Yorkshire families to get invitation into the world of Aardman Animation
Over the last half-century, Wallace & Gromit, Morph, Shaun the Sheep and Creature Comforts have won places in our hearts.
Now families across Yorkshire are invited to enjoy an afternoon of film and live music over the August Bank Holiday weekend, as Carrot Productions brings Aardman in Concert to York Barbican.
On Saturday August 29, audiences can celebrate 50 years of the iconic animation studio with a spectacular live experience built around some of Britain's best-loved characters.
Combining classic film moments with a live orchestra, the show is designed for lifelong fans and newcomers alike.
The first half of the performance takes audiences on a journey through Aardman's remarkable five-decade history, opening with a specially created montage sequence and score that showcases Wallace & Gromit's most daring adventures, Shaun the Sheep's funniest moments, and appearances from many familiar faces along the way.
The second half features a full screening of Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers, accompanied live by the orchestra. When Wallace takes in a mysterious new lodger, Gromit quickly becomes suspicious of the coolly calculating Feathers McGraw. What follows is one of Aardman's most celebrated adventures, complete with daring heists, ingenious inventions and one of the greatest chase sequences ever committed to clay.
The enduring popularity of Wallace & Gromit shows no sign of slowing down. Released on Christmas Day 2024, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl became the most-watched animated film in the UK since modern records began with 21.6 million viewers in 28 days, introducing a whole new generation to Aardman's beloved duo and the dastardly Feathers McGraw.
Together, the film and live performance showcase the wit, creativity and craftsmanship that have made Aardman a fixture of family life for five decades, making it the perfect way to round off the summer holidays.
Rachel Whibley, MD of Carrot Productions, said: “These are characters many of us grew up with, and now we're seeing families bring their own children to experience them live. York is a city with such a rich cultural heritage and a strong tradition of welcoming audiences for live performance, so it feels like a wonderful place to celebrate Aardman's milestone year.”
Molly Van Den Brink, Senior Attractions & Live Experiences Manager at Aardman. said: “What better way to continue our long-standing partnership with Carrot Productions than celebrating our 50th anniversary together."
Tickets for Aardman in Concert at York Barbican on 29 August 2026 are available now: https://www.yorkbarbican.co.uk/whats-on/aardman-in-concert/