Step back into the 1930s this weekend – as the Joseph Rowntree Theatre host a special family-friendly fundraising fair.
To mark their 90th birthday year, the beloved York venue is hosting an anniversary fair; a community event that’s perfect for all ages. It will take place at York Hospital Social Club on Saturday 15 November from 2:30pm.
Featuring a 1930s theme to mark the celebration, the event will feature games, crafts, a colouring competition, tombola and refreshments.
If you’re feeling inspired by recently watching The Great British Bake Off Musical at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, why not enter the ‘Best Sponge Cake’ competition? Just buy a ticket and bring your entry along to the beginning of the fair and enter your cake for a chance to win First Prize.
All proceeds raised from the event helps support the continued development of the theatre.
The Grade II listed building was founded in 1935 by the Rowntree Village Trust for the entertainment of its chocolate factory workers. Since then, it has become a cornerstone for community entertainment in York – from musicals, to plays, to live music, dance acts, and comedy.
“We’ve been bringing stories to life for 90 years — now we’re bringing the community together to celebrate,” said Dan Shrimpton, chair of the Joseph Rowntree Theatre trustees.
“Join us for a day of family fun and laughter to help support your local theatre to ensure the curtain keeps rising for the next 90 years.”
You can help be a part of the next 90 years by supporting the theatre’s Buy a Brick campaign – find out more here.
The 90th birthday fair is the final event for 2025 for what has been a year of fantastic fundraising at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre.
The theatre’s fundraising anniversary celebrations have included a black-tie anniversary ball at the Milner Hotel in York, which raised an incredible £16,000, in-house shows like The Watsons, Dracula, and Beauty and the Beast, and exciting events such as a Ceilidh and Pie Night.
The Joseph Rowntree Theatre is a venue that’s run by and for the community, and is led by a dedicated board of 14 trustees and supported by more than 180 volunteers.
Ahead of it’s final fundraising event of the year, YorkMix spoke with some of the incredible Joseph Rowntree Theatre volunteers who help keep the venue going and what it means to them.
Take a look at our video below, as well as a gallery of the fundraising events from across the year.
Gallery
