York Proms returns to the Museum Gardens this month – here’s what you need to know.
The much-loved picnic concert is back on Sunday 26 July, ready to once again entertain a crowd of music lovers of all ages.
The annual night of live entertainment will feature a live orchestra, soloists, fireworks finale and local talent on the warm up stage.
This year’s York Proms will feature a variety of music from the world of classical and opera, film soundtracks and show songs – and with an increased orchestra size, some iconic John Williams pieces will also be included.
The special guests joining the orchestra this year is soprano Jennifer Coleman and York’s very own West End star and tenor Ashley Stilburn.
Ashley has appeared in the West End in shows like Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd, and The Woman in White.
For York Proms, Ashley will be singing some iconic male theatre solos, duets with soprano Jennifer and leading the Proms Finale pieces.
York Proms are welcoming back Jennifer Coleman, as the British/Irish soprano has been the female soloist twice before, in 2019 and 2023.
Since August 2025, Jennifer has been a full-time chorus member of The Royal Ballet and Opera (formerly The Royal Opera House) in Covent Garden, London.
In 2026 Jennifer is covering the role of First Bridesmaid for the Royal Opera, in their production of Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, she also covered the soprano solo in Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms for The Royal Ballet.
This year, the gates will be split by ticket type. Marygate entrance will open at 5pm for Fast Track and Disabled tickets, and Museum Street gate will open at when the Marygate queue has entered, or at 5:30pm if the other queue has been cleared.
The main evening show start time is yet to be confirmed, but it is recommend to be seated on the lawn ready to watch the show by 7pm as it is expected to begin at 7:30pm. There will be warm up acts ahead of the show too, starting around 6pm.
Audiences are permitted to bring folding chairs, cool boxes/hampers and picnic blankets, as well as their own food and alcohol. There will also be vendors on-site from a range of local suppliers, for hot and cold drinks and refreshments.
Tickets for York Proms are still available, and must be booked in advance. Starting from £10, they’re available here.
To find out more, visit the York Proms website here.
