERY FRIDAY HELMSLEY MARKET

Market Place, YO62 5BL. 8.30am-4.00pm.

EVERY SATURDAY

YORK RACECOURSE CAR BOOT SALE

York Racecourse, YO23 1EX. 7.00am-1.00pm.

Race Meetings

Race Day Ready… Check out our pick of local race meetings happening this month - perfect for making memories or enjoying the thrill of the crowd.

& COUNTY SHOWS

27 JUNE

HONLEY SHOW

Farnley Tyas Showground, HD4 6UW. 9.00am.

5 JULY

HOWDEN SHOW

The Ashes Playing Field, DN14 7BL. 9.00am-5.00pm.

14-17 JULY

GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW

Great Yorkshire Showground, HG2 8NZ. 8.00am-6.00pm.

18 JULY

BISHOP WILTON SHOW

Garrowby Hill, Bishop Wilton, YO42 1TD. Events commence at 9.30am.

19 JULY

WEETON SHOW

Weeton Show Ground, LS17 0AN. Gates open to the public at 8.30am.

22 JULY

DRIFFIELD SHOW

Driffield Showground, YO25 9DN. 9.00am-6.00pm.

25 JULY

BORROWBY SHOW

Hillside Rural Activities Park, YO7 4AX. Gates open to the public at 10.00am.

26 JULY

ALDBOROUGH AND BOROUGHBRIDGE SHOW

Newby Hall, HG4 5AE. Gates open at 9.30am.

28 JULY

RYEDALE SHOW

Duncombe Park, YO62 5EB. 9.00am-5.00pm.

1 AUGUST

OSMOTHERLY SHOW

Home Farm, DL6 3PY. 10.00am-10.00pm.

1 AUGUST EMLEY SHOW

Emley Moor, HD8 9TE. Gates open at 9.00am.

Ripon Racecourse

The Great Yorkshire Show

ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK

SUPER FURRY ANIMALS

& DRINK Food

Thai Season Where to eat in York

BY MACKENZIE

As no stranger to the Land of Smiles (Thai food is my favourite!), I was so excited to be invited to try out a meal at Thai Season, located just off the A1079. Having already eaten at the Thai Season restaurants at Bishopthorpe Road and the Shambles Market, I was keen to see what this branch had to offer, and from the moment my partner and I walked in, we were more than impressed. This restaurant is incredibly large and spacious, with beautiful Thai décor throughout that instantly made us feel as though we’d been transported to Thailand itself.

The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and perfect for a relaxed evening out. After being seated, we were handed a large menu which was packed with all of the classic Thai dishes you could hope for, making it difficult to decide what to eat!

and leek, wrapped in a perfectly crisp pastry. The accompanying hoisin sauce complemented them beautifully, adding a subtle sweetness to each bite.

For my main course, I decided to try something from the specials board, which changes weekly.

I chose the Crispy Belly Pork Panaeng with Coconut Rice, and it was easily one of the best Thai curries I’ve ever had. The belly pork was cooked to perfection: crispy on the outside while remaining soft and tender in the middle. The curry itself was beautifully balanced, with fresh coconut, fragrant kaffir lime leaf, and a warming chilli kick all coming through perfectly. Paired with the light, sticky coconut rice, the whole dish was outstanding.

To start, I opted for the Thai Fish Cakes, which had a lovely, fresh red curry flavour, with just the right amount of spice. They were served with a sweet chilli and peanut sauce that I’d never tried before - this sauce paired perfectly with the fish cakes, and really elevated the dish.

My girlfriend, Sammie, chose the Duck Spring Rolls. These were filled generously with tender duck

Sammie went for the Thai Season Nasi, a slightly spicy fried rice dish loaded with chicken, succulent king prawns, carrot, spring onion, and crunchy bean sprouts. It also came with a chicken satay skewer and satay sauce on the side. The dish tasted incredibly fresh, and was packed with vibrant flavours that would appeal to just about anyone. Overall, we had a fantastic meal and would highly recommend this hidden gem to anyone looking for authentic, flavour-packed Thai food. Whether it’s for a family outing, date night, or celebration, Thai Season is a wonderful choice. We honestly couldn’t recommend it enough, and will definitely be returning!

YOUR LOCAL GUIDE

Choosing where to eat in York doesn’t have to be difficult. We’ve selected a mix of trusted local venues, known for quality food, seasonal dishes and a consistently good experience.

The Learning Larder

Discover unique experiences with Michelin-starred chef Heléne Schoeman. Inspired by French cuisine and her South African heritage, Heléne offers Chef's Table dining experiences, cookery demonstrations and classes, and private chef services. Using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, guests can watch, learn, share great food and enjoy exceptional hospitality.

thelearninglarder.co.uk

hello@thelearninglarder.co.uk

Sojo Cafe & Bar

A welcoming cafe and bar in the heart of Acomb, serving breakfast, lunch, great coffee, sharing boards, pizza, quality wine and handcrafted cocktails. Offering a relaxed atmosphere where good food, good drink and good company come together.

01904 341074

50A York Road, Acomb

The Marrakesh

Savour the true, authentic flavours of Marrakesh right here in the heart of York. Whether you’re sharing a feast with friends, enjoying a relaxed meal with family, or treating someone special to a romantic evening for two, come and experience the vibrant, unforgettable tastes of Marrakesh.

01904 463318

8 Low Ousegate, YO1 9QU

Thai Season by Pritsana

Thai Season brings authentic Thai flavours to the heart of York. Enjoy freshly cooked, made-to-order Thai street food at the Shambles Market Food Court, or relax and dine in at the popular Bishy Road restaurant. Experience the best of both worlds with delicious food on the go, or a relaxed dining experience, all packed with incredible spices and genuine Thai taste.

01904 463248

21 Bishy Rd & York Shambles Mkt.

SHORT STORY OF THE MONTH

Bright Night Out

Thirteen Ways The Ouse Is In My Thoughts

After Wallace Stevens

Slow, and thick as secrets, you slide to York from Uskeld Beck.

Which way is Selby?

Which way Hull?

Where are your SUNWAC daughters in their hills?

River, I know in summer you lie low, exposing beaches at each bend,

while metal fishers hide in dips, wish for prizes more precious than old bike chains.

Spring snow melts down, overwhelms, you fill the streets, window sills breached. We come to gawk, ask one another are you flooded?

Fidget, twitch, a child in church, your surface furrowed, worried to go this way, go that. Calmly you still, willows preen in your mirror.

Unbearable heat: young men plunge into your mouth and you swallow; a cold night, a girl follows her friends but misses her footing. Will you return these children to their grieving mothers? We are so changeable, laughing in our boats, pulling at the oars, confident in your cradling.

In the dead before dawn you let the mist rise, your ghost follows.

Janet Dean Knight

Uskeld Beck, the old Norse name for Ouse Gill Beck, the source of the Ouse near Great Ouseburn, York SUNWAC – a mnemonic to remember the tributaries of the Ouse: Swale, Ure, Nidd, Wharfe, Aire, Calder.

Cows on Walmgate Stray

The sun has begun to disappear and it is time to move. I flick a light on, and take stock. I look around and see that all the other males are getting fired up.

I like the cows on Walmgate Stray who chew the cud and fart all day. I like their splotched and lumpy hides that cloak voluminous insides.

They twitch their tails against the flies, waggle their ears and blink their eyes.

None of this does any good, the fly is not to be withstood.

Yellow tags clipped to their ears distinguish each from all her peers. I always think their legs look too thin to support them but they do.

Sometimes you see them far away like yachts out on Montego Bay (but one is always solitary, on guard or sent to Coventry).

Blackberries ripen on Low Moor, the first leaves flutter to the floor. The cows have gone, their pats dried out or washed away like sand redoubts.

While human beings rant and rave the cows are statuesque and brave. I like the cows on Walmgate Stray who chew the cud and fart all day.

Duncan Chambers

I have to smile. Pierre says that his glow has made him the strongest, the quickest, but we all know that is not true. The lights are simply there for the females. They do not impress the rest of us at all.

As for the females, they are impressed with what you do, not how brightly you shine. I know who I am looking for and trying to impress. She smiled at me last night and I think that soon we will be close.

It’s not what you have, it’s what you do with it that counts. I look around and all of a sudden the forest is ablaze with golden light.

I see the two giant figures, who have come again to watch us. They are, thankfully, not trying to move through and amongst us. They are clumsy and there would be difficulties, perhaps casualties. We are not clumsy. I move gently towards the figures. As I move up I see the smaller one look at me and laugh, pointing. The figure is not small to me, of course. It is huge, and can be dangerous if they are

not paying attention.

They are paying attention though, they are busy watching. That is good. I smile, and then show my light once, twice and then a third time. I see her in the distance and she is looking in my direction. Good. We may spend hours together if this goes well.

I smile at her and move closer, seeing one of the large figures point at me, and then they laugh together.

I shrug. I am glad that they are having a good time. I have heard that further inland the lights that they make are confusing, but out here they are no threat.

I land next to my new love.

“Hello,” I say.

“Hello, light carrier,” she says. “How are you?”

I smile at her, and nod towards the figures.

“I am doing great, thanks. They are enjoying seeing us. How are you doing?”

She smiles. I have a feeling now and I smile back. I wonder if this is how the large creatures are feeling. If it is, I am very pleased for them.

The ‘Lampyridae’ are a family of elateroid beetles with more than 2,400 species, many of which are light emitting. They are often called fireflies or glowworms for their conspicuous production of light, mainly during twilight, to attract mates.

BY ROBIN LEWIS-LIGHT

Robin Lewis-Light lives in York, and loves to write.

& CULTURE Lifestyle

Eden Camp

BY CHARLIE GREENBANK

Eden Camp, a former prisonerof-war camp that’s been transformed into a historic museum, offers an immersive and informative experience, with workshops, playgrounds, vehicle demonstrations, and historical recreations that showcase wartime life.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with stunning displays of numerous artillery pieces and howitzers, as well as replicas of the iconic British Hurricane and Spitfire aircraft. As an avid fan of World War II aircraft (especially the Spitfire), this was one of my favourite parts of the visit!

The WW2 museum aims to show you what the war was like firsthand, and uses previous POW housing blocks as a walk-through living history exhibition, with each room representing a specific period during or after the war. One particularly memorable room was the Blitz experience, which simulates a totalled building crumbling, with speakers and flashing lights representing bombs falling from the sky, and mist surrounding the rubble. Details such as broken pipes, gushing water, and firemen trying to put out flames tied the experience together, making it feel vividly real.

overview of the contributions of various individuals to the war, which I found fascinating to read about. The museum also portrayed the life of prisoners of war with exceptional realism, with accounts of escape attempts and stories of individual prisoners displayed on the walls. Another memorable exhibit was dedicated to the Human Torpedoes, which included an original Human Torpedo on display, plus one replica - they were huge, with the Mk 2 being over 9 meters long! This room was very interactive, with video simulations and a miniature Human Torpedo in a water tank, which sank and rose with the turning of a small wheel, which was very popular with visiting young children - I had a go too! Another feature of Eden Camp I really enjoyed were the hundreds of models depicting warships, aircraft, and U-boats, which gave me the chance to take a closer look at their complex and interesting designs.

Slam Dunk Festival

Following Saturday’s successful opening day in Hatfield, Slam Dunk Festival arrived at Temple Newsam on Sunday, 24th May for the second half of its huge 20th anniversary celebration, and we headed down to see whether this milestone year could live up to the hype…

After previous years of rain, mud and battling the Yorkshire weather, 2026 instead brought us incredible weather from start to finish, with thousands of fans packing into Temple Newsam for a full day of pop-punk, emo, hardcore and metalcore favourites. The atmosphere throughout the day was buzzing! There were huge crowds at every stage, with fans singing along to almost every word from early afternoon right through to the final headliners.

The festival ran incredibly smoothly, with stages, bars and facilities all feeling well organised throughout the day, while food and drink queues were surprisingly manageable considering the size of the event when compared to previous years.

Musically, Slam Dunk absolutely delivered!

set-closer Cute Without The ‘E’ (Cut From The Team) was also one of those classic Slam Dunk moments that we won’t forget!

But for us, Sublime completely stole the show. Making their longawaited UK festival debut, the band drew one of the biggest crowds of the entire day, while Jakob Nowell did an incredible job stepping into his father Bradley’s shoes. Songs like Santeria, Wrong Way and The Ballad of Johnny Butt turned Temple Newsam into one huge singalong, with fans shouting every word back at the stage.

A whole room dedicated to the bombers of World War II provided further information about the Blitz, with stories of conflicts and spotters, tasked with identifying aircraft as friend or foe - we even got to try this ourselves!

Eden Camp provides a captivating

Eden Camp strikes the perfect balance between historical information and live experiencea great example of this occurred when two roaring armoured vehicles were driven out of the hangar; When you see these giant machines proudly paraded in the flesh, it hits you that they were actually instruments of destruction and protection, not just sitting museum pieces.

Overall, I had a great time, and I ended my visit by checking out some interestingly bullet-shaped thermoses and ice mould hand grenades….

Goldfinger proved they still know exactly how to work a festival crowd, with Superman and their legendary cover of 99 Red Balloons, which everyone was singing their hearts out to in the blazing Yorkshire heat.

If heavier music is more your thing, Currents absolutely did not disappoint. The Connecticut metalcore band delivered one of the most relentless sets of the entire day, packing the stage area with fans from start to finish.

Taking Back Sunday brought us the pure emo nostalgia we were there for, performing Louder Now in full for its 20th anniversary. Hearing the entire crowd scream along to

Good Charlotte then closed the night perfectly with a set packed full of classic hits, opening with The River and finishing with The Anthem to one final huge singalong under the Leeds sunset.

Twenty years in, it's easy to see why Slam Dunk remains one of the UK's most popular alternative music festivals. We had a brilliant day from start to finish, and are already looking forward to seeing what next year has in store!

Keep an eye on the Slam Dunk Festival website at www. slamdunkfestival.com for 2027 dates, line-up announcements and ticket information.

Lifestyle

York Early Music Festival

Since its foundation in 1977, York’s much-loved annual Early Music Festival has become known as the leading festival of its kind in the UK. This month, YEMF returns to the city with a bustling and diverse programme of events, including performances from world-class artists at some of York’s most historic and iconic venues, including York Minster, Bedern Hall, and the restored St Margaret’s Church, the home of the National

Centre for Early Music.

Following the theme ‘Beyond Borders’, this year’s festival will feature acclaimed guest musicians from all over the world, including The Sixteen, B’Rock Orchestra & Vocal Consort, Imago Mundi, and celebrated mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston. If you’re thinking of taking in a performance and you’re looking for a festival event to suit your tastes, check out our pick of the programme…

OUR PICK OF THE PROGRAMME

3 JULY

I FAGIOLINI, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall. 7.00pm-9.00pm.

4 JULY

YEMFRIENDS COFFEE CONCERT, NCEM, St Margaret’s Church. 10.30am-11.30am.

THE GREAT NOYZE, College Green, York Minster. 4.00pm.

THE SIXTEEN, York Minster. 7.30pm-9.30pm

5 JULY

MINSTER MINSTRELS, NCEM, St Margaret’s Church. 11.00am–12.00pm.

YORK MYSTERY PLAYS, ‘Stations’ performance areas. 11.00am-7.00pm. Visit yorkmysteryplays.co.uk for details.

THE EARLY MUSIC SHOW, NCEM, St Margaret’s Church. 5.00pm-6.00pm.

CONTRE LE TEMPS, NCEM, St Margaret’s Church. 8.30pm–9.30pm.

6 JULY

THOMAS DUNFORD LUTE, St Olave’s Church, Marygate. 1.00pm–2.00pm.

ROSE CONSORT OF VIOLS, Undercroft, Merchant Adventurers Hall. 6.00pm–7.00pm.

7 JULY

DISSONANCE, SIN AND COSMIC HARMONY: MUSIC IN THE THIRTY YEARS WAR, Bedern Hall. 10.30am–11.30am.

& CULTURE

BEN HORDAN ORGAN TO LÜBECK AND BACH, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York. 6.00pm–6.50pm.

8 JULY

STEVEN DEVINE CLAVICHORD, All Saints Church, North Street. 12.30pm–1.30pm.

YORKSHIRE BAROQUE SOLOISTS, Chapter House, York Minster. 7.30pm–8.45pm.

DUO GAMBELIN, Undercroft, Merchant Adventurers Hall. 9.30pm–10.30pm.

9 JULY

A GENTLE AIR, Merchant Taylors’ Hall. 7.00pm–8.15pm.

9 - 10 JULY

YORK INTERNATIONAL YOUNG ARTISTS COMPETITION INFORMAL RECITALS, NCEM, St Margaret’s Church. 10.30am–4.00pm.

10 JULY

SOLOMON’S KNOT, The Quire, York Minster. 7.30pm–9.30pm.

11 JULY

2026 YORK EARLY MUSIC

INTERNATIONAL YOUNG ARTISTS COMPETITION, NCEM, St Margaret’s Church. 10.00am–5.00pm.

12 JULY

OPERA NORTH LITTLE LISTENERS: MINI MAGIC FLUTE, NCEM, St Margaret’s Church. 1.30pm & 3.30pm.

From 3-5 July, Acomb will host York’s first international street art festival, AcombFest. Organised by York-based street art outfit Art of Protest, the festival will celebrate the unveiling of five new murals in the area, including a marine wildlife-themed piece which appeared next to Poppleton Road School in May. It will also provide local people with access to an extensive range of mostly free events, activities, workshops, and food and drink offers, taking place at various key locations in the area. Participating venues include West Bank Park, The Fox, Holgate Windmill, The Crooked Tap, The Carlton Tavern, Books & Bevs, Acomb Gateway Centre, Acomb Explore Library, The Hand, SOJO, and Inn on the Green. A bustling programme of live music from a wide range of local and visiting acts includes Bare Brass Band, The Dunwells, Karl Mullen, York Turnpike Trust, Pete Hale, Flour Power Sound System, Tri-Starss, DJ Sola, Josh Pulleyn, Charlie Swainton, The Mothers, Steam Pigeon, Melting

Pot, and Amy & Rob.

If you’re feeling peckish, there’ll be a smorgasbord of food on offer from much-loved local vendors, including Clucking Oinks, Fresh Bakes, Philly’s Woodfired Pizza and Bluebird Bakery, and, to wet your whistle, there’ll also be Yorkshire Beer & Cheese Tasting, Craft Beer & Speciality Cans, and Whisky Tasting with Spirit of Yorkshire and Tulum Spirits Collective.

There’ll also be an extensive range of workshops, exhibitions, classes and family-friendly events running across the weekend, including PaintJam, Water Art, Trapeze Classes, Acomb Artists’ Kids Art Classes, Hidden History, AOP Streetart Workshops, Posca Pebble Art, Open Cinema and Community Cinema screenings, an Acomb Green Space 5k Run, and a special Mini Beast Safari at Fishpond Woods!

AcombFest 2026 runs from 2-5 July. Visit www.acombfest.co.uk to find out more and see the full festival programme.

One of the longest-standing members of York Archaeology’s archaeology team, Jane McComish, has retired, after spending more than 40 years working on some of the region’s most important digs. Jane first joined the fieldwork archaeology team on contracts in 1982, participating in the Jewbury excavations and the dig at Tanner Row. She also investigated the Gilbertine Priory in Fishergate, and was part of the team that discovered 10th-century skeletons in coffins at the long-lost church of St Benet’s, two of which are now on display in JORVIK Viking Centre. Dr Paul Flintoft, regional manager for York Archaeology, said: “Jane is

truly one-of-a-kind. She is a font of knowledge about many different periods in York’s history. She will definitely be missed by the team here as she takes a well-earned retirement.”

Visit www.yorkarchaeology.co.uk to find out more about York Archaeology.

Lifestyle

OUTDOOR SUMMER SCREENINGS AT CASTLE

HOWARD WITH ADVENTURE CINEMA COVER STORY

Are you a local film lover looking for outdoor cinema screenings to celebrate the summer? Maybe you’re after a family-friendly outing at one of North Yorkshire’s best-loved stately homes, with a cinematic twist? From 17-19 July, Adventure Cinema, the group behind the UK’s premier open-air cinema experiences, will be bringing its unique brand of open-air film

FRIDAY, 17 JULY

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN SING-A-LONG (PG)

Gates open at 6.00pm. Visit www.adventurecinema. co.uk/event/the-greatestshowman-sing-a-long-at-castlehoward/ for tickets.

SATURDAY, 18 JULY

SING (U)

Gates open at 12.00pm. Visit www.adventurecinema.co.uk/ event/sing-at-castle-howard/ for tickets.

SATURDAY, 18 JULY

MAMMA MIA! EXTRABBAGANZA (PG)

Gates open at 6.00pm. Visit www. adventurecinema.co.uk/event/ mamma-mia-extrabbaganza-atcastle-howard/ for tickets.

screenings to Castle Howard for a family-friendly summer programme to remember. From special singalong screenings of Golden Globe and BAFTA-winning favourites to cinematic concerts, sweeping romances, and much-loved children’s classics, there’s plenty of family-friendly fare to enjoy in the sun at Castle Howard this month…

& CULTURE

EVEN MORE savings and experiences on offer for York theatregoers!

Following the extension of a showstopping partnership between Grand Opera House York, Ate O’Clock and Social8 Lounge, York theatregoers will now be able to enjoy a star lineup of delicious savings and experiences in the coming 12 months. This includes an extension of the 10% pre-show dining offer at Ate O’Clock, plus

an anytime 10% discount for preshow drinks, lunch, sharing plates, and post-show drinks at Social 8 Lounge. Delicious!

Visit www.atgtickets.com/york to stay up to date with Grand Opera House York, or visit www. ateoclock.co.uk to sign up for the latest updates from Ate O’Clock.

Amazing archaeological discovery now on display in York

SUNDAY, 19 JULY

BING AND HIS FRIENDS AT THE CINEMA! (U)

Gates open at 10.00am. Visit www.adventurecinema. co.uk/event/bing-and-hisfriends-at-the-cinema-at-castlehoward/ for tickets.

SUNDAY, 19 JULY

ANDREA BOCELLI: CINEMA (PG)

Gates open at 2.00pm. Visit www. adventurecinema.co.uk/event/ andrea-bocelli-cinema-at-castlehoward/ for tickets.

SUNDAY, 19 JULY

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (U)

Gates open at 6.30pm. Visit www. adventurecinema.co.uk/event/ pride-and-prejudice-at-castlehoward/ for tickets.

Bishy Road Bazaar returns to South Bank this month

On Sunday 19 July, Bishy Road Bazaar will once again transform Bishopthorpe Road Car Park into a bustling showcase featuring more than 30 local makers, creatives, artists, and traders, with plenty of community spirit guaranteed! Taking place from 11.00am to 3.00pm, this month’s Bishy Road Bazaar will lay bare the best that the jewel of South Bank has to offer, with buyers and browsers from the local community welcome to check

out a diverse selection of stalls, featuring handmade crafts, unique gifts, vintage finds, and locally produced goods. Visitors can expect a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the creativity and imagination of York’s makers and creatives, supported by the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

Next month’s Bishy Road Bazaar is scheduled for 23 August. To find out more or get involved, email bishyroadta@gmail.com today.

First discovered in 2021, the Melsonby Hoard is the largest hoard of Iron Age metalwork ever found in Great Britain. Encompassing 800 archaeologically significant finds, including weapons, vehicle fragments, horse harness adornments, and hundreds of other assorted items, it was first unearthed in the North Yorkshire village of Melsonby by metal detectorist Peter Heads.

A brand-new exhibition at the Yorkshire Museum, which lifts the lid on this unprecedented collection of items buried over 2000 years ago, is now open to visitors! For the first time, Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard showcases around 20% of the discovered objects, supported

by a fundraising campaign, plus a £192,096 National Heritage Memorial Fund grant.

The amazing array of Melsonby Hoard objects on display will also be accompanied by digital resources, interactive features, and a diverse events programme including everything from talks and community art exhibitions to family-friendly activities and creative sessions. Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard is not to be missed!

Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard is open until summer 2027 at the Yorkshire Museum, YO1 7FR. Visit www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk/ your-visit/tickets/ to book your tickets.

YORK AUTHOR PENS AWARD-WINNING DEBUT NOVEL

Rue Baldry, a local author who “fell in love with the city” after moving to York in 1988, released her acclaimed debut novel last month, which has already been awarded the esteemed First Novel Prize.

Set in post-World War One Northern England, Dwell follows the story of two traumatised young men, Edgar and Albert, who fall in love in 1919. In a glowing assessment of Baldry’s first published novel, Tom Benn, author of Oxblood, says: “This is a finely textured, compassionate historical debut that stages its queer, classdivided romantic psychodrama across the male battlegrounds of boarding school and the Great War.”

Baldry is no stranger to accolades, having been awarded a Jerwood/ Arvon Fiction Mentorship in 2015, the Emerging Writer Award in 2017,

and the 2023 Canada and Europe Commonwealth Short Story Prize for her story Lech, Prince and the Nice Things. Her first unpublished novel, Still, achieved second place in the 2019 Yeovil Prize, and in 2021, Baldry was also longlisted for the 2021 Women’s Prize/ Curtis Brown Discoveries Prize, which is designed to “address the specific challenges that women face as writers”. Baldry is also set to release a collection of short stories, Nice Things, later this year. Like Dwell, this collection traverses themes including identity, sexuality, and human connection across the industrial towns and satellite villages of Northern England.

Visit www.northodox.co.uk/ product-page/dwell-paperback to pick up your copy of Dwell. Visit www.ruebaldry.wordpress.com to find out more about Rue Baldry.

Lifestyle

INTERVIEWS • INTERVIEWS

Forward to Victory!

& CULTURE

INTERVIEWS

Visit WWI-era York with YTR Youth Theatre

This month, York Castle Museum’s recreated Victorian street, Kirkgate, will host a unique and immersive promenade performance of Forward to Victory, a YTR Youth Theatre production focusing on five York lads during the First World War. In anticipation, we caught up with York Theatre Royal’s Julian Ollive for a chat about propaganda, zeppelins, and the power of youth theatre… In Forward to Victory, five local lads dream of heading off to the Front. Why were so many young people drawn to the conflict?

In 1917, the narrative of war was set by the government. It was only propaganda and hearsay. I think the idea of propaganda posters and ‘doing your bit’ is quite an important part of the play, with young boys thinking that it’s exciting to go to war, whereas the reality is very different.

What makes the show so unique to our city, and how does it tie in with the York Castle Museum exhibition ‘1914 - When the World Changed Forever’?

It’s a play that couldn’t really be done elsewhere - it’s very Yorkspecific in terms of its references. It’s very much linked to its local context, from the Rowntree family, and the Cocoa Works, and zeppelin attacks in York, to local quakers and conscientious objectors. The writer, Rachel Barnett-Jones, spent a lot of time at the exhibition and the museum’s extensive archive, so it’s very much influenced by ‘1914When the World Changed Forever’. The play will be performed by the 11-14 Youth Theatre group. What does theatre have to offer to young people?

What drama does is ask you to step into other people’s shoes and see things from other people’s perspectives. In today’s world, understanding, compassion and empathy are key life skills, which drama inherently does - it gets you working together as a team and asks you to consider other points of view. Also, it’s just a very playful and fun environment. Being social and interacting with other young people is really crucial, and that’s something we are really passionate about.

It’s become even more important post-COVID, and we’re still building our Youth Theatre back from that time. I think there are still a lot of young people who feel a little bit nervous about coming out and interacting with others. What can young Yorkies expect from YTR Youth Theatre?

We very much want our young people to feel a sense of community and togetherness, as a group of people working towards a shared goal, with a shared love of theatre. We want to provide an opportunity for our young people to live creative lives!

Forward to Victory runs from 9-11 July. Visit www.yorktheatreroyal. co.uk/show/forward-to-victory to book.

Visit www.yorkcastlemuseum.org. uk/exhibition/1914-when-the-worldchanged-forever to find out more about the ‘1914 - When the World Changed Forever’ exhibition.

Visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/ be-part-of-it/children-and-youngpeople/youth-theatre to learn more about YTR Youth Theatre.

INTERVIEWS

INTERVIEWS

An Interview with Ben Robinson, Author of Finding Charlotte

Your Local Link’s very own Ben Robinson has now released his debut novel, Finding Charlotte, a deeply personal, one-of-a-kind fictionalised memoir based on real source documents and his own family history. We caught up with Ben to celebrate its release!

Caroline Street and York Minster feature prominently in Finding Charlotte. How important is York to the narrative, and are there any other local locations our readers may recognise?

It’s so crucial to the plot - it doesn’t just serve as the backdrop to the first part of the book, but in a strange way, it felt like a character itself. I think York is one of those cities that almost has a personality, and it acted as a plot driver. The unique lives in York’s slums made way for a lot of events, even down to the boom in the confectionery and railway industries, which shaped the lives we see in the book. Amongst many others, Blossom Street school was one of my favourite locations, as well as Aldwark – both these places had marred pasts, which made for some interesting research.

Seebohm Rowntree’s book ‘Poverty, A Study of Town Life’ played a key role in your research, and your own family were Rowntree workers. What would life have been like for Yorkies in the 1800s and early 1900s?

Like any city during that time, it varies, but what did strike me most about Rowntree’s poverty maps was the density of slums in York. When I first set out on my research, I imagined I’d find a lot of squalor, but that wasn’t really the case. The more I researched into social histories, the clearer it became that York felt like a real community,

even in hardship.

A notable local event covered in the book is the zeppelin raid of 1916what can you tell our readers about what happened that night?

So many people I speak to have no idea about the zeppelin raid, but I think it’s so fascinating. It was one of the first major wartime events for York, and for many residents , probably the first time they felt the war arrive in the city. The raid lasted barely a couple of hours, and sixteen bombs were dropped on the city that night, one of which hit only a few houses down from Charlotte’s family. There were a couple of further raids later that same year, but the city had built defences by that time. I read one passage that explained that in the penultimate raid, the only death was from shock.

Our readers may know you from your monthly book review column, but did any specific books or genres influence you when writing Finding Charlotte?

I really wanted to walk the line between a couple of genres, which can be complex to do when they don’t traditionally fit together. At its core, this book is a biography of my great-grandmother, but tying that to historical fiction was a challenge at times. When I first set out to write this, I wanted to keep it as close to reality as possible, but fictionalising elements of it gave me space to fill out the story without losing the original plot. I have always been an avid fan of history books, so doing the genre justice felt important…

Visit www.amazon.co.uk/ dp/1036964701 to purchase your copy of the book, or p43 to read Ben’s Book Reviews!

How LinkTeresting!

Lifestyle

Seeing as Adventure Cinema is bringing its family-friendly outdoor film screenings to Castle Howard this month, it seems only right for us to zoom in on York’s rich cinematic history, and enduring legacy at the pictures…

1. Did you know that York’s first purpose-built cinema was constructed in Fossgate in 1911? Originally named the Electric Cinema, it was renamed the Scala in 1951 before closing in 1957. Today, the building is home to Cosy Club, which is renowned for its cocktails. We’ll have a Margarita, please!

2. Before the Electric Cinema, film-loving Yorkies could catch screenings of early flicks at various locations around the city, including the Wesleyan Chapel at New Street, which was transformed into the Hippodrome Cinema in 1908.

3.

Garfield the cat hates Mondays and loves lasagne, but did you know that Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties (2006) used various York streets (most notably around Grand Opera House and The Lowther) as London doubles? Who needs The Big Smoke when we have Chocolate City?

4. Another iconic location featured in Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties is Castle Howard, but did you know that this stately home was also used in famous films including Brideshead Revisited (1981 & 2008), Victoria (2013), and Testament of Youth (2014)?

5.

York Minster also featured in Testament of Youth, but did you know that, in the multi-award-winning Elizabeth (1998), the Minster was used as a substitute for Westminster Abbey?

6. Charles Kingsley’s classic Victorian children’s novel The Water-Babies follows a North Yorkshire chimney sweep, but did you know that the 1978 film

adaptation relied heavily on York city centre locations, as well as nearby Malham Cove and Denton Hall?

7. More recently, the streets of York have been used as filming locations for a wide range of flicks, including Amazon Prime’s My Dad’s Christmas Date (2020) and even a Bollywood actionadventure movie, Commando 3 (2019)! The Secret Garden (2020) also made prominent use of Helmsley Walled Garden and Duncombe Park, just down t’road!

8. Our city is home to a thriving theatrical community, but did you know that York has produced more than its fair share of famous silver screen actors? Talented performers from the city include Dame Judi Dench (Philomena, Shakespeare in Love), educated at The Mount, and Mark Addy (Game of Thrones, The Full Monty, A Knight’s Tale), who attended Joseph Rowntree School.

9.

Another famous face from York is David Bradley, who was educated at St George’s Secondary Modern School (now All Saints Catholic School), and played Jesus in the 1976 Mystery Plays. You’ll probably recognise David from films including Hot Fuzz, The World’s End, and the Harry Potter series, where he played the menacing caretaker, Argus Filch.

10.Speaking of the famous boy wizard, did you know that in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001), York Railway Station was used as a filming location in place of London King’s Cross? It’s also said that the Shambles inspired the series’ filmic depiction of Diagon Alley…

Turn to p39 to find out more about upcoming Adventure Cinema screenings at Castle Howard. Do you have any silver screen memories or facts about York’s past in film? Let us know by emailing info@yourlocallink.co.uk today!

& CULTURE

Hidden Villages to

visit in North Yorkshire this Summer

If you’re thinking of getting away from it all this summer without straying too far from home, North Yorkshire is packed with charming villages to suit every taste. Whether you’re after a casual day out with the family, a scenic drive in the countryside, a splash-about at the seaside, or an extended stay in the sticks, we’ve narrowed down some of the best villages worth a visit within easy reach of York. How many are you familiar with?

traversing the coast this summer. And, as the busiest active fishing village in the county, it’s the perfect place for seafood lovers!

Gunnerside

Hutton-le-Hole

Situated within the North York Moors National Park, around 7 miles from Pickering, this stunning village is steeped in history. Best recognised by the Hutton Beck moorland stream, Hutton-le-Hole offers local attractions including the Ryedale Folk Museum, which holds regular art exhibitions and is a great place to soak up the heritage of this particular pocket of God’s Own County.

Ravenscar

Situated in Swaledale, between Muker and Grinton, Gunnerside is best known for its Grade II listed bridge (which is thought to date from 1892 in its current form) and extensive foot tracks, which are beloved by hikers and ramblers. With strong historic ties to lead mining, Gunnerside remains a certified gem in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Harome

Favoured by fossil hunters due to its rocky coves and dramatic clifftops, Ravenscar is a lesserknown coastal village that’s well worth stopping off at this summer. While it’s often discovered on foot (or by bike) via the Cleveland Way and Cinder Track routes, Ravenscar remains somewhat of a hidden gem, nestled on the coast around 10 miles north of Scarborough.

Staithes

Located just 24 miles northeast of York, Harome is a quaint and beautiful village that remains one of the best untouched examples of its kind in all of North Yorkshire. With just 109 households and a population of 261 circa 2011, Harome is home to a startling number of listed buildings for its small size, including The Hollies, St Saviour’s Church and The Vicarage.

Grassington

While this charming village may be one of the most famous in our list, its endearing mix of cobbled streets, picturesque seaside accommodation, and stark natural beauty ensures that it’s well worth your time if you’re

Best known as the filming location for All Creatures Great and Small, Grassington is a gem of the Yorkshire Dales. Situated in Wharfdale, close to Linton and Hebden, this charming village is a magnet for hikers, cultural explorers and tourists alike, and is famed for its Christmas Markets, shows, and annual 1940s weekend.

Do you know any hidden gems in North Yorkshire that we’ve missed out? Email info@yourlocallink and let us know… your pick of hidden villages could well appear in a future issue!

Lifestyle

& CULTURE

Haunted or Hoax?

I'll level with you: I am not, by any meaningful metric, a believer in the supernatural. And yet if you ask me whether I think ghosts exist, I'll tell you, with some embarrassment, that I genuinely don't know what I think.

There’s a particular thrill in being told that the ground beneath your feet is riddled with the restless dead. If you walk through York on any given evening, you’ll pass a litany of ghost tour guides steering wide-eyed visitors all over the city centre, lowering their voices at strategic intervals for dramatic effect. The city has built a considerable mythology around its supposed status as the most haunted in the world, and frankly, we’re very good at it.

So, when I set out to investigate York's famous reputation as the most haunted city in the world, I came to it not as a sceptic, but as someone who actually wouldn’t mind being proven wrong.

The claim itself traces back to a group known as the Ghost Research Foundation International, which apparently catalogued 504 hauntings within the city walls. For years, this figure has been enthusiastically reproduced by tourism boards and local press alike. But, there’s a rather significant snag…

The Ghost Research Foundation International does not appear to exist. The only references I could find to its existence were the very articles citing it in relation to York, each one playing pass the parcel with the statistic without ever once asking where it came from.

When I went looking for this organisation- a website, an academic record, a Wikipedia page, anything - every single result I found referred exclusively back to York. The claim appeared to originate from a 2008 BBC article. The closest real match I could find was the Ghost Research Society, which operates out of Chicago.

None of this should necessarily put you off a ghost tour. York's history is so rich that the city barely needs embellishing. A Roman garrison town, a Viking capital, a medieval trading hub, the site of one of England's bloodiest massacres - if anywhere has earned the right to spin a yarn here and there, it’s probably York.

And there are accounts worth paying attention to; In 1953, an eighteen-year-old apprentice named Harry Martindale was carrying out restoration work in the cellar of the Treasurer's House when he described watching a procession of Roman soldiers march clean through the basement wall. My initial instinct was to file Harry’s story under "overworked teenager in a dark cellar." But Martindale's account contains a detail that gave later historians pause. He described the soldiers as carrying rounded shields, rather than the rectangular scutum shape that had long been considered standard Roman issue. At the time, this was widely used to dismiss his account entirely.

Roman shields were thought for a long time to have been exclusively in the ‘Scutum’ shape, which is a rectangular, semi-cylindrical version of Roman shield that was

How the folklore of York’s ghost tourism came to be.

used with great success during the height of the Roman Empire. Thus, when Martindale gave his account of these shields as having been rounded, and the soldiers wearing leather sandals strapped to their knees, his perception of these spiritual sightings was widely discounted. According to modern accounts, it was only in more recent years that archaeological discoveries uncovered that auxiliary soldiers (like those that would’ve been stationed in York during its Roman occupation) would have worn rounded shields. Thus, Harry's story gained widespread repute, and sudden credibility. It’s a compelling story, and one that was picked up by the various proponents of the supposed haunted history in the city. Unfortunately, there are some holes in the account…

that the detail about the shields seems to have arrived rather later in the telling, once Martindale had begun receiving visitors at the Treasurer's House in the 1970s.

The most haunted city in the world.

The earliest version we have of Martindale’s

None of which means he was lying. Memory is an unreliable narrator. Details get added and reshaped by things we've read or heard, without realising it. But it does mean that York's most famous ghost story, like the organisation responsible for counting its hauntings, is built on foundations that don't entirely bear the weight being placed on them. What Treasurer's House undoubtedly offers, regardless of your position on the supernatural, is one of the finest historic interiors in York. The cellar in question is accessible on regular tours, and there is something deeply compelling about standing in a space that has been generating stories for over seven centuries. The building itself dates to at least the twelfth century and contains a collection of furniture spanning five hundred years. It is, by any measure, worth the visit.

decades later, in the 1970s, when he began recounting the story to Treasurer's House visitors. Furthermore, the supposed digs that elevated Harry’s credibility don’t appear to exist, by any retrievable account.

In fact, rounded shields had been found in excavations of Dura Europos long before Harry ever set foot in Treasurer's House. It's also worth noting that the earliest recorded interview with Martindale contains no description of the soldiers' uniforms whatsoever, and

York's haunted reputation, phantom foundation and all, has given the city a story it tells about itself with considerable panache. Whether or not you believe a word of it, the streets that inspired it are real, and the history underneath them is incredible. Sometimes, a good story is its own justification. But if you’re nervous about catching sight of a malevolent spirit, I think you’re probably safe.

BY THEO MELLORS

BEN’S

BOOK REVIEWS

It has only been a couple of months since I told you about some of my favourite historical reads, but it feels apt to share a few more. I have added a couple of historical fiction books, as well as some general historical non-fiction, so hopefully there is something for everyone. Happy reading!

The

Artist by

Lucy Steeds

This book is a historical fiction novel set in Provence, France, in 1920. The story follows Joseph, an aspiring journalist, who visits the remote home of the famous but reclusive painter Édouard Tartuffe. It is there that he meets Tartuffe’s niece, whose life has been shaped by her uncle’s artistic ambitions and controlling nature. As secrets begin to emerge, the novel explores the sacrifices made in the pursuit of art. With vivid descriptions of the French countryside and richly developed characters, this book is both a mystery and a coming-of-age tale.

The Bridgerton book series

by

Julia Quinn

I think that by now, most people have heard of Netflix’s famous adaptation of the Bridgerton book series, but as they say, nothing quite beats the original! Spanning eight books, the series tells the tale of the Bridgerton children and their subsequent love stories, from whirlwind romances between the Duke and Daphne, to secret bubbling love affairs that span several books. This unique twist on the Regency period offers a fictionalised insight into the world of aristocratic marriage, and adds in some drama to keep you invested.

The

Written by Kerry Lakey

Following the Footsteps of Film and TV Icons Set-Jetting:

Travel inspiration today comes in many forms, from TV shows such as Race Across the World & Cruising with Jane McDonald, to an increasing number of travel bloggers embracing "set-jetting" –the planning of holidays around the filming locations of their favourite movies and TV shows. From tropical islands to picturesque European lakes, these destinations offer fans the chance to step directly into scenes they know and love.

visitors following in Meryl Streep’s footsteps, climbing its 199 stone steps.

Over in the USA, in suburban Illinois, the famous house from Home Alone has become a pop-culture landmark. The red-brick residence, where Kevin McCallister famously outsmarted two bungling burglars, continues to attract visitors eager to see the exterior of one of cinema's most recognisable homes. For many, it offers a nostalgic connection to a holiday classic that has endured for generations.

English House by

Dan Cruickshank

As a lover of history myself, place and buildings often factor into my understanding of how history is remembered. In his book The English House, Dan Cruickshank delves into eight houses across Britain to reveal how architecture reflects the lives and social changes of different eras. Cruickshank examines each house in detail, uncovering the stories of the people who lived there and the historical events that shaped them. Blending architectural analysis with social history, the book offers a fascinating perspective on how homes preserve memories, and provides insight into the development of British society over the centuries. This is the perfect easy read for anyone wanting to avoid the heavy history books that often define the genre.

The Witches: Salem, 1692

by Stacy Schiff

The Witches: Salem, 1692 is a fantastic work that examines the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692. Drawing on extensive historical records, Schiff reconstructs the events that led to mass accusations of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts. She explores how fear, religion, political instability, and personal vendettas fuelled the trials. The book focuses on the individuals caught up in the events and reveals how the concept of witches devastated an entire community. Rich in detail and vivid storytelling, The Witches offers both a gripping account of a historical tragedy and an insightful study of mass fear and human behaviour.

BY BEN ROBINSON

WANT MORE INSPIRATION ON BOOKS TO READ?

Find more of Ben’s Book Reviews on our website at: www.yourlocallink.co.uk

One of the most spectacular examples is Hawaii, where dramatic landscapes inspired much of James Cameron's Avatar. While Pandora itself was created through visual effects, the ‘Big Island’ Hawaii’s lush rainforests, towering cliffs and pristine coastlines helped to shape the film's otherworldly aesthetic. Visitors can hike through verdant valleys, explore volcanic terrain, and experience the natural beauty that influenced one of cinema's most visually stunning worlds.

For those seeking glamour and sophistication, Italy's Lake Como remains a dream destination thanks to Casino Royale. In the film's closing scenes, Daniel Craig's James Bond retreats to an elegant lakeside villa surrounded by the region's breathtaking scenery. Today’s visitors can choose to cruise across the lake, take a visit to historic villas such as Villa del Balbianello, or relax and take in the views from a lakeside restaurant.

In Greece, the island of Skopelos continues to welcome fans of Mamma Mia!. Complete with its whitewashed churches, turquoise waters and sun-drenched hillsides, the island captured the carefree spirit of the beloved musical. The clifftop St. John’s chapel, featured prominently in the film, has seen

Across the globe, another fictional world has transformed a real-life location into a tourism hotspot. Matamata, New Zealand, is home to Hobbiton, the meticulously preserved set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Rolling green hills, charming hobbit holes and the iconic Green Dragon Inn allow visitors to immerse themselves completely in Middleearth. What began as a temporary film set has become one of New Zealand's most popular attractions.

An increasing number of travellers are being inspired by the popular drama Yellowstone. Although filming takes place across several locations, Montana's vast ranches, mountain ranges and rugged landscapes embody the spirit of the Dutton family's world. Visitors can experience horseback riding, fly fishing and wide-open wilderness while discovering the scenery that has helped make the series a global phenomenon.

Wherever in the world you are considering visiting, we would love to chat through your plans and work to make these plans come to fruition. Visit us at 88 Main Street, Fulford or call 01904 623444.

& BEAUTY Your Health

THE SUMMER GLOW GUIDE

Whether you're jetting off abroad, enjoying sunny weekends at home or simply refreshing your routine, our Summer Glow Guide is packed with beauty must-haves for the season ahead. From skincare and fragrance to haircare and self-care treats, discover products designed to help you glow all summer long.

WILD ROSE BODY WASH

Starting at £6.49 from faithinnature.co.uk

Bring a little luxury to your daily routine. Infused with rose centifolia oil and organic rosehip seed oil, this nourishing body wash helps cleanse and care for skin while surrounding you with a beautifully floral aroma. Made with 99.5% natural origin ingredients and available in refill sizes.

WHITE CLAY POWDER – 100G

£6.25 from frenchsoaps.co.uk

Treat yourself to a spa-style skin reset. Made from 100% pure kaolin clay, this gentle face mask helps cleanse and refine the complexion without stripping moisture. Suitable for sensitive skin, it can also be used as a soothing body or scalp treatment.

SERUM INFUSED BRONZING PEARLS

£25 from uk.oriflame.com

Fake that summer glow with ease. These pigment-rich bronzing pearls can be used to blush, highlight and contour, creating a radiant, airbrushed finish. Infused with hyaluronic acid and certified by The Vegan Society™, they combine makeup with skincare-inspired ingredients.

Gold Shell Claw Clip, £7, marksandspencer.com

Embroidered fish bucket hat 3739/073/712, £19.99, zara.com

Pure Cotton Canvas Graphic Tote Bag, £16, marksandspencer.com

P20 SENSITIVE FACE SPF50+ (50G)

£24.99 from Amazon, Boots, Sainsbury's, Superdrug, Tesco and Waitrose

Protect sensitive skin this summer. Developed specifically for the face and neck, this fast-absorbing SPF50+ sunscreen offers high UVA and UVB protection while helping to moisturise and support the skin barrier. Fragrance-free, water resistant and dermatologically tested.

HAIR & SCALP RECOVERY ELIXIR

£53 from gffabulosity.com

Give sun-stressed hair some extra care. This intensive hair and scalp treatment combines amla, rice aminos, baobab oil and argan oil to help nourish, hydrate and smooth hair. The silicone-free formula is designed to support healthier-looking, softer and more manageable locks.

SPA CEYLON AYURVEDA FORESTVEDA CALMING RICH BODY CREAM

£38 from spaceylon.co.uk

Give your skin some summer self-care. This fastabsorbing body cream combines virgin coconut oil, essential oils and FOREST THERAPY® technology to help nourish and hydrate skin. Designed to soothe the senses, it leaves skin feeling softer, smoother and comforted.

Gina Tricot angled oval sunglasses in brown tortoise print, £13.00, asos.com

Beach Ready

Be beach-ready this summer and keep up with the latest trends to feel fresh and confident on your holidays. Take a look at our favourite outfit picks and accessories for inspiration.

Blue Striped Drawstring Waist Beach Shorts, £16.99, newlook.com

Braided flat sandals, 2644/ 710/002, £39.99, zara.com

Short crochet dress 8779/170/712, £39.99, zara.com

Natural fibre shopper bag with metallic detail, £49.99, shop. mango.com

Registered practitioner. Friendly, gentle, fast service in your home.

Ear wax removal via microsuction, covering York and most of North Yorkshire. Both ears £65

Mellony Pinkney BScHons

T: 07960 008179

E: earwaxaway@yahoo.com

W: www.earwaxaway.co.uk

EAR WAX REMOVAL

Care

& Trusts Lasting Powers of Attorney

Understand how to protect your assets for your children and grandchildren.

Enable your family to legally help you when you’re less able to do things yourself.

“Absolutely superb service”

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“Very professional and personable”

“Explained everything in plain English”

(Pre-booked

Wednesday

Saturday

Thursday

& PETS Families

Vital support for Yorkies in need!

YorCommunity Wellbeing Hub extends its opening hours

First launched in October last year, the Acomb Garth-based YorCommunity Wellbeing Hub provides vital support for local residents and families living in the west of York, an area that was previously relatively underserved. As the second hub of its kind to be launched in the city, YorCommunity Wellbeing Hub combines local NHS, Council and voluntary service delivery to provide wellbeing and mental health support, including support with ADHD and autism, for those aged 18 and over.

While the hub is committed to eventually opening 24/7, providing much-needed urgent care and round-the-clock support for locals most in need, it has recently announced an extension of its

current opening hours, which means greater access for both drop-ins and appointments. The current Acomb Garth YorCommunity Wellbeing Hub opening hours are as follows:

• Mon: 8am-8pm (Drop-ins) Tue: 8am-8pm (Appointments)

• Wed: 8am-8pm (Drop-ins)

• Thu: 8am-8pm (Appointments) Fri: 8am-8pm (Drop-ins)

• Sat: 8am-5pm (Drop-ins), 5pm-8pm (Appointments)

• Sun: Closed Visit www.yorcommunity wellbeinghub.org to find out more about YorCommunity Wellbeing Hub. Call 01904 553060 or visit www.yorcommunitywellbeinghub. org/contact-3 to get in touch.

CUT OUT AND KEEP!

A-Z: LOCAL ADVICE & SUPPORT

In need of a helping hand? Struggling to manage your budget, pay your bills, or access benefits? Cut out and keep this helpful A-Z of local advice and support services!

AGE UK YORK

01904 634 061 www.ageuk.org.uk/york

CAP DEBT ADVICE 0800 3280006 www.capuk.org/i-want-help

CITIZENS ADVICE 03444 111 444 www.citizensadviceyork.org.uk

CYC BENEFITS ADVISERS 01904 552 044 www.york.gov.uk/benefitsadvice

CYC BENEFITS CALCULATOR www.york.gov.uk/ benefitscalculator

CYC COUNCIL TAX SUPPORT www.york.gov.uk/counciltax

CYC CUSTOMER SERVICES 01904 551 558 / 01904 551 550

CYC HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT FUND www.york.gov.uk/benefits

CYC HSF BENEFITS ADVISER 01904 555 006 www.york.gov.uk/benefitsadvice

INDEPENDENT DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICE (IDAS) 03000 110 110 www.idas.org.uk

LOCAL AREA COORDINATORS 01904 554 661 www.york.gov.uk/LACDirectory

OLDER CITIZENS ADVOCACY (OCAY) 01904 676 200

www.oldercitizensadvocacy. org.uk

PEASHOLME CHARITY 01904 466 866

www.peasholmecharity.org.uk

YORK CARERS CENTRE 01904 715 490

www.yorkcarerscentre.co.uk

YORK TALK MONEY

www.livewellyork.co.uk/ talkmoney

Summer fun at Queen Ethelburga’s - without the homework!

Looking for new ways to keep your kids entertained over the holidays? Keen on making the most of state-of-the-art facilities, award-winning food, and expert care once the school term is over?

Queen Ethelburga’s, an awardwinning independent, coeducational day and boarding school in North Yorkshire, offers a variety of fun and engaging Holiday Camps for all ages, with courses and activities delivered by expert independent coaching staff. Your child does not have to be a QE student to get involved - all are welcome!

Camp QE - Open to non-QE students, Camp QE can be enjoyed by all children up to Year 11. Age groups include Minis (Age 3 - Year 1), Juniors (Years 1-7), and Seniors (Years 7-11). Each day is varied and packed with fun activities, including sports, games and arts and crafts.

Football Camp - Run in partnership with Mike Phelan Coaching, these exclusive oneweek Summer Football Camps are perfect for budding ballers aged 10-17. Combining on-thepitch learning, elite coaching and gameplay with engaging classroom education, QE Football Camp is a guaranteed winner for footie-mad kids looking for something to do over the holidays.

Holidays at QE - Currently only available to QE students, Holidays at QE offer children the chance to unwind between school terms in a home-awayfrom-home environment. As well as 24/7 pastoral care and the chance to socialise with friends, the programme features fun evening activities ranging from music sessions and team games to swimming, baking and yoga.

International Summer School - Designed to showcase British boarding school life to international students aged 7-17, this Summer School includes three weeks of English language learning, plus one week dedicated to football, cricket or forensic science. Attendees will also get the chance to embark on one trip per week to locations including Oxford, Manchester, and London.

Cricket Camp - Combining elite coaching, sports science workshops and competitive match play, this intensive one-week programme offers students aged 10-17 the chance to train with former IPL player Shrikant Wagh, and former YCCC coach Dan Ranasinghe. The programme includes key skills development and important aspects of recovery, fitness, and nutrition.

Forensic Science CampDesigned for budding scientists aged 13-17 and run in partnership with Think Forensic, these oneweek courses enable students to take part in real forensic science investigations, and even gather clues and analyse evidence at a full-scale, interactive crime scene!

StageCamp QE - Formerly known as Musical in a Week, this high-quality Summer Stage School equips young performers in the making (aged 5-14) with the skills and confidence they need to learn and perform a musical in just four days! The theme of this year’s musical is ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’!

Visit www.qe.org to get in touch or find out more about the current range of Holiday Camps and Courses available at Queen Ethelburga’s.

& PETS Families

SUCCESS STARTS CLOSER TO HOME AT THE UNIVERSITY

OF YORK

Many people imagine university means moving away, starting fresh and leaving home behind. But for hundreds of University of York students, success looks different, and it starts closer to home. Choosing to commute doesn’t mean compromising on experience - it means shaping university life around what matters most to you.

With a world-class university on your doorstep, you can access exceptional teaching, excellent facilities and a vibrant student life, while staying connected to your local community. Whether you want to keep your parttime job, remain close to family commitments, or simply make a financially practical choice, commuting gives you flexibility without limiting your ambition. York values commuting students as an essential part of its campus community. You’ll join a college, build friendships, and take part in everything that makes the university experience memorable, while returning home at the end of the day.

The campus support is designed with commuter life in mind. From dedicated facilities to practical campus resources, York helps to make every day work around you. You can make use of on-site parking, lockers, food & drink venues, study spaces and gyms, creating a balance between study, social time and everyday life.

Eligible local students can apply now for a £250 award, designed to help them get started and make the most of their university experience from day one.

York also offers a potential guaranteed offer or interview for applicants who meet course requirements and live within Yorkshire, the Humber or Tees Valley regions with Home fee status. Eligibility is assessed automatically through your UCAS application, making the process straightforward and accessible. See the online postcode checker for more information and eligibility criteria.

Find out more and learn how to apply at York.ac.uk/commuter. You don’t have to go far to go far!

WORRYING ABOUT FAMILY FINANCES?

Get vital support from York Talk Money!

Are you struggling to keep your household running amidst the rising cost of living? Looking for new ways to make your money go further each month? In need of some extra support to help you deal with bills, benefits, debt, and savings?

Our city is expensive to live in, and poverty has become an increasingly prevalent issue for York families. It can be difficult to open up about financial difficulties, but it’s important to remember that talking about money with a trusted professional can help to boost financial literacy, confidence, and resilience. First established in 2021, York Talk Money provides expert support for local people finding it difficult to make ends meet. From advice related to budgeting, managing outgoings and day-to-day spending, to help with accessing benefits you’re entitled to, dealing with problem debts, setting up savings

accounts, and facing both planned and unplanned events with your finances intact, York Talk Money is here for you!

YORK TALK MONEY ADVICE SESSIONS THIS MONTH:

8 JULY Acomb WMC, YO24 3BZ. 10.00am-2.00pm.

12 JULY York Community Stadium, YO32 9AF. 10.00am-3.00pm.

Visit www.livewellyork.co.uk/ talkmoney to find out more about York Talk Money or to get in touch with the team. Visit p57 to see tips from York Talk Money to help your money go further this summer.

ASK A VET & PETS Families

Tick Awareness: Protecting Your Pets This Summer

As the weather warms up and we spend more time outdoors, so do our pets. Unfortunately, summer also brings an increase in ticks, small parasites that can pose a significant health risk to both animals and people.

Ticks are most commonly found in long grass, woodland areas, heathland and parks. They attach themselves to passing animals and feed on blood before dropping off. Dogs are particularly at risk because of the amount of time they spend exploring outdoors, but cats can also pick up ticks, especially if they roam in rural areas.

Many pet owners are surprised to learn that ticks can be active throughout much of the year, although numbers tend to peak during the warmer months. After a walk, it is a good idea to check your pet thoroughly, paying particular attention to the ears, neck, face, armpits and between the toes. Ticks can vary in size, from a tiny speck to a small pea once they have fed. Ticks feed by latching onto the animal, piercing the skin and sucking blood.

Give Us a Home

Snod

1 Year, Female

direction several times until the tick becomes loose. Once removed, inspect the area carefully to ensure no parts of the tick remain embedded in the skin.

Prompt and correct tick removal is essential to reduce the risk of disease transmission and skin irritation. Special tick-removal tools are widely available and are the safest way to remove a tick completely. To remove a tick, carefully slide the tool underneath the tick until it is securely held, then gently twist in a clockwise

While many tick bites cause little more than local irritation, ticks can carry infections. In the UK, one of the best-known tick-borne diseases is Lyme disease, which can affect both humans and dogs. Symptoms may include lethargy, fever, lameness and swollen joints. Although cases in pets remain relatively uncommon, awareness is important, particularly for those living in or visiting areas where ticks are prevalent. Prevention remains the best form of protection for those pets at risk. Modern veterinary parasite-control products can help repel or kill ticks before they have the opportunity to feed. Your veterinary practice can advise on the most appropriate treatment for your pet based on its lifestyle and risk factors. Here at Bishopton Vets, our Lifetime Care Club health plan includes a bespoke, risk-based parasite control plan for your pet, using the latest diagnostic advances. By remaining vigilant and taking simple preventive measures, pet owners can continue to enjoy the great outdoors with their animals while reducing the risk posed by these unwelcome hitchhikers. If you find a tick on your pet or have concerns about tick-borne disease, contact your veterinary practice for advice.

Snod is a lively tabby with a big personality and an even bigger voice. Snod came from a home with over 20 cats, so she will need patient adopters who can help her settle into a new environment. She can be a little hand-shy so a calm, predictable home will suit her best, without other animals or young children. If you’re looking for a cat with charm, sass, and plenty to say for herself, Snod could be the perfect addition to your home.

Padfoot

1 Year, Female

Padfoot is looking for a calm, understanding home where she can build her confidence. Having come from a multi-cat household, she has found the move quite overwhelming and is currently feeling shy and unsure. Padfoot will need adopters who are happy to give her the time and space she needs while she adjusts and gains confidence.

Cooper 2 years, Male

Cooper is a very loving and playful boy who is shy to begin with, but once settled, will make a wonderful addition to a family. He had a tough start and missed out on early learning and socialising, but Cooper is learning to come out of his shell and loves his walks and zoomies off the lead.

Paul

4 Years,

Male

Paul is a sweet-natured dog who came to the centre after he was found living in awful conditions. He is trying to gain some weight so his exercise is being monitored closely at the moment, but he loves to play and loves his toys. He is friendly and affectionate and looking for adoptors that can show him everything he has been missing.

Bentley

10 years, Male

Bentley has come to the centre from RSPCA Hull after not receiving much interest there. Bentley is a loving and affectionate dog who will make a really loyal best friend. He needs adopters with experience of dogs, who can help him settle into new surroundings and keep him safe.

Madri

7 Years, Female

Madri is shy but a very sweet and loyal girl, who came to the centre as part of a multi-dog prosecution case. She is now quite nervous, but her confidence is growing and she always looks for support if she’s feeling nervous. Madri is looking for a home with a secure garden and interesting places to explore, with a family who will be patient with her.

To adopt one of the dogs visit www.rspca-yorkhome.org. uk/adopt-an-animal or for the cats, visit www.cats.org.uk/ york#adopt-17600

THE MONTH Charity

York Community Furniture Store

Community Furniture Store is a community-minded charity that provides access to high-quality, affordable pre-loved furniture, homeware, and electrical items, with proceeds from each and every purchase helping to fund charitable work across our region. First launched in 1988, York Community Furniture Store was the first to open, followed by stores in Selby and Scarborough. Whether you’re kitting out a new property, sprucing up or refurbishing your home, embarking on a new style of décor, or simply looking for quality furniture and homeware at bargain prices, York Community Furniture Store is a reliable place to do your shopping!

However, York Community Furniture Store’s charitable efforts are not confined to just furniture and homeware. The charity runs an IT ReUse initiative, which was set up in 2019 to counteract the growing digital divide in York. Through this project, local people can donate pre-loved or out-of-use digital devices, which are securely wiped, refurbished, and repaired, before being given out for free to people in need who may have problems accessing technology. The store also accepts pre-loved bicycle donations for the Selby Community Bike Project, a partnership venture with Up for Yorkshire and Cogs Cycles, in which repaired and refurbished bikes are given out for free (complete with a helmet, lights

and lock) to local people most in need.

If you’d like to do your bit to help out in person, the charity offers flexible opportunities for local people to get involved and volunteer across all areas of the organisation. Current opportunities in the York store include assisting with administration tasks, merchandising and arranging stock, repairing preloved items in-store, and sales assistant roles, including working on the tills. If you’re a driver, you could also help out with carrying out van deliveries and collections of furniture across the local area. The York Community Furniture Store team is also currently on the lookout for donations, each of which can go a long way in helping to better support our local community. The charity is actively looking for donations including pieces of furniture, decorative

homeware, small electrical goods, and soft furnishings. If you’re thinking of donating some furniture, please note that all items must be in good, saleable condition. Soft furnishings should have their relevant fire labels attached, and any electricals should retain a relevant CE stamp.

Keep up the good work, York Community Furniture Store!

York Community Furniture Store is located at Unit 29, The Raylor Centre, James Street, YO10 3 DW. The store is open from 9.00am-4.30pm on Monday to Saturday, and closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Visit www.communityfurniturestore. co.uk or follow York Community Furniture Store on Facebook to get in touch, register your interest as a volunteer, or find out more.

York Manor Care Home

York Manor redefines senior living, offering a spacious and thoughtfully designed environment that ensures comfort and elegance. Residents enjoy an exceptional lifestyle experience, supported by our commitment to care and quality. We invite you to discover our home because it’s always the right time to embrace the luxury care you deserve.

Gareth Southgate opens new-look Martin House Children’s Hospice

Last month, Your Local Link was invited to attend the grand opening of the new-look Martin House Children’s Hospice building, where the ribbon was cut by none other than ex-England Manager, Sir Gareth Southgate!

Southgate, a proud Martin House ambassador, said: “Seeing firsthand the difference Martin House makes for children - giving them somewhere to escape and feel supported - has really stayed with me. It’s that personal, tailored care that makes it so powerful. I have huge admiration for the work they do for children, families, and the wider Yorkshire community. The hospice is a vital support for local families, and it genuinely transforms the lives of young people with life-shortening conditions every single day.”

The opening marks the completion of THE BUILD, a major £21.9m redevelopment project designed to safeguard the future of children’s palliative care across Yorkshire. New facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, immersive sensory room, recording studio, and enhanced clinical spaces, alongside a new children’s wing, refurbished teenage wing, and a new palliative care Education Centre.

Clair Holdsworth, Chief Executive at Martin House, said: “Children, young people and families will now experience a more spacious, welcoming and state-of-the-art environment, designed to support them in the best possible way.”

Visit www.martinhouse.org.uk for more information about Martin House.

Energise Leisure Centre

Cornlands Road Acomb, York

Energise is your local hub for health and fun in Acomb.

Whether you are a serious athlete or just starting out, we have everything you need to stay active.

SWIMMING

25m pool, teaching pool, and Aqua Aerobics

FAMILY

Soft play, junior programmes, and birthday parties

SPORTS

Badminton, basketball, football, tennis, and a climbing wall

GYM & CLASSES

Cardio, weights, functional training, and daily classes (Yoga, Pilates, HIIT)

ROLLER-SKATING

WHO WILL CARE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF OLDER PEOPLE?

Across the UK, we are living longer than ever before. Many of us have parents, grandparents, neighbours or friends who need a little extra support as they grow older. Yet as demand for care continues to grow, the number of people choosing a career in care is not increasing at the same pace. It is one of the biggest challenges facing our communities, but it is also an opportunity to rethink what a career in care really means… Many people assume you need previous experience or qualifications to work in care.

In reality, some of the most outstanding Care Professionals come from completely different backgrounds. What they bring is not necessarily care experience - they bring empathy, patience, reliability and a genuine interest in people. After all, at its heart, care is all about human connection. In a world where many jobs are becoming increasingly automated and transactional, care

remains one of the few professions where kindness, compassion and emotional intelligence are essential, every single day.

Perhaps you are already demonstrating those qualities in your own life.

You may be the person who checks in on an older neighbour, the colleague who notices when someone is struggling, or the family member who naturally takes care of others. If that sounds familiar, you may already possess many of the qualities that great Care Professionals share.

The practical skills required to work in care can be taught. The desire to genuinely care about people is much harder to learn.

Radfield Home Care York & Rural provides full training, ongoing support and rewarding career opportunities for people who share our values. Please email marco.polledri@radfieldhomecare. co.uk to find out more.

A fantastic activity hosted in the spacious sports hall, open to everyone.

York Talk Money Fortnight: get help with your money

We’re here to help families with advice and support about how to make your money go further.

And to make your money go further this summer, check out these suggestions below:

Universal Credit support for families has changed

The two-child limit no longer applies. If you have more than two children and get Universal Credit you can claim an extra amount for your third – or subsequent children. Find out more at www.york.gov.uk/BenefitsCalculator

Free School Meals

All children from households getting Universal Credit can now get Free School Meals. But changes to the national system mean that everyone who gets Free School meals must reapply before September. Speak to your child/ children’s schools to find out more or visit www.york.gov.uk/FreeSchoolMeals

York’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) offers fun activities for keeping active, being creative, and trying something new over the Easter, summer, and

York Talk Money can help you:

Boost your money and make sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to

Pop along to one of our family-friendly advice sessions:

Date: Wednesday 8 July

Time: 10.00am – 2.00pm

Venue: Acomb WMC, 12 Front St, Acomb, York, YO24 3BZ

Date: Sunday 12 July

Time: 10.30pm - 3.00pm

Venue: York Community Stadium, Kathryn Ave, Monks Cross Dr, Huntington, York YO32 9AF

winter school holidays. Children and young people who get benefit-related free school meals can receive up to four sessions of free activities and nutritious food. Find out more and how to book at www.raiseyork.co.uk/HAF

Healthy Start

If you’re pregnant or you have children under four, @NHSHealthyStart can help with the cost of healthy food and milk. Plus, you’ll get free Healthy Start vitamins. Check your eligibility: www.healthystart.nhs.uk

Secondary school uniform

Did you know that you might be able to get help with the cost of your child’s school uniform if they attend secodanry school. Speak to your child’s school or visit www.york.gov.uk/SchoolUniforms to find out more.

Help you spend only what you need to

Get benefits and money advice

You can find out more at www.livewellyork.co.uk/talkmoney

THE LOOK Get

This month, inspired by

embracing coastal style and relaxed summer living. Think soft neutral tones, natural textures and fresh pops of colour

Next.co.uk

& INTERIORS Home

pols potten Pum Ribbed Glass Tumblers, £30.00, johnlewis.com

Green Artificial Orange Tree in Blue Reactive Ceramic Pot, £34, next.co.uk

Lemon Ceramic Butter Dish, £22.50, oliverbonas.com

to capture the feeling of sunny days by the sea. Calm, airy and effortlessly stylish, this look is perfect for bringing a refreshing summer feel into your home.

Lobster Double Oven Glove, £28.00, sophieallport.com

Light Natural Otto Bar Stool, £199, next.co.uk

& INTERIORS Home

Warm Homes Local Grant now available to York residents

Are you a York resident currently living in a privately owned property with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of D, E, F or G? Is your gross household income £36,000 or less? Are you looking to make energy-saving upgrades to your home, whilst reducing bills in the process? You could be eligible to benefit from Warm Homes Local Grant (WHLG) funding, which covers a range of home energy-saving upgrades, including low-carbon heating systems, smart energy technologies, and insulation.

The government-funded WHLG scheme is administered by City of York Council as part of the wider Warm Homes Plan, which aims to help tackle fuel poverty and facilitate the transition to net zero by 2050. If eligible, the amount of funding you’re awarded will depend on how much work is required to boost your home’s EPC to a C rating. Your WHLG could cover the installation of loft, wall, and underfloor insulation, air/ground source heat pumps or hybrid heating, solar panels and solar battery storage, and double or triple-glazed windows. Your

home could also benefit from the addition of hot water cylinder insulation, digital heating controls, and energy-efficient doors.

Visit www.york.gov.uk/housing/ warm-homes-local-grant to find out more or register your interest.

York Central gets a visit from Kier Starmer

Image: yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk/mayor-skaithwelcomes-prime-minister-to-york-central/

During his visit to York last month, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was invited to take a look at the ongoing construction works taking place at York Central, where a major milestone was recently completed with the installation of seven 86.2-metre beams at the new bridge connecting Park Street and Water End. Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, said: “Preparing for the bridge lift has been a huge partnership effort and is a significant engineering feat. While there is still more work to do before the bridge opens, this was a major step forward for the York Central project, which in time will transform our city, deliver

new homes, high-quality jobs and amazing public spaces for the people of York.”

The PM’s visit coincided with his announcement of £3 million in funding to be allocated for the new Central Hall at the National Railway Museum, which is set to be a key cultural feature of the ongoing York Central development, which will repurpose former railway land for the creation of 2,500 new homes. Visit www.yorkcentral.uk to find out more about York Central, or www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/ transformation/central-hall to stay up to date with the development of Central Hall.

& INTERIORS Home

90 YEARS of Herbert Todd & Son

BY MATT TODD, FROM HERBERT TODD & SONS

As a proud local business owner here in York, I can’t stress enough the importance of supporting your local electrical retailer. This year marks our 90th anniversary, a milestone that means the world to us. Longevity like that doesn’t happen by accident - it’s built on trust, community spirit, and a commitment to customer service that simply can’t be replicated by faceless online giants.

Being part of Euronics, Europe’s largest buying group, allows us to offer the best of both worlds: the personal touch of a family-run shop, with the competitive pricing of the big national retailers. In fact, we’re able to price match the main online retailers, ensuring our customers never have to choose between great value and great service. When you shop with us, your money stays in York, supporting local jobs and

helping keep our high street vibrant. We’re also growing. To continue delivering the high standards our customers expect, we’re currently recruiting to strengthen our delivery team and expand our salesforce. It’s an exciting time for us, and we’re looking for people who share our passion for quality service and community connection. If you or someone you know is looking to join a business with deep roots and a bright future, we’d love to hear from you.

Supporting local isn’t just a purchase - it’s an investment in York’s heritage and its future. Thank you for being part of our story.

Don't forget that we have anniversary offers across the store, so please pop in, give us a call (01904 628676) or email us at enquiry@htodd.co.uk.

Major restoration works to take place at St William’s College

Image: yorkminster.org/discover/behindthe-scenes/restoring-st-williams-college

Works to restore one of York’s most iconic medieval Grade I listed buildings are now underway. First founded in 1460 by the Earl of Warwick and George Neville, then the Archbishop of York, St William’s College takes its name from York’s patron saint, and was originally constructed to house priests. Located just a stone’s throw from the Minster on College Street, work on the building as we know it today (including its iconic courtyard structure) was first started in 1465, while its surviving main staircase dates from approximately 1548.

As one of the best-preserved examples of a 15th-century clerical college in the country, St William’s College will now be

altered to meet modern needs, after its 2014 closure for essential roof maintenance works. The restoration project includes the installation of a new lift, accessibility improvements to the courtyard, and the introduction of level access. Its restoration is set to be finished next year, when it will act as the Chapter of York’s offices, as well as a space for events and conferences. These works are especially timely, as this year marks the 800th anniversary of St William’s canonisation. Visit www.yorkminster.org/ discover/behind-the-scenes/ restoring-st-williams-college/ to stay up to date with the latest developments.

With over 20 years of experience, Neil and the team provide professional, reliable and fully insured gardening services across York and surrounding villages.

We offer a wide range of gardening work including; lawn maintenance, garden design, tree pruning, hedge cutting, landscape design, planting, mowing and more.

Working for both domestic and commercial clients.

& LANDSCAPES Gardens

Making the most of Summer

BY GARDENING EXPERT

TONY CHALCRAFT

We’re now past the solstice and into ‘high summer’. For many gardeners, this is the time when thoughts turn to picking and harvesting, or perhaps resting and soaking up the sun! Yet, while the spring spurt of sowing and planting may have passed, there are still months of ‘growing’ weather to come. If you’ve early maturing vegetables in the ground, maybe early potatoes, broad beans, peas or some salad, these will either be part-harvested or perhaps already cleared. This offers vacant spots, spaces just begging to be used for fast-maturing vegetables that’ll crop into autumn and early winter. There are plenty of vegetables that can be successful later in summer, far more than many gardeners realise. Because there are so many, I can only mention a few, mainly those that should be fairly easy and have worked well for me… If you like your beetroot petite

rather than portly, a late sowing is worth a try. Go for a quick-maturing type (Boltardy should work), but aim to get the seeds in the ground before mid-July. Providing germination is fast, this should give ‘baby beet’-sized roots by early October. Chard, a close cousin of the beetroot, can also be sown at this time of year. You could try one of the coloured stem varieties, for example, Ruby Chard. While these will give harvestable leaves in autumn, they do not usually withstand cold weather. Because of this, in early August, I sow hardier, white-stemmed types - my current favourite is White Silver. This can also provide an autumn harvest, but it’s spring when glossy new leaves will be most welcome. Some brassica (cabbage) family crops grow fast, and can get going in July or early August. If you can get plants, or perhaps have raised your own in pots, kale is a fairly safe bet.

Choose swift-growing varieties - my favourite is Red Russian. This will produce leaves through autumn with a further flush in late winter and spring. Some words of warning: Be sure to protect from caterpillars! These peak in August, just as late brassicas are set out. Unnetted, newly planted kale and any other baby brassicas can soon be skeletonised…

It’s not just leafy brassicas that can be started in late summer. Quickgrowing root brassicas, like turnips and the more exotic mooli (yes, both are in the cabbage family!), do well at this time of year. Mooli, sometimes known as daikon, can be sown in July to provide radishtype roots through until Christmas. With turnips, it’s important to select a rapid-maturing type - my favourite is Purple Top Milan. Sown as late as the beginning of August, this will give tender and tasty golf ball-sized roots to eat through

autumn. Late summer is also a good time, in some ways better than spring, to start many leafy crops. Spinach and most salad leaves fare better as days shorten. Don’t rush to get these goingtoo early, and long days and hot weather will induce bolting rather than leaf growth. Early August is about right to start spinach, while later in the month will be soon enough for salads like rocket and mizuna. Kept well picked and watered in dry conditions, these should provide plentiful pickable leaves for months.

‘Summer’s lease hath all too short a date’ wrote Shakespeare, but it doesn’t expire with the August Bank Holiday. September days are frequently warmer than those in May and early June and, as the climate heats, autumn sets in later and later. There’s lots of growing time left as summer fades, don’t waste it!

•

•

This month at Brunswick...

Gardens Gardening

Brunswick is a community for adults with learning disabilities and Autism in Bishopthorpe, growing organic fruit and veg, bedding plants, perennials and shrubs, all sold at their shop on Appleton Road, with the proceeds supporting the charity.

GOOD TO GROW!

Our experts advise on what to do in July...

With Plant Production Manager, Mark Jackson

This is a busy time for summer flowering perennials which, are at their peak this month, with favourites such as Echinacea, Geraniums and Phlox putting on a full show. Take the opportunity to look properly at your borders, tidy them up, remove spent blooms and appreciate them! With dry spells likely, avoid watering lightly and frequently. It’s much better to water thoroughly but less often, which encourages roots to grow deeper and makes plants more resilient in drought. Pay particular attention to newly planted trees and shrubs. Watch out for crops like tomatoes – regular watering is needed here to reduce the risk

of problems like Blossom End Rot. (Inconsistent watering leads to the plants being unable to take in enough calcium.)

Pots and hanging baskets will keep going if they are fed consistently and deadheaded regularly. Use a fertiliser with a high ratio of potassium to encourage flowering and fruiting of tomatoes.

Gardening is fun, so make the most of the long days and take time to sit, observe, and note what’s worked well, and what you’d do differently next time. Most importantly, after all that hard work, enjoy your garden! Visit www.brunswickyork.org.uk

I dread summer - why do my plants suddenly droop and develop mildew when the sun comes out?

July puts a lot of stress on plants – it’s hot, more humid, and they are growing fast. We can also be tempted to water too much, too little, or at the

wrong time completely! Start with a good mulch around the roots (compost is best) to keep them moist. It’s best to water early in the morning or late in the evening, when it’s cooler. Pests love warm weather – pick off damaged leaves and faded blooms, and pick off bugs as you see them.

Hi, I’m Alex. This month, I am going to advise you about keeping your tomatoes healthy and productive, and there are a few things to look out for to keep them going.

If they are getting leggy or growing a bit wildly, now is the time for supports. There are a few ways to do this:

1. Canes: Insert the cane next to the base of the plant and choose a main stem to loosely tie it onto.

2. Hang a support above the row of plants and tie strands of wool or twine to it. Next, attach the strands to the base of the plants, and gently train them around the

support as they grow.

Watering is very importantregularly and deeply is best. If you have used organic compost and provided a rich free-draining but water-retentive soil, this will help keep them hydrated. It’s also essential to remove the sideshoots, unless you’re growing the Beefsteak varieties. You should always leave a sideshoot at the top of these in case the lead shoot stops growing. Pests can be a problem. Aphids and leaf miners (also red spider mites) are the main ones. When seen, pick them off, or spray with soapy water from the washing up!

Caring for garden ponds over the summer.

A well-cared-for pond can provide a tranquil and eye-catching centrepiece for any green space, but if you want your garden pond to look its gleaming best in the summer sun, you may need to provide some extra care during the warmer months. To ensure your pond remains in good condition over the summer, these top tips simply can’t be avoided…

TREAT POND WATER TO ENSURE IT’S CRYSTAL CLEAR:

A common summer pond problem is the prevalence of green, murky water, as well as algae and blanket weed. Many pond maintenance products make use of ‘good bacteria’, which targets and eliminates cloudiness and unwanted pond matter. By treating murky water as early as you can, you’ll reap the rewards throughout the summer – play your

cards right, and water should visibly clear within a couple of weeks.

PHYSICALLY REMOVE WEEDS AND RETURN CRITTERS:

If you’d prefer to take the natural route and avoid splashing out on pond water treatment products, a simple way to get rid of unsightly weeds and algae is to physically remove them, using a net or picker. To mitigate the damaging effect on the creatures and wildlife that call these materials home, rinse out collected matter in a bucket of pond water, and return any little critters to the pond once freed.

TEND

TO PLANTS IN THE POND:

To enhance your pond’s natural beauty and keep it looking shipshape, it’s best to pay extra attention to any existing plant matter that you’d like to keep. Be sure to cut back excess vegetation growth (try to keep at least half of the pond surface clear), and trim unsightly

Images: www.rhs.org.uk/ponds/care

leaves or dying flowers. If trimming or removing underwater plants, aim to retain around four bunches for every square metre.

IF IN DOUBT, JUST ADD WATER!

Remember that summer heat can lead to evaporation, significantly lowering pond water volume. Where necessary (and especially if your pond is home to fish), top up your pond with rainwater. If using tap water, ensure it’s left to warm up in the sun before being incorporated into the pond, and remember to add it slowly, to avoid rapid fluctuations in temperature.

TEST YOUR POND’S WATER QUALITY:

One of the easiest ways to keep your pond healthy during summer is to check its water quality. While this can be tricky using the naked eye alone, pond test strips are relatively cheap and readily available – they can provide reliable readings of pH, KH, nitrite and nitrate levels. Aim for a pH level of 7.5 - 8.5, and KH of 6 - 10 dKH, for optimal water quality!

Visit www.rhs.org.uk/ponds/care to find out more about summer pond care.

PVC UK

suit all tastes and properties. Manufactured in

painting, varnishing or protecting your

The King’s Awards for Enterprise applications are NOW OPEN!

Would you like to gain worldwide recognition, increased commercial value, and greater press coverage for your business? Maybe you’re keen to boost staff morale, gain access to new markets, and even attend a Royal reception to honour your hard work?

Local business owners are now encouraged to apply for The King’s Awards for Enterprise, which champions the best of British industry. The 2027 awards will feature the categories: young founder, innovation, international trade, sustainability, and promoting opportunity through social mobility. If your application is successful, your business could be presented with an award by one of The King’s representatives

and gain an official Grant of Appointment certificate and commemorative trophy - you’ll also be entitled to fly The King’s Awards flag at your HQ, and use its emblem in your marketing materials for five years.

More than 8,000 exceptional UK businesses since its launch in 1965 - could your business be the next to bag a gong?

The deadline for applications for The King’s Awards for Enterprise 2027 is 8 September, 2026. Visit www.gov.uk/kings-awards-forenterprise/eligibility to see if your business is eligible. Call 020 4551 0081 or email kingsawards@ businessandtrade.gov.uk to get in touch or find out more about the application process.

BUSINESS DIARY

2 JULY

BREAKFAST AT THE WATERFRONT CAFE, York Marina, The Waterfront Café, YO19 4RW. 8.00am-9.30am. Sponsored by York College & University Centre, this networking event offers local businesspeople the chance to meet up over a full English breakfast at the Waterfront Cafe. Visit www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/breakfast-at-thewaterfront-cafe-york-marinatickets-1652400607699.

3 JULY

CREATIVE DRINKS: YORK CREATIVES, Patch York, YO1 6FA. 6.00pm-8.30pm. Meet up with like-minded local creatives, expand your network, and gain inspiration for your work over a casual tipple at Patch. This monthly social now runs every first Friday! Visit www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/creativedrinks-york-creatives-monthlysocial-tickets-304837967567.

7 JULY

BUSINESS BELLES, Hotel du Vin York, YO24 1AX. 12.30pm2.30pm. This monthly meetup is designed specifically for local women in business, and enables like-minded ladies to connect and converse over a light afternoon tea. Visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ businessbelles-july-2026tickets-1989386984022 to reserve your spot.

16 JULY

BUSINESS NETWORKING

LUNCH, Revolution York, Coney Street, YO1 9NA. 12.00-2.00pm. Hosted by The Commerce Club, this regular in-person business lunch is a great opportunity to network, build valuable relationships and expand your business. Visit www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/business-networkinglunch-by-bob-york-commerceclub-tickets-1982172902510 to book tickets.

SUPPORTING YORK FAMILIES

A York-based Chartered Financial Planning firm has strengthened its growing team with the appointment of an experienced Independent Financial Planner who has spent nearly two decades supporting clients across the region. PenLife Associates is delighted to welcome Rosie Braithwaite to its team, bringing with her 19 years of experience advising individuals, families and business owners across York and North Yorkshire.

Rosie’s expertise spans investment planning, retirement strategies, tax-efficient advice and estate planning, alongside specialist knowledge of pension schemes such as the University Superannuation Scheme (USS). Throughout her career, she has developed a reputation for clear communication and helping clients feel confident in the decisions they make about their finances.

Rosie said: “I’m delighted to be joining PenLife Associates. The firm’s values,

collaborative culture and strong presence in York really resonate with me. Hearing such positive feedback from friends who are clients gave me real confidence in the move. I’m looking forward to being part of a team that puts clarity, care and long-term relationships at the heart of everything they do.”

Rosie will be based with the PenLife team in York, supporting clients across the region.

Visit www.pen-life.co.uk to find out more about PenLife Associates and their services. Call 01904 661140 or email enquiries@ pen-life.co.uk to get in touch with the team.

If you have a loved one who can no longer manage their own financial affairs because of an illness like dementia, a severe injury or a lifelong disability, you may need to manage their affairs for them. When this happens, you apply to the Court of Protection. What is the Court of Protection?

The Court of Protection is a specialist court that makes legal decisions on finances, property, and personal welfare for people who can’t make those decisions themselves. A person’s money can then be managed through either a deputyship or trust. A deputyship is legal status that grants an appointed individual the authority to make decisions on behalf of someone. This

person can be a professional deputy, family member or friend.

Who can help in the Court of Protection?

Pryers are specialist Court of Protection Lawyers based in York, who help manage the affairs of the vulnerable, including applying for deputyships and setting up trusts, so you are confident that their best interests are protected. Pryers act as professional deputies and trustees, removing the burden of managing their affairs from their loved ones so that they can enjoy life with the peace of mind that everything is taken care of.

Visit www.pryers.co.uk or call 01904 409 720 to find out more.

BLANKET 20MPH SPEED LIMIT

SUGGESTED

What do YOU reckon? Is 20mph plenty?

A new proposal from the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), presented to the House of Commons’ Transport Select Committee, suggests a blanket 20mph speed limit be imposed on roads across the UK. This PACTS suggestion has been put forward as a potential addition to the new Road Safety Strategy, and is touted as an efficient means for saving money, especially when it comes to spending on admin and road signage. We’ve already seen similar 20mph speed limits introduced on ‘appropriate’ roads in areas of Wales and Scotland, with consultations taking place in Northern Ireland.

Do you think a blanket 20mph speed limit is a good idea? How do you feel it could impact drivers in Yorkshire? Email info@ yourlocallink.co.uk and let us know!

Off for a drive with your dog?

Restrain your pooch properly to avoid a hefty fine!

Man’s best friend can be partial to a journey in the car, especially if there’s a nice long walk waiting at the final destination. However, if you’re thinking of embarking on a drive with your dog this summer, be wary of a common mistake made by motorists - failing to do so could see you land a £5,000 fine!

If you’re caught driving with a pooch who is not properly restrained, you could be given an onthe-spot fine of £1,000-£5,000, plus nine points on your licence! According to the Highway Code, drivers have a responsibility to “make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained” while in the car, and that “a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard” can all be used for safely restraining animals.

Visit www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/ rules-about-animals-47-to-58 to find out more.

NHS Trust reviews York Hospital congestion

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is considering new measures to reduce the flow of traffic around York Hospital, where congestion has become a bugbear for drivers in the city. The action has been prompted by a recent petition, which urges the York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS and City of York Council “to work together to urgently undertake measures to address the serious and regular congestion

and queuing back from the hospital car park into Wigginton road”.

First launched in February, the petition has 1,915 verified signees recorded at the time of writing.What measures do you think should be taken to reduce congestion around York Hospital and Wigginton Road? Email info@ yourlocallink.co.uk and let us know!

Visit www.change.org/p/reduce-hospitaltraffic-in-wigginton-road to see the petition.

MOTORING

13-16 JULY

YORKSHIRE ELEGANCE 2026, Grantley Hall, HG4 3ET. Gates open @ 10.00am. This exclusive car event showcase is back for another year, covering 140 wonderful years of motoring history with an extraordinary collection of rare and luxury cars. Visit www.grantleyhall.co.uk/whats-on/yorkshireelegance-2026/ to book or find out more.

19 JULY

HISTORIC VEHICLE RALLY, Newby Hall, HG4 5AE. 10.00am-4.00pm. As the biggest one-day car show in the north, this annual Historic Vehicle Rally will host over 1,000 exhibitors, showcasing all manner of vintage and classic cars in the stunning grounds of Newby Hall. See more than 1000 vehicles, lovingly polished and paraded by their owners, and browse auto-jumbles. Visit www.newbyhall.com/event/ historic-vehicle-rally-2026/

26 JULY

GOLDEN ERA MOTORCYCLES, Yorkshire Air Museum, YO41 4AU. 10.00am-5.00pm. Hark back to the golden era of motorcycles and browse an array of classic bikes from the earliest (and arguably best) days of motorcycling at Yorkshire Air Museum. Visit www.evoke-classics.com/events/golden-eramotorcycles-at-yorkshire-air-museum-elvington to find out more.

31 JULY - 2 AUGUST

YORKSHIRE PUDDING MOTORCYCLE RALLY, Escrick Park, YO19 6EA. From 9.00am. Hosted by Farmyard Party, this all-encompassing rally offers a haven for motorcycle enthusiasts, as well as live music, food, entertainment, trade stalls, and camping options. Visit mapevents.co.uk/yorkshire-puddingmotorcycle-rally-yorkshire/ for further details.

NDY’S

GADGETS & GADGETS Motors

OF THE MONTH Summer Tech Essenials

From holidays and festivals to camping trips and days out, the right gadget can make all the difference. This month’s Summer Tech Essentials roundup showcases

accessories and practical problem-solvers designed to keep you connected, entertained and ready for whatever adventures the season brings.

OUTDOOR

REVOLUTION ATOM 500 AIR TENT

£299.99 from outdoorworlddirect.co.uk

Camping just got easier. Sleeping up to five people, this inflatable air tent pitches quickly and features darkened Twilight bedrooms, full standing height and a spacious front canopy. Ideal for family adventures, campsite getaways and festival weekends.

FRESH 'N REBEL CLAM FUSE ANC HEADPHONES

£49.99 from argos.co.uk

Perfect for holidays, festivals and days on the move. These wireless over-ear headphones feature Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling, Ambient Sound Mode and up to 45 hours of playtime. Foldable and travel-friendly, they're ideal for flights, commuting and everyday listening.

AIR CONDUCTION WIRELESS EARBUDS

£79.99 from jlab.com

DUAL CHAMBER TUMBLER

£44.99 from splitflask.co.uk

One tumbler, two drinks. Featuring dualchamber insulation, the Splitflask lets you carry hot coffee and cold water in the same bottle without mixing them. Ideal for commuting, travelling and days out, it combines practicality with a clever space-saving design.

STUDIO CREATOR VIDEO WALKIE-TALKIES

£39.99 from very.co.uk and amazon.co.uk

A classic toy with a modern twist. Designed for kids aged 5+, these video walkie-talkies combine face-to-face video chats with traditional voice communication. Featuring 20 video filters, five voice-changing effects and offline play, they're perfect for summer adventures and imaginative games.

PHOTO CREATOR WATERPROOF CAMERA

Ideal for summer walks along the Ouse or weekend bike rides. These open-ear wireless earbuds feature air-conduction audio, flexible ear hooks and up to 30 hours of total playtime with the charging case. Designed for running, cycling, workouts and outdoor adventures.

£34.99 from very.co.uk

Give young explorers a new way to capture their summer adventures. Designed for kids aged 8+, this waterproof camera takes photos and videos up to three metres underwater. Featuring a floating design, built-in screen, creative filters and a 16GB memory card, it's ready for holidays and pool days.

YORK’S LOCAL SPORTS

Are you the parent or carer of a rugby-mad child aged 9-15? Are you looking for a new way to keep your kids engaged, active, and on the ball this summer?

Running from 28-20 July at the prestigious Ampleforth College (YO62 4ER), the Lions 2026 Boys Rugby Residential offers three full days (including 2 nights in comfortable boarding house rooms) of technical and tactical rugby practices, with expert, elite coaching led by RFU-qualified, DBS-checked coaches.

Providing a fantastic opportunity for your child to grow as a player, develop their rugby skills, and build confidence and lasting friendships, this residential camp will also include Camp Awards,

and each attendee will receive a special Lions t-shirt. After each day’s rugby is done, the kids can relax and unwind with fun evening sports activities, including tennis, cricket, and recovery swimming sessions. There will also be three hot meals per day, plus a choice of snacks. Attendees will also get the chance to see and gain insight from a mystery professional player guest, who’ll be answering questions at a live Q&A, in the flesh! Group discounts are also available for bookings of 4 or more. Visit www.lionssports.academy to book a place for your child or find out more about Lions Sports Academy. Call 0203 4245070 or email info@lionssports.academy to get in touch with the team.

YORK CITY FC SCORES AT

AWARDS

Club also makes major milestone in the women’s game.

After securing promotion with a dramatic last-minute draw against Rochdale in the 20252026 National League finale in April, the Minstermen continue to go from strength to strength. With the 2026-2027 EFL League Two season just around the corner, York City FC’s dedicated local fans are eagerly awaiting the club’s ascension; however, the break between seasons has also thrown up plenty of good news for the York City faithful…

At the National League end-ofseason awards, the Minstermen picked up a trio of accolades, in a

Take on a flat and fast 5K with EvenSplits York

Are you a seasoned runner seeking out a new challenge?

Maybe you’re new to the running world and are keen to boost your fitness level, socialise, and have fun along the way?

If you’re looking for a flat, fast, and friendly 5k run to enjoy in York, EvenSplits York runs monthly 5K races, which are held at the University of York Sport Village Cycle Circuit. The

races are chip-timed and UKA licensed, with results sent out to competitors by text as soon as they cross the finish line, complete with kilometre splitsthis means that you can monitor your progress and improvement month by month, one race at a time.

This month’s EvenSplits York 5k race will take place on Friday, 11 July. Visit www.evensplits.events/york5k to get in touch or find out more.

JOHN SMITH’S MEETING RETURNS TO YORK

One of the biggest, most anticipated meetings of the racing calendar returns to York Racecourse this month, in what’s set to be a hands-down front runner, across the board! Racegoers can marvel at runners at the William Hill Summer Stakes on Friday, 10 July, and take in the action-packed 67th John Smiths Cup on Saturday, 11 July.

Whether you’re a hardcore horse racing fan, a casual spectator, or are simply looking for something fun to do with the family, this action-packed meeting will not disappoint.

Visit www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/ racing-fixtures.html?dates_step= 2&meet_id=161 to book your tickets.

fitting reflection of their sterling performance, which saw the club pipped for promotion after a decade. Head honcho Stuart Maynard was awarded the ‘Manager of the Season’ gong, while star striker Ollie Pearce was rightly named as ‘Player of the Season’, picking up the Golden Boot and hammering home a whopping 34 league goals throughout the 2025-2026 campaign. And, in recognition of his 19 clean sheets, City goalkeeper, shot-stopper, and safe pair of hands Harrison Male scooped the coveted Golden Glove award.

As if promotion and a successful end-of-season awards season weren’t enough, the club has also confirmed a major milestone in the evolution of the women’s game in the city, with the announcement that York City Ladies FC has formally transferred into the management and strategic oversight of York City FC, under a newly established Leadership Committee. This marks a significant step forward in uniting the club’s football operations, and provides a strengthened, longterm pathway for budding female ballers in our city. CEO of York City FC Foundation and York City Ladies Chairperson, Paula Stainton, said: “It has been my absolute pleasure to Chair York City Ladies for the last twelve years, and we have achieved great things during that time including the development of a full junior pathway with great successes both in our First Team and up to the Lionesses, with Jess Park and more recently Lottie

Day and Abbie Jones at Under 17’s; as well as promotion to the FA Women’s National League; winners and taking part in various County Cup Finals and of course, our historical run this season in the Women’s FA Cup making it to the fourth round. We look forward to supporting the ongoing growth of Women’s football here in York.”

York City FC has also launched its first-ever search for a fulltime Women’s Head Coach, who will lead the squad into the FA Women’s National League in the 2026-2027 campaign. Co-chair Julie-Anne Uggla said: "The creation of a full-time Head Coach role is a powerful statement of intent and reflects our belief in the potential of the women’s game here in York. We look forward to seeing them create the next generation of female players.”

Visit www.yorkcityfootballclub. co.uk to stay up to date with the latest news from York City FC.

BRUNSWICK NURSERY

Follow Brunswick Nursery on social media for seasonal gardening inspiration, new plants and products, community stories and the latest nursery news. Discover what’s growing throughout the year, learn more about the people behind the project and keep up to date with events, workshops and special launches.

Brunswick Nursery brunswickorganicnursery

FINDING CHARLOTTE

Head over to the website to discover the new book release ‘Finding Charlotte’. Written by Ben Robinson, this compelling historical novel follows the remarkable journey of his great-grandmother through two world wars, weaving together family history, resilience and the lasting impact of the past.

findingcharlotte.carrd.co

YORK COMMUNITY FURNITURE STORE

Follow York Community Furniture

Store on Facebook to discover the latest bargains, new arrivals and seasonal offers. From homewares and garden essentials to everyday household pieces, their page is packed with product highlights, special promotions and inspiration for every season.

York Community Furniture Store

ACOMBFEST

Follow AcombFest to stay up to date with York’s newest creative festival. Taking place from 3–5 July, the festival will transform Acomb into an open-air gallery with live mural painting, music, art markets, workshops, family activities, food and drink, and plenty of community celebrations.

acombfest acombfest.co.uk

ADVENTURE CINEMA

Follow Adventure Cinema to keep up with their outdoor cinema events taking place across the UK at stunning venues including Castle Howard, Alnwick Castle, Chatsworth House and many more. With a fantastic selection of films to enjoy, there’s something for everyone, and

a memorable experience never far away.

Adventure Cinema adventurecinema adventurecinemauk

PETS PANTRY

Follow Pets Pantry York for the latest pet products, nutrition advice and special offers. From natural treats and quality pet food to toys, accessories and expert guidance, this friendly independent pet shop helps keep dogs, cats and small animals happy, healthy and well cared for.

Pets Pantry York petspantryyork

SUTTON PARK

Follow Sutton Park on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at life at there, and discover seasonal highlights, nature and wildlife, events, gardening inspiration and the latest news from the grounds, helping you

make the most of everything this beautiful park has to offer.

Sutton Park Stately Home sutton_park_yorkshire

EDEN

Head over to Eden Camp’s social media channels to keep up to date with everything happening at the museum. With a packed programme of events this summer, visitor reviews, historic stories and the latest news and updates, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your next visit.

Eden Camp Modern History Museum edencamp edencamp

DO YOU HAVE A YORKBASED SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT?

Let us know and we may include it here in future editions. Email info@ yourlocallink.co.uk.

CAMP

Adventure Cinema

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

• Full & partial rewiring

• Fuse board / consumer unit upgrades

• Electrical Condition Reporting

• Emergency Call Outs

• Fault finding & repairs

• EV charger installations

• Rewire specialists

All electrical work from extra sockets to a full re-wire.

• Fault finding and repairs.

• Nest and Hive thermostats.

• Ring video doorbells.

• TV wall mounts supplied and fitted.

All work fully guaranteed. Free quotes.

Part P approved electrical contractor

07762 662156

jamie-heard-electrical@hotmail.co.uk

• Full or partial re-wires

• Electric underfloor heating systems

• CCTV system installations for 100% security

• Intercom system installations

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OUR COMMITMENT

We are a professional, reliable team dedicated to high-quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.

• 15-YEAR GUARANTEE - On all new installations.

• FULLY INSURED - For your total peace of mind.

• EXPERT CRAFTSMANSHIP - Years of experience in the trade.

OUR SERVICES

• New Roofs - Full installations with high-quality materials.

• Roof Repairs - Fixing leaks, loose tiles, and storm damage.

• Pointing - Professional ridge tile and brickwork repointing.

• Loft Conversions - Transform your loft into a usable living space.

• Dormer Installations - Add light and space with professional dormers.

• Flat Roof Specialists - Durable solutions including: • EPDM Rubber Roofing

GRP Reinforced Fibreglass

TRUSTED TRADERS

Amarna Cleaning 94

Blinds Valley 94

Duncan Littlechild Joinery 94

GC Electronics 94

Greenacres Tree 94

Inspired Joinery 94

Joe Dallin 94

Newbegin Builders 94

Rooftech 94

Shaun Wilson 94

York Garden Company 94

ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES

CJ Ramsay & Associates. 73

Townsend Harrison Limited 45

UHY Calvert Smith 95

AERIALS

Aerial Services 78

Aerial Solutions 78

Creative AV Solutions 78

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

Appliance Services 6

Aspire Repairs 78

Blackwell & Denton FM 73

Clyde Electrical 80

BATHROOMS & KITCHENS

Watermark 61

Inspired Joinery & Projects 94

Instyle Kitchens & Windows 9

Kitchen Revive 15

York Bathrooms 6

BLINDS

Blind Image 62

Blinds Valley 59, 94

Inspired Blinds 62

BOUNCY CASTLE HIRE

AMH Ents & Events 27

BUILDING PLANS

I W Design & Building 9

PDA 62

BUILDING/PROPERTY

MAINTENANCE

L. Walton Building 78

Paul Bell Building & Joinery 8

Justin Higginson 78

Ladderworks Property 78

Newbegin Projects 94

RJ Hall 2

Stone Clean 78

Turners Developments 77

CARE & MOBILITY

Radfield Home Care 48

Care UK - York 49

Minster Mobility 48

Tanglewood healthcare 55

Yorkare 96

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY

CARPETS/FLOORING

Kings Carpets & Flooring 9

Craig Pallister Flooring 9

Fully Furnished 58

CCTV

Ryther Alarms 83

Ultra Fire & Security 82

CHILDRENS ACTIVITIES

First For Childcare 56

CLEANING/IRONING

ADream Clean 79

Wendys Cleaning 79

CLUBS/GROUPS

Queen Ethelburgas 51

COMPUTERS/WEB DESIGN

Aldwark Computers 73

Blueboot 73

Jennings Computers 44

DECORATORS

Alan Fawcett Painter & Decorator 79

Bic’s Decorating 79

Brushstrokes York 79

C.K.W. Decorators 79

Chapple Painting 79

Comprehensive Decorative Svs 94

Gary Roe 79

K Walton 79

S.P Essex 79

Samantha Storr 79

SDS Decorator 79

York Decorators 79

DRAINS

Drain Busters Yorkshire 62

Seven H Drainage 62

EDUCATION/TUITION

University of York 6

ELECTRICAL GOODS

Herbert Todd 2

ELECTRICIANS

D&S Electrical Services 80

STN Electrical 81

Active Electrical Solutions 80

Court Electrical Services 80

GB Electrical 80

HC Engineering 84

J Electrical Services 80

Jamie Heard 80

Judge Electrical Ltd 80

Keith Brown Electrical 81

Martin Clancy 80

MH Electrical 80

OS Electrical 80

ESTATE & LETTING AGENTS

Ponderosa Caravan Park 62

EV CHARGER INSTALLATION

Herbert Todd 2

FENCING

Dove Timber Ltd 17

FINANCIAL ADVISORS

Pen-Life Associates Ltd 7

FIREPLACES/MULTI FUEL

STOVES

Focus Fireplaces 19

FOOD & DRINK

Delta Hotels by Marriott 35

Middle Feast 35

Sojo Bistro & Bar 34

The Learning Larder 34

The Parvin 35

FUNERAL SERVICES

JG Fielder & Sons 48

FURNITURE RESTORATION

Classic Upholstery 9

GARAGE DOORS

Clic Garage Doors (york) 13

First Garage Doors 81

Garolla Garage Doors 5

Hobman Garage Doors 81

GARDENING

Ace Tree Services 71

Country Gardens 71

Greenacres Tree Care 94

Ground Solution Services 69

J B Groundwork Solutions 65

K&S Paving 71 Lewis Tree Surgery 65 LHF 65 Michael Readman 71 Buckton Homes 65

C&R Landscapes Ltd 78

Castle Tree & Landscape 65 Circle Gardening Services 65 Future Landscapes 67

Groundwork UK 65

HPL Tree Surgeons 69 J Farrow 71 JP Services Contractors 2

GUTTERING

66

Guttering Of York 81

HANDYPEOPLE

York Flatpack & Handyman 81

Able Handyman Services 81

Can-Be-Asked 81 Vision Building & Joinery 81

HEALTH & BEAUTY

All Things Beauty 2 Beautycare 47

Clear & Hear 47

Clifton Park Hospital 47

Earwax Away 47

ryedale ear clinic 47

INSURANCE

Perry Marshall Insurance 45

JOINERY

Duncan Littlechild Joinery 94

Carl Winn Joinery 82

Inspired Joinery & Projects 81

Lewis Joinery 81

Matt Hodgson Joinery 82

Precision Joinery Services 81

LOCKS/SECURITY/ALARMS

Keep Safe 83

Afford a Lock 82

Dr Locks Ltd 82

GC Electronics 83

GC Electronics 94

Laurel Bank Locksmiths 82

Towergate Locksmiths 82

York Locksmith Company 82

LOFT CONVERSIONS

Yorkshire Loft Ladders 17

LOGS/FUEL

Rix Petroleum (Hull) Ltd 27

MOTOR PARTS/SERVICES

Andy’s Autos 74

Birch Park 75

Ivinson Autos 1, 96

JB Motors Malton 74

Fulford Auto Services 75

OLC Autos 75

The MOT Man 44

York Bodywork Repairs 74

PEST CONTROL

Huntcatchkill 62

SLR Pest 65

Southbank Pest Control 71

The Pest Company 65

PET CARE

Pets Pantry 20

PLASTERING

PLUMBING/HEATING

Hartleys Plumbing 84

J Robinson Plumbing 85

Nunthorpe Services 84

York Property Group 85

A1 Yorkshire Plumbing 83

All Cisterns Go 84

Be Warm Gas Services 84

Connor Warren 85

David Bateman 83

DJC Plumbing 85

E Martin & Sons 83

Fensome Plumbing 84

Gas Man Neil 85

GNT Heating 85

Haxby Plumbing 84

HC Engineering 84

J Building Services 85

Joe Dallin 84, 94

Kenson Gas Ltd 84

MT Plumbing Services York 84

Plumbing & Heating by Jamie 84

York Gas Engineering 84

Yorkshire Central Plumbing 85

POINTING

Nick Stannard 78

PRESSURE WASHING

AC Jet Washing 67

Amarna Exterior Cleaning 94

MKR Exterior Cleaning 67

Pro- Blast Jet Washing 67

Tina’s Jet Wash Services 67

PRINTING/DESIGN

Fulprint 6

Acorn Web Offset Ltd 45

PROPERTY SERVICES

Profix Projects 62

PUBLIC NOTICES

CYC TALK MONEY 57

RECRUITMENT

York Homestay 60

Driver Hire York 9

REMOVALS/STORAGE

DAW Storage Ltd 85

Hooks Removals 85

MWV Removals 85

White Rose House Clearances 11

ROOFING

Advanced Roofing 88

All Aspects Roofing 91

FJ Roofing 87

Heworth Roofing 87

Roofcraft 4

Roofs Above 89

Safeway Roofing 91

Able Roofing (York) 17, 87

DKA Roofing 3

DSR Roofing 95

JDL Roofing

CLEANING

Able Carpet Cleaning 79

Carpet Diem 79

Clifton Carpet Cleaning 79

FASCIAS/SOFFITS

Plasti-Fit 81

Polyplas 81

JM Plastering 83

R Taylor & Sons 1

Will Neary Plastering 83

Future Roofs 95

Highgate Roofing 89

JC York Roofing 89

• clear step-by-step guidance

• reduce stress and uncertainty

• avoid mistakes and delays

• transparent pricing

• STEP qualified team members

• advice on tax, property and legal formalities

“Exceptional care, right here in York.”

Providing exceptional residential, dementia, respite, and day care.

“We

understand that every person’s care needs are unique.”

Whether you need a little extra help with daily living, personal care, mobility, support with memory or dementia, comfort at the end of life, or care after recovery, our compassionate team is here for you. We’re dedicated to making every day safe, comfortable, and meaningful – because at our homes, everyone is treated like family.

Clifton Hall 31 Shipton Road, York, YO30 5RE

“Now welcoming new residents to our brand-new, warm, and friendly home.”

Rawcliffe Manor Coningham Avenue, Rawcliffe, York, YO30 5NH

“Providing exceptional care in a welcoming, homely environment.”

Haxby Hall York Road, Haxby, York, YO32 3DX

“Care services trusted by families across all of York.”

Discover care with heart –Arrange your visit and meet our wonderful team today. www.yorkarehomes.co.uk