This summer, seaside-themed activities, Yorkshire celebrations and live performances will be heating up York city centre.
Organised by Make it York, the city is set to come alive with a packed programme of events – with family entertainment, locally produced food and drink, live performances and outdoor experiences across the city centre and Shambles Market.
From 30 July to 2 August, Parliament Street will transform into a vibrant seaside-inspired destination, bringing coastal charm to the heart of York with four days of free and family-friendly activities.
The Seaside Fun Zone will feature a pop-up sandpit, classic fairground rides, face painting and themed selfie spots, and younger visitors will also have the opportunity to climb aboard a real farm tractor and take part in craft activities.
The celebrations continue throughout the city, with visitors encouraged to discover hidden corners of the historic Shambles Market through the self-guided Seagull Trail. Trail leaflets will be available from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre, as well as a special sticker upon completion.
Don’t miss a special evening market showcasing Yorkshire-made products. Taking place on 29 July from 7:30pm to 10pm, the Makers Market will transform Shambles Market into a vibrant, welcoming destination, offering a family-friendly twilight shopping experience in the heart of the city.
Yorkshire Day will also take centre stage with a specially curated artisan Yorkshire Day Market, from 30 July to 2 August, showcasing handcrafted goods, locally made products and food from some of the region’s finest independent producers.
The brand-new The Tempest Play Area, from York BID, is a family-friendly immersive lava-themed play experience packed with interactive fun. It features themed obstacle challenges and balance-based equipment including wobble boards and clatter bridges. The play area invites children to climb, balance, jump and explore their way through the course.
A variety of engaging games and activities are designed to keep children active, entertained and fully immersed, encouraging movement, problem-solving and playful exploration throughout. With interactive activities and lava-themed challenges throughout, families can test their agility, problem-solving and adventure skills in an exciting city-centre play experience.
Shambles Market and Shambles Food Court will be open as usual, to browse for unique independent gifts and tasty street food delights.
Thor’s is also open on Parliament Street until 6 September, featuring a refreshed look and new food and drink offers.
The new free art trail, The Watchers of York, inspired by York Minster’s carved stone figures is also running until 31 August.
To see the full programme of events this summer, head to the Visit York website here.
