York Minster announces chorister auditions for 2024

York Minster is offering York school pupils in Year 3 a chance to audition for its world-famous choir. Children are not expected to have formal singing experience, but a love of singing is very much essential to the role. If their audition is successful, children will receive a place at St Peter’s School, the choir school for York Minster since September 2020.

Choral music is one of the glories of York Minster: the choir, widely regarded as one of the finest cathedral choirs in the country, can trace its heritage back to 627AD and, more recently, has performed for King Charles III as well as featuring on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM. Alongside high profile performances, choristers also have the chance to tour internationally, make new friends and sing alongside renowned musicians in the stunning setting of York Minster.

As well as a world-class musical education under the tutelage of York Minster’s Director of Music, Robert Sharpe, choristers receive an outstanding education at St Peter’s School, one of the oldest schools in the world and winner of the Times Education Supplement’s Independent School of the Year 2021. The Chapter of York, York Minster’s governing body, provides a substantial scholarship for each chorister towards school fees, with additional means-tested bursaries potentially increasing the level of funding to 100%.

Robert Sharpe explained that the chorister recruitment process aims to identify children with musicality and potential, rather than recruiting fully formed singers. He said:

“There will be many parents in and around York with a son or daughter who just loves singing and who may be searching for ways to nurture their child’s ability. Becoming a chorister at York Minster is an excellent way to harness a child’s musical talent. Energy, enthusiasm and good humour are just as important as musical talent.

“In addition to developing their musical skills, chorister training helps children to develop lifelong skills such as self-discipline, team-work, organisational skills, concentration, poise and attention to detail.  Choristers are educated at St Peter’s School which shares a common foundation of 627AD with the Minster making it the fourth oldest school in the world.

“This is a unique opportunity for a child to have a superb education and to play a part in the life of one of the most important and beautiful cathedrals in the world.”

Commenting on the auditions, Jeremy Walker, Head Master of St Peter’s School York said:

“The wonderful experience of being a chorister at York Minster, combined with an outstanding education at St Peter’s, offers excellent and often life-changing opportunities for girls and boys with musical talents and interests.  I have first-hand appreciation of the incredible experience this provides, as a former chorister parent myself and Head Master of two cathedral choir schools, and encourage you and your families to find out more and consider an application.”

About the 2024 Chorister Auditions

York Minster’s 2024 Chorister Auditions will be held in the week commencing January 2024 at St Peter’s School, Clifton, York YO30 6AB. The deadline for applications is 31 December 2023. For an application pack and more details, contact Sara Bath, Master’s PA, on 01904 527391 or email s.bath@stpetersyork.org.uk

Archbishop of York to Welcome Ten New Canons as Members of York Minster’s College of Canons

Ten new Honorary Canons will be collated, admitted and installed as members of the College of Canons of York Minster, during a service of Choral Evensong on Saturday 16 September 2023 at 5.30pm.  All are welcome.

The new Honorary Canons, whose appointments reflect their dedicated experience to the life of the diocese and the wider church, will first be collated by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell and will then be admitted and installed by the Dean of York, Dominic Barrington.  The Installations will take place in the cathedral’s Nave.

Dominic said: “The College of Canons act as ambassadors for the cathedral’s mission, ministry and work.  They will bring lively faith, rich and diverse expertise and life experiences, great wisdom and advice.  They will also play a vital role as “critical friends” encouraging and supportive but also questioning and challenging in equal measure.  We look forward to welcoming them into the life of the cathedral.”

These honorary appointments are in addition to any posts the Canons Elect currently hold. The Honorary Canons are listed below:

• The Revd Canon Susan Jane Binks – Canon and Prebendary of Bilton
• The Revd Canon Mark Jonathan Carey – Canon and Prebendary of Bole
• The Revd Canon Elizabeth Claire Hassall – Canon and Prebendary of Givendale
• The Revd Canon Dr Ian MacDonald McIntosh – Canon and Prebendary of Holme
• The Revd Canon Paul Harrison Peverell – Canon and Prebendary of Husthwaite
• The Revd Canon Dr Peniel Jesudason Rufus Rajkumar – Canon and Prebendary of Wetwang
• Lay Canon Dr Helen Rachel Lawrence – Canon and Prebendary of Salton
• Lay Canon Capt. Richard Michael Bernard Cooke CA – Canon and Prebendary of Wistow
• The Rt Revd Stephen Peter Race – Bishop of Beverley – to be Admitted and Installed (as a Bishop, Stephen is not collated) by the Dean as an ex officio member of the Minster’s College of Canons
• The Revd Canon Caroline Rosamund Pinchbeck – Canon and Prebendary of Langtoft (Caroline will not be present on 16 September. She will be collated by the Archbishop at Bishopthorpe Palace later in September. A date will be found for Admission and Installation at York Minster).

The legal formalities of swearing the prescribed Declarations and Oaths will be administered before each service by the Deputy Registrar for the Diocese of York before the Archbishop in the Consistory Court or the Zouche Chapel.

Installation of The Revd Canon Timothy Goode at York Minster

The Revd Canon Timothy Goode, will be Installed as York Minster’s new Canon for Congregational Discipleship and Nurture during Choral Evensong in the inspiring surroundings of the cathedral’s Quire on Saturday 9 September at 4pm. All are welcome.

This new post will see Tim focusing on growing and supporting the life and witness of the current congregations in the Minster, developing new congregations, and creating opportunities to encounter the Christian faith and to nurture those seeking to understand and explore their faith journey.
The Installation part of the service consists of three separate ceremonies. Tim will first be collated, a formal licensing ceremony conducted by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell. He will then be admitted and installed into his assigned stall in the Quire by the Dean of York, Dominic Barrington.
Tim will become one of the four Executive Trustee members of the Chapter of York, the Church of England governing body responsible for York Minster, and will be part of the cathedral’s clergy team led by the Dean of York.

Biographical details – Revd Canon Timothy Goode

Tim was brought up in Worcestershire. His father was a Vicar and Tim was a chorister at St Michael’s Tenbury before gaining a music scholarship to Ellesmere College. Tim studied Music Composition and Performance at Huddersfield Polytechnic and trained as a secondary school teacher at the Roehampton Institute. He was a music teacher at St Philomena’s School in Carshalton from 1991-1995, before being appointed Director of Music of Homefield School in Sutton from 1995-2007. He trained for ministry at Ripon College Cuddesdon and served his title at Croydon Minster, in the Diocese of Southwark and was ordained priest in 2010.

From September 2012 to May 2018, Tim was Team Vicar of St Luke’s Whyteleafe and St Peter and St Paul, Chaldon, part of the Caterham Team Ministry. From 2013 to 2021 he was also the Southwark Diocesan Disability Advisor. He was appointed Rector of St Margaret’s Lee in the Southwark Diocese in May 2018.

Tim is a member of the National Disability Task Group, which advises the Archbishops of Canterbury and York on disability issues. A member of the General Synod between 2015 – 2023, Tim led the first debate on disability at the General Synod in July 2022. He was a member of the Archbishops’ Council between 2020 – 2023. Tim was made an Honorary Canon of Southwark Cathedral in September 2020 and has been a trustee of the Churches Conservation Trust since November 2020.

Tim has been married to Bernie since 1995. Bernie, who is a practising Roman Catholic, is a Chemistry Teacher. Until July 2023, Bernie was Head of the Science Faculty at Sutton High School and has recently joined the Science Department at St Peter’s School in York teaching Chemistry. They do not have children but they do have a 3 year-old lurcher called Finzi!

Tim is disabled and writes and lectures on the Theology of Disability. His particular academic interest is exploring how a Christian anthropology, founded upon the resurrected body of Jesus Christ, challenges our cultural perceptions of perfection.

York Minster breaks ground on its Centre of Excellence

An official ceremony to mark the start of construction work on York Minster’s new Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills and Estate Management was held at the Minster recently.

The ceremony, which took place in the grounds of what will become The Heritage Quad, was attended by the Dean of York, the Very Revd Dominic Barrington, and Andy Gatenby, Managing Director of Simpson, the specialist heritage contractor delivering the works.

The first-of-its-kind project will see the creation of a world-class campus facility for research, education and training in the traditional craft skills required to preserve and maintain the Minster for future generations. It will also establish the Minster as an international example of best practice in managing complex heritage estates.

The Centre of Excellence includes the development of two sites, The Heritage Quad and The Works and Technology Hub. They will provide new facilities for craftspeople, including York Minsters stonemasons, and house and deliver training in modern techniques and processes to apprentices and students from across the world, working with cutting edge digital technology.

Existing buildings within the Precinct will also be sustainably reordered, repurposed, and renewed to provide new workspace and associated facilities, enable greater engagement and interaction with the public around key crafts and trades, and allow improved links with education.

The Centre of Excellence is expected to be completed in summer 2024. It’s a key component of the York Minster Precinct Neighbourhood Plan which sets out a policy-led approach to creating a sustainable future for the Minster and its seven hectare estate.

The Very Revd Dominic Barrington, Dean of York, said: “Start on site at the Centre of Excellence is a significant milestone in our journey to establish the Precinct as a leading destination for preserving and maintaining heritage craft skills. It also marks an important moment of our Neighbourhood Plan, which is the biggest programme of planned works at York Minster and its Precinct in 150 years. We’re incredibly excited to start watching the new sites and facilities become a reality over the next year.”

Andy Gatenby, Managing Director of Simpson, added: “As a proud-York based Construction company, delivering a project such as York Minster’s Centre of Excellence is a huge honour, as we’re not only helping to create exceptional new buildings and workspaces in the area, but it’ll also bring additional benefits, including preserving and developing ancient craft skills. We’re proud to be playing a role in maintaining York Minster and its Precinct for future generations.”

The funding for the Centre is being co-ordinated by the York Minster Fund, which recently announced a campaign to raise an additional £4m to support the completion of the project.

Neil Sanderson, Director of the York Minster Fund, commented: “The sustainable benefits the Centre of Excellence will deliver long term are far reaching, not only financially, but for maintaining heritage skills at York Minster, the heritage community, and the wider city, so we’re incredibly excited to mark its start on site.

“Like many construction projects, we’ve encountered numerous challenges since we began our journey in 2018 through rising costs and supply chain issues, so we still have a long way to go. We’re therefore seeking further funding and donations to ensure this important project can be delivered on schedule, and we are grateful of the support we’ve had so far.”

The York Minster Neighbourhood Plan is an ambitious masterplan to secure a sustainable future for York Minster. Formally adopted by City of York Council last year, its delivery will signal the largest planned programme of works at the Minster and its surrounding Precinct since the Victorian era. It recently won a major award from the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) for Planning Excellence.

For more information on the Centre of Excellence or to donate please click here.

Pledges can also be made by emailing the York Minster Fund at ymf@yorkminster.org.

York Minster Annual Report and Accounts 2022

The Chapter of York, the governing body for York Minster, today published its Annual Report and Accounts for 2022.  The documents show continuing recovery in the cathedral’s post pandemic financial performance and a more optimistic outlook overall despite ongoing national and global economic turbulence.

The Accounts to the year ended 31 December 2022, record a net operating deficit (before investment valuation movements) of £329,000 compared to £805,000 in 2021 and £2.3 million in 2020, the first year of the pandemic. Income amounted to £9,738,000 (£7.1m in 2021) an increase of £2,638,000 on the previous year.

Visitor income increased by £1,766,000 to £3,878,000 (£2.1m in 2021). Retail income was up £611,000 to £1,337,000 (£726,000 in 2021).  Almost 621,000 people visited the Minster last year compared to 266,183 in 2021.

The return to normal levels of activity led to an increase in expenditure on raising funds of £724,000 due to additional variable costs for the visitor and retail operations and additional costs incurred on investment property and repairs during the year.

Total expenditure on mission was £10,067,000 (£7.9m in 2021). The £2,119,000 increase included £661,000 on major repairs and restoration of the cathedral and its precincts and a significant rise in the cost of materials to £253,000.  Returning to pre-Covid levels of activity increased staff costs to £264,000 and there was £128,000 of expenditure on Minster maintenance costs.

Ministry costs increased by £503,000 including £232,000 on essential maintenance and repair of accommodation, a £195,000 increase in the cost of services, music and congregational costs of £100,000 and £26,000 of printing costs with the return to largely in-person services. There was also £27,000 of expenditure relating to the period of official mourning for the late Queen Elizabeth II.  However costs for education and outreach decreased by £44,000 due to the low level of school learning activities during the year.

The investment markets suffered in 2022 due to the wider impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  As a result of this, Chapter recorded a net loss of £3,507,000 on equity investments (compared to a net gain of £3.2m in 2021).  Total net assets at the end of the year were £50,911,000 (£53.1m in 2021).

The Very Revd Dominic Barrington, Dean of York, said: “This is an impressive performance and a tribute to York Minster’s staff and volunteers who continued to deliver inspiring worship, outstanding music and a world class welcome for everyone who visited the cathedral. We are grateful to our local community, to our paying visitors and to our donors who returned to support the mission and ministry of York Minster in such large numbers.

“The deeply encouraging signs of economic recovery are due to Chapter’s careful oversight and stewardship of the Minster’s finances through those tough pandemic years.  Ongoing economic volatility and turbulence around the world will require continuing caution and discipline in our financial management.

“Emerging from the pandemic, life at York Minster quickly became full and busy once again. We made progress on delivery of the Neighbourhood Plan successfully securing planning consents for developments such as the Centre of Excellence and the Works and Technology Hub and installing solar panels on the roof of the new York Minster Refectory, an important step on our journey towards net zero.

“However in 2022, York Minster came into its own as the cathedral for the Northern Province of the Church of England and the seat of the Archbishop of York as we welcomed thousands of visitors firstly to celebrate the historic Platinum Jubilee and then to honour the remarkable life of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Designed and carved by stonemason Richard Bossons, the unveiling, last November, of her statue by her son, His Majesty King Charles III, marked the end of a historic and momentous year.”

For a full version of the accounts, please click here.

A new Assistant Organist for York Minster

A highly-accomplished musician has been appointed as York Minster’s new Assistant Organist. Adam Wilson will join the internationally-renowned York Minster music department on 21 August. Adam will join the cathedral’s music team led by Director of Music, Robert Sharpe and the Assistant Director of Music, Benjamin Morris.

Commenting on Adam’s appointment Robert Sharpe said: “I am looking forward to having Adam as part of our team, working alongside Ben Morris and me. He brings considerable experience from his time at Wells and I have no doubt he will enjoy being in York and getting to know the Minster, its people and its organ.”

 Adam has been Acting Assistant Director of Music at Wells Cathedral since January 2023, having been Assistant Organist since September 2021. In this role, he is the principal Organist to the acclaimed Wells Cathedral Choir. As such, Adam has accompanied the full calendar of choral and civic services in the Cathedral, and has accompanied several concerts including Duruflé’s Requiem with the Cathedral Choir, Fauré’s Requiem and Rutter’s Magnificat with the Cathedral Oratorio Society, as well as various programmes in which he has played continuo.

In addition to his duties as an Organist, Adam has played a key role in assisting the Acting Director of Music in training the Choristers, particularly in being responsible for the musical development of the probationer Choristers, and in the running of the Music Department.

Prior to his appointment at Wells Cathedral, Adam spent two years as Acting Assistant Master of the Music at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh, (including a period as Acting Master of the Music) where he was involved in the restoration of the cathedral’s 1879 ‘Father’ Willis organ. He has also held organ scholarships at Peterborough Cathedral, St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow, and Dunblane Cathedral.

In 2016, Adam was commissioned by Cottier Chamber Music Project to transcribe Scriabin’s symphonic epic, Prometheus: The Poem of Fire, for organ and piano. The performance, with pianist Nick Lauener, explored the traits of synesthesia, a neurological condition where senses overlap, in musicians. The music was accompanied by a light show which illuminated the chapel in a display designed around Scriabin’s own instructions for the use of a ‘colour organ’ in Prometheus, in collaboration with Glasgow Science Festival. 

Professor Sarah Brown awarded 2023 Plowden Medal for outstanding work in the field of stained glass conservation

The Director of the York Glaziers Trust, Professor Sarah Brown, has been awarded the 2023 Plowden Medal for Conservation for her significant and globally renowned contribution to the stained glass conservation sector.  The Plowden Medal is awarded annually by The Royal Warrant Holders’ Association to recognise the individual who has made the most significant recent contribution to the advancement of the conservation profession.

Professor Brown and her team at York Glaziers Trust are responsible for the conservation and care of the magnificent stained glass windows at York Minster. York Minster’s windows contain the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in Britain. Professor Brown led the ground-breaking 10-year project to repair and conserve the cathedral’s famed Great East Window, the stained glass masterpiece created more than 600 years ago by the medieval master glazier John Thornton.

Expert conservators at the Trust spent a combined 92,400 hours meticulously conserving the glass in the Great East Window. The project mixed traditional skills with pioneering technology to repair and conserve the stained glass. York Minster was the first cathedral in the UK to install state-of-the-art, UV resistant external glazing to protect the priceless stained glass.

In 2017, York Minster announced a 20-year partnership project with York Glaziers Trust and the York Minster Fund to protect all of the cathedral’s windows from environmental damage.  Professor Brown and her team are currently working on 600 year-old stained glass in the cathedral’s South Quire Aisle as part of an 11 year, multi-million pound conservation and restoration project to repair glass and stonework.

Congratulating Professor Brown on the award of The Plowden Medal, The Very Revd Dominic Barrington, Dean of York said: “We were absolutely thrilled to learn that Sarah has received this award. Her outstanding expertise, scholarship and leadership in her field is internationally renowned as is her tireless commitment to the sector more widely, particularly in identifying and bringing-on the next generation of specialist conservators.

“Created for the glory of God, the restoration of the Great East Window carried out by Sarah and her team, gives modern pilgrims and visitors the chance to experience John Thornton’s masterpiece as it was first seen 600 years ago. Sarah is one of those special people who understands the long term impact of their work to improve on the work of those who have gone before and to make things better for those who will follow.  She is a careful custodian and representative of her sector.  We are honoured to have her alongside us at York Minster. The Plowden Medal is a tremendous accolade for Sarah.”

York and New York honour 100 years of civic partnership

The long-standing historic links between the cities of York and New York has been officially commemorated with the gifting of a ledger stone created by York Minster masons.

Presented as part of a Company dinner on Tuesday 11 July 2023, this momentous event also signified the formal affiliation of the Company of the Merchant Adventurers of the City of York and the St George’s Society of New York. Both organisations date back centuries and have shared core values of philanthropy, economic growth and enrichment through education.

The connections between the two cities are similarly deep rooted. Not only do they have an unbreakable link through the history of their names – dating back to 1664 when New York was named – but in 1924, New York presented the city of York with a bronze plaque, which is currently housed in the York Guildhall, to mark their unique bond.

The ledger stone, an inscribed stone slab usually laid into the floor of a church, has been specially crafted to mark the centenary of this gift. It was created by stonemason Richard Bossons, who was responsible for designing York Minster’s recently unveiled statue of Queen Elizabeth II. The stone was unveiled by HRH Duke of Gloucester, Patron of the St George’s Society New York at the Company dinner.

The plaque and ledger stone will be displayed together for public viewing at York Guildhall before the stone is shipped to New York early next year. It will be formally unveiled by the Archbishop of York, during a special evensong and civic reception at the Church of St Thomas in New York on 5^th May 2024, to mark the centenary of this unique bond. York Minster shares a close relationship with St Thomas’ Church through its liturgy and music.

The Very Revd Dominic Barrington, Dean of York, said: “York and New York have long collaborated on the international stage, forging connections between each city’s world-renowned institutions, including universities, businesses and cultural establishments. We’re delighted to be commemorating the centenary of this historic moment, and in particular to be doing so by showcasing the heritage craft skills of our talented team of stonemasons, whose efforts are absolutely crucial for ensuring a sustainable future for the Minster.

“Beyond the twinning of these two historic institutions, we hope to further develop connections between York and New York, as well as consequently helping to strengthen the city of York’s already strong position on the world stage through our international Centre of Excellence.”

York Minster, which has recently launched a fundraising campaign for its Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills, is one of just ten remaining cathedrals with a team of in-house craftspeople responsible for its conservation. The Centre of Excellence seeks to preserve and innovate these skills through the introduction of cutting-edge technology, as well as offering further training and development opportunities in these skills through international exchanges and partnerships.

Mr Joe Horsley, Governor of the Company of Merchant Adventurers, said: “This commitment of affiliation is a significant strengthening of our Company and the St Georges Society, with whom we share values, charitable efforts and provide a place of fellowship for and between our members. We are pleased to play our part in the wider connection between our cities and are particularly honoured to have welcomed HRH The Duke of Gloucester to our Hall to unveil the leger stone and meet our members.”

The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Chris Cullwick said: “It is a fantastic honour to have been invited to celebrate the friendship between our two great, historic cities through the unveiling of a ledger stone that is to be presented in New York next summer. The Minster’s masons’ exceptional work will take pride of place at a world-famous location in central Manhattan, putting York even more firmly on the world map.

“I look forward to welcoming the St. George’s Society to York and working with them, the Minster and others, both here and in the United States, to strengthen links and maximise the benefits that this historic relationship brings.”

David Drinkwater, President of the St George’s Society of New York, added: “We are delighted that the allegiance between our two cities continues to blossom and that our pact to help those in need remains unwavering. With the invaluable support from members both near and far, St. George’s Society of New York takes immense pride in our charitable programs designed to safeguard our community from adversity while empowering students to unlock their academic potential.”

Sung Eucharist attended by the General Synod of the Church of England  

Officers and members of the General Synod of the Church of England will attend the Sung Eucharist service at York Minster at 11.00am on Sunday 9 July. The General Synod’s July meeting will take place in York from 7 -11 July.

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, will preside at the service. The Preacher will be the Most Revd Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith, Primate of the Church of the Province of West Africa. The Choir of York Minster will perform at the service.

All are welcome to attend the service.

Shining a light on outstanding effort and dedication: A significant award for Chapter of York Canon Linda Ali

Canon Linda Ali, a member of the Chapter of York, the governing body for York Minster, was last week presented with the Canterbury Cross by the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, at the Lambeth Awards ceremony for Services to the Church of England. Linda was recognised for her outstanding contribution to the cause of Racial Justice in society and in the Church of England over 25 years.

The 33 award-winners included people from the Church of England, the wider Anglican Communion, a mix of other denominations and people who have no faith. This year’s recipients included poets, educators, activists, clergy, peacemakers as well as many unsung people who have dedicated their working lives to the promotion of faith and in the service of God’s witness.  The recipients work all over the world including New Zealand, Egypt, Russia, Italy, Australia, the USA and the Solomon Islands and the UK.

Speaking last week, The Archbishop said:  “We live in a troubled world, where all around us we see conflict, war, discrimination, division, poverty and deep inequality, but our faith in Jesus gives us hope.  We see that hope exemplified in the wonderful service of the people we have recognised today.”

“Many of the people who have received awards have worked unseen and unsung, striving for justice, peace, reconciliation, advances in education, worship and prayer.  Not all are followers of Jesus Christ, but, through their endeavours, they have made significant contributions to the mutual respect and maintenance of human dignity, which is so vital to spiritual and social health and the flourishing of mankind.  The Lambeth Awards shine a light on their outstanding efforts and dedication.”
Canon Linda said:  “I was absolutely surprised to receive the news that I was to be presented with this award. I can only say that I would be hugely grateful to the kind and generous person who thought I was deserving of such a special award and nominated me to receive it.  The ceremony at Lambeth Palace was a wonderful occasion, on a warm sunny day, meeting the other 33 recipients and their guests, to be presented with the Canterbury Cross by Archbishop Justin and to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea afterwards.  The afternoon ended as it should with evening prayer to thank God for his abundance of goodness he has bestowed on us all.”

A summer of music, theatre, and family fun at York Minster

Spend your summer at York Minster with an exciting programme that includes the cathedral’s ever popular Summer Organ Recital series, innovative theatre and classic cinema both in the glorious surroundings of Dean’s Park, fascinating exhibitions and fun new trails for children and families to help them explore the medieval Minster.

Summer visitors to the York Minster Precinct will also be able to experience two new welcoming, green spaces both with wonderful views of the cathedral: a newly revamped and replanted College Green and Minster Gardens, a peaceful new garden oasis next door to the York Minster Refectory. These green spaces have been planted with trees, shrubs, flowers, grass and wildflower turf all specially selected to provide colour and scent all summer long. Perfect for wildlife and pollinators, picnics and a peaceful escape from the heat and bustle of the city.

General admission is free for York residents and students with valid proof of a York address. Don’t forget that up to four children aged 17 and under go free with a paying adult. General admission tickets last up to 12 months so visitors can keep their ticket and return for as many summer activities as they like.

York Minster’s full summer programme is as follows:

Majesty: Monarchy & York Minster

Free with General Admission

Discover York Minster’s royal connections and collections through an exhibition exploring the cathedral’s centuries-old relationship with the monarchy in celebration of the Coronation of King Charles III.

Maths Quest and Light Quest

Free with General Admission

Look for shapes, patterns, colours, light and numbers as you journey around York Minster on our brand-new children’s trails – Maths Quest and Light Quest. Perfect to keep little brains busy over the summer holidays!

Little Explorer Backpacks

Free with General Admission

Grab one of our ever-popular Little Explorer Backpacks filled with gadgets including maps, binoculars, and a magnifying glass to help your young adventurer explore the medieval Minster.

Undercroft Museum

Free with General Admission

Follow in the footsteps of Roman soldiers as you discover 2000 years of history in our state-of-the-art Undercroft Museum. Delve beneath the cathedral’s floor and see archaeological finds from across the centuries through digital displays and interactive chambers.

Climb the Central Tower

See medieval stonework and gothic grotesques up-close as you climb the 275 steps to the top of York Minster’s Central Tower, the highest point in York, for panoramic views of the city.

Enjoy our green spaces

Relax in Dean’s Park, College Green or the brand-new Minster Gardens and take in these vibrant green spaces nestled in the heart of York. Perfect for family picnics and dog walks.

Orchestral Evensong in partnership with St Peter’s School

Wednesday 28 June, 5.30pm

Join the Chapel Choir of St Peter’s School and the Choir of York Minster for a special Orchestral Evensong to mark the Feast of St Peter, the cathedral’s patron saint.

The choirs will sing Stanford’s Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in B flat and the anthem All wisdom cometh from the Lord by Dr Philip Moore, Organist Emeritus of York Minster.

This service will also be livestreamed.

Open air theatre in Dean’s Park by The Three Inch Fools

Friday 23 June, Sunday 25 June, Friday 15 September & Saturday 16 September, 7.30pm

Rushed off their feet with musical instruments in hand, a hapless troupe of actors is coming to Dean’s Park with endless costume changes, chaotic comedies and confusion.

The Three Inch Fools are bringing their innovative touring theatre company to York Minster this summer for fast-paced, musically-driven outdoor theatre with performances of legendary folktale Robin Hood and Shakespeare’s most chaotic comedy As You Like It.

 Summer Organ Recitals

Thursdays 20 July – 24 August, 7.00pm

Experience York Minster’s magnificent Grand Organ through a series of summer recitals. Join world-class visiting organists alongside York Minster’s own accomplished musicians for six evenings of spectacular organ music in the cathedral’s awe-inspiring Nave.

Programme highlights include much-loved classics from Debussy, Bach and Widor, as well as exciting contemporary compositions.

– Thursday 20 July, John Scott Whiteley

– Thursday 27 July, Benjamin Morris

– Thursday 3 August, Katherine Dienes-Williams

– Thursday 10 August, Robert Quinney

– Thursday 17 August, Colin Walsh

– Thursday 24 August, Robert Sharpe.

Tickets are now available for just £12, with a combined season ticket price of £60 for all six recitals. A concession ticket for under-27s priced at £5 is also available.

 Luna Cinema in Dean’s Park

Tuesday 29 August, Wednesday 30 August & Thursday 31 August, 8.00pm

The UK’s leading open-air cinema is returning to York Minster’s Dean’s Park with a line-up of all the latest blockbusters, alongside classic feel-good favourites on the big screen.

See Elvis, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and Sister Act against the beautiful backdrop of the medieval Minster.

Triple consecration service at York Minster – Thursday 22 June

Three new Bishops will be consecrated at York Minster at 11.00am on Thursday 22 June. The Revd Dr Matthew Porter, currently Vicar of St Michael le Belfrey, York, will become the new Bishop of Bolton in the Diocese of Manchester. The Revd Canon Smitha Prasadam, currently Chaplain of St Albans, Copenhagen, Denmark, will become the new Bishop of Huddersfield and the Revd Canon Anna Eltringham will become the new Bishop of Ripon, both in the Diocese of Leeds.

The Most Revd and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, will preside at the service.

The service will be livestreamed on York Minster’s YouTube Channel. British Sign Language will be available during the service.