Be amongst the first to go behind the scenes at York Minster’s Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills and Estate Management at a one-off Heritage Fair on Saturday 2 August.

The day’s events will allow members of the public to explore two new buildings – the Heritage Quad and the Works & Technology Hub – which together have established the York Minster Precinct as a world-class campus facility for research, education and training in traditional craft skills. Visitors will also be able to see first-hand the extensive sustainable initiatives delivered through the construction of these two new buildings, including the latest photovoltaic technology and rainwater harvesting techniques.

There will be three areas to explore:

The Heritage Quad: 10am – 4pm

Visitors will be able to speak to York Minster stonemasons and see live carving, whilst touring brand new facilities and meeting other heritage craftspeople such as joiners and guilders. There will also be an opportunity to try out some of the applied craft skills needed to care for an ancient estate like York Minster’s.

Free, pre-booked tickets required. 

The Works & Technology Hub: 10am – 4pm

Visitors will be able to engage with the cutting-edge technology now operational in the Works & Technology Hub. They will see live demonstrations of saws and digital modelling, as well as speaking to York Minster staff and partners to understand how technology links with heritage crafts.

Free, pre-booked tickets required. 

Heritage Pavilion: 10am – 4pm

A careers pavilion, located in Minster Gardens in front of the York Minster Refectory, will provide an opportunity for people to talk to our heritage partners. This is an ideal opportunity for anyone considering a career in the heritage industry to speak to the many experts in their respective fields.

No tickets are required to attend the careers pavilion.

Tickets 

Tickets to visit the Heritage Quad and the Works & Technology Hub are limited. Please pre-book your visit HERE, allowing yourself 10 minutes to move between sites.

Celebratory Evensong: 5.30pm 

At 5.30pm, the Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills & Estate Management will be celebrated at a service of Choral Evensong. The service will be themed around sustainability and giving thanks for all that God has created. The Right Reverend Dr Flora Winfield, Bishop of Selby, will preach. At the end of the service, York’s Civic Party will process out into the city.

All are welcome, no booking is required.

We are incredibly grateful to all the donors, supporters and partners who have made the Centre of Excellence possible – including significant donations from the Garfield Weston Foundation, Julia Rausing Trust and York Minster Fund, our lead fundraising partners. The Heritage Fair has also been funded via the generosity of the Friends of York Minster and PMJ Masonry. We also thank our corporate circle members, Pinnacle Conservation, Stone Industry Group, Tecno Program and PMJ Masonry.