York residents are being invited to come together for a free community celebration next month – and everyone is welcome.
Summer Sparkle 2026 takes place on Thursday 4 June at the Hiscox Building on Peasholme Green, from 5.30pm to 7pm.
It’s free to attend and open to anyone aged 18 and over.
The event is organised by charity York Cares as part of the York Festival of Ideas. It’s designed to bring younger and older people together for an evening of live music, craft activities, conversation and a bit of fun – with Dandelion Arts UK running hands-on creative sessions on the night.
There’ll also be a photo wall with polaroid cameras and summer backdrops, so you can take something home to remember the evening by.
Summer Sparkle is part of York Cares’ social connections programme, set up after the pandemic to tackle loneliness and help people forge new friendships across the city. The charity says the need is still very real.
Leanne Shaw from York Cares said: “Evidence has shown that 36% of people in the UK feel lonelier since the pandemic, and more than 50% want to feel more connected to their local community.
“Opportunities like Summer Sparkle give local people a chance to share time, laughter and new experiences together.”
The event is hosted with the support of Hiscox Insurance, while catering for the evening has been made possible by a grant from the Woodroffe Benton Foundation.
Tickets are free but must be booked in advance through the York Festival of Ideas website.
