The city is ready to step back in time as the fourth annual York Georgian Festival returns next month.
It includes five days of colourful 18th century sights, sounds and style.
Hosted by York Mansion House, the festival runs from Thursday 6 August to Monday 10 August.
Expect everything from free military drills in St Helen’s Square to an extravagant masquerade ball at the grand Assembly Rooms.
Richard Pollitt, manager and curator of York Mansion House, said the popularity of the Georgian and Regency eras shows no sign of slowing down.
“People are finding so much joy in recreating the fashions and social occasions of the time,” he said. “We aim to bring some of that joy to the streets of York.”
Some highlights
Here are some of the unmissable highlights coming to the city:
- The Grand Promenade (Saturday 8 August): Starting at Clifford’s Tower and winding through the city to the Mansion House. The march will be led by His Majesty’s 33rd Regiment of Foot. You can even book a free place to join in if you fancy dressing up!
- The Masquerade Ball (Saturday 8 August): Grab your mask for an extravagant evening of live baroque music and historic dancing at the Assembly Rooms, all supported by local favourites York Gin and ASK Italian.
- Free Dancing and Drills (Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August): Head down to St Helen’s Square in the afternoon to watch the Galliard Folk Dancers and live military displays.
- Secret Fan Language: Want to learn how to send a secret message across a crowded dance floor? Head to the free fan language workshops at York Mansion House.
- Horrible Histories: Best-selling author Terry Deary will explore Murder in the Georgian Theatre on Thursday 6 August.
- Anne Lister in York: Catch a brand new play about the famous Georgian visitor, No Priest But Love, hosted by Holy Trinity Church on Goodramgate and the Merchant Taylors’ Hall on Sunday 9 August.
And the last day of the festival, Monday 10 August, will see a series of talks.
These include the launch by York St John University students of a new edition of correspondence exchanged between writers Ignatius Sancho, one of the first Black Britons known to have voted in a parliamentary election, and Yorkshire-based Laurence Sterne, author of Tristram Shandy.
You can find all the details at the York Georgian Festival website.
