Experience Summer at York Minster

Visitors to York Minster this summer will find worship, music, late openings, a thought provoking art installation, block-buster films and fun family activities and events throughout July and August.

Worship

All are welcome to experience worship at the cathedral with daily services of Matins, Holy Communion and Evensong as well as the weekly Sunday Eucharist service.  With the Choir of York Minster enjoying a well-earned summer break, Evensong services throughout July and August will be sung by a series of visiting choirs.

Artwork – ‘Faith and Fracture’

A large-scale art work inspired by the Church of England’s “Living in Love and Faith” project will be on display at York Minster this summer. Suspended four metres above the transept and made of two and a half thousand pieces of fragile, luminous glass, ‘Faith and Fracture’ will be on public view from 10 July until 16 September.

The art work was commissioned by the bishops of the Church of England as part of the “Living in Love and Faith” project which saw an 18-month long discussion held across the Church on the subject of human identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage.  Designed by Alice Walker and David Ferrier, with an accompanying soundscape composed by Matt Eaton, the artists hope people will reflect on what faith might have to say in a world of conflict and fracture.

Seasonal Lates at York Minster

Fridays and Saturdays: 22 July – 3 September, 7pm – 9pm
Explore York Minster in the evening light when the cathedral opens its doors on Friday and Saturday evenings during the summer holidays for its seasonal lates. The Minster will be open for general admission giving visitors the chance to explore the medieval cathedral at their own pace, discover nearly 2,000 years of history in the Undercroft Museum and the opportunity to book Tower Trips.

Music

The Grand Organ Returns – The Inaugural Recital Series 2022
Thursdays 21 July – 18 August, 7pm
Join internationally renowned musicians for a special series of recitals celebrating the return of York Minster’s Grand Organ following its £2m, once-in-a-century refurbishment.

• 21 July, 7pm – Nathan Laube
• 28 July, 7pm – Benjamin Morris
• 4 August, 7pm – David Briggs
• 11 August, 7pm – Margaret Phillips
• 18 August, 7pm – Robert Sharpe.

Open Air Cinema

Luna Cinema
30 August – 1 September, 8pm
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. Luna’s 2022 summer programme includes the 25th masterpiece in the James Bond franchise ‘No Time to Die’, the magical ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ and ‘Grease’ – the ultimate summer night movie.
With fantastic food and drink, VIP sofas, brand new two-seater deckchairs and the truly unique backdrop of York Minster, this is an unmissable event.

• Tuesday 30 August – No Time to Die
• Wednesday 31 August – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
• Thursday 1 September – Grease

Family fun and activities for the summer holidays
There will be a range of activities and events at York Minster for children and families throughout July and August.  Don’t forget that admission is free for children and York residents go free with valid proof of address.

Get crafty in Dean’s Park 
Thursdays and Fridays in August, 10am – 3pm

• Get hands-on with craft activities in our Summer Tent in Dean’s Park.
• 4 and 5 August – Sculpt a royal bust.
• 11 and 12 August – Make a Royal tile.
• 18 and 19 August – Create a crown.
• 25 and 26 August – Design your own shield.

Suitable for children aged 4+

York Bird of Prey Centre
Thursdays and Fridays 28 July – 2 September
The York Bird of Prey Centre from Huby, will join us in Dean’s Park to share and show off the wonderful variety of birds they care for. Drop in throughout the day for free educational talks and demonstrations.

Little Explorer Backpacks
Packed with gadgets including a map, binoculars, and a magnifying glass, our backpacks are perfect for helping little adventurers explore the medieval Minster.  The backpacks are available daily and are free to borrow with general admission on a first come, first served basis.

Dragon Quest Trail
Legendary knight, St George, requests help from the little ones to find all the dragons in York Minster to help him complete his noble quest. Little adventurers will have fun discovering the fascinating fiery creatures that decorate the building.

For more information about summer at York Minster go to: What’s on | York Minster