York Residents' Festival: How residents of York can ‘rediscover’ their home city this winter
Many of York’s residents would be the first to admit to an occasional grumble about the number of tourists in the city.
Regularly cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, nearly nine million people visit York each year to take in its unique culture and architecture.
But it is residents who will be given the opportunity to make the most of their city later this month at their very own festival.
York Residents' Festival will return on January 31 and February 1, offering those living in the city free entry to the city’s top attractions.
Many participating restaurants and bars will also lower their prices and offer discounts for residents.
A spokesperson for Make It York, which organises the event, said: “This much-loved event is a celebration of everything York has to offer, giving residents the chance to support local businesses and independent makers.
“With countless exclusive deals and offers, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy an unforgettable weekend in York.”
Attractions participating include the city’s three National Trust properties: Treasurer’s House in the city centre, the gardens at Goddards in the Dringhouses area of the city, and Beningbrough Hall on the outskirts.
Fairfax House, the Georgian mansion in the city centre, will also be taking part, as will the York Cold War Bunker in nearby Holgate.
York Chocolate Story, a museum exploring the city’s varied connection to confectionery, is offering 200 free tickets over the course of the weekend.
Sarah Loftus, managing director of Make It York, said: “York Residents’ Festival is the perfect opportunity to rediscover the city you call home.
“With so many offers, free tickets and brilliant experiences, make the most of this amazing weekend available to all residents and explore everything on offer – don't miss out.”
There will also be offers from restaurants and businesses, including 20 per cent off at Rainbow Ceramics, the city’s pottery painting studio and York Gin, which is also offering 20 per cent off.
Tickets will be on sale for all events from January 9 on the Visit York website.
It comes ahead of a bumper year for the city, with several festivals planned across Winter and Spring.
In February, the popular ice trail festival returns, with some 30 sculptures planned on the theme of An Enchanted City.
Residents and visitors will also be able to try their hand at ice-carving.
A spokesperson for Make It York said: “This will see the streets of York come alive with over 30 ice sculptures and an array of exciting activities inspired by magic, mystery, and the weird and wonderful, creating an extraordinary trail.”
In March, York Literature Festival will return. The full line-up is still to be unveiled, but fantasy author Susanna Clarke is already confirmed.
The festival will also incorporate a folk horror weekend in what is being billed as the city’s “first festival of hauntology”.
And in June, the York Festival of Ideas will see cultural events, talks, and workshops across the city.