Organised by Make It York, the York Residents’ Festival 2024 offers a wealth of exclusive deals for York residents.

Alongside the main listings featured on the festival's main page, this blog is here to walk you through some extra, not-to-be-missed experiences. These picks offer a broader array of adventures to make your festival even more exciting. Whether you're a history buff or an art lover, there's something extra for everyone, adding a special touch to our festival's spirit of exploration and community.

How do I take part? To get involved, please present a valid York Card, student card or identity card that proves York residency. If presenting an identity card, this must clearly state 'York' (e.g. driving licence or older person's bus pass).

See individual listings for more information, including pre-booking information. Some venues have limited free tickets and operate on a first come first serve basis.

Open Saturday 27th January 2024 11am to 4pm

This Grade II* listed building, built in 1840, is one of the few chapels of its period still intact. See the horseshoe shaped interior with gallery and box pews, and listen to the organ, one of the finest in York. All are welcome!

Pre-booking not required. Disabled access (partial)

The Friends of York Cemetery will be opening the Pritchell Chapel (grade 2* listed) on Sunday 28th January from 10am to 3pm.

There will be talks on the history of York Cemetery, opened in 1837, tours of the Catacombs, Grave searches by the genealogist team, tours of the cemetery, visiting headstones and looking at the plants and trees in this 24 acre cemetery.

A visit to the Harriet Centre is worth while for free tea and cake.

Visit the Spectacular St. Anthony's Hall to see where Mediaeval tradesmen feasted, poor schoolboys studied and (today) a thriving church meets.

And see the table King James I ate off and King Charles I's soldiers had their limbs amputated on! With mini-lectures at 10:30am and 11:30am on 'Fighting for Freedom and Truth: St. Anthony's Hall and the Civil War 1642-1651'.

Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday 9:30am-4pm, with a service at 10am. All welcome.

The Stained Glass Centre at St Martin cum Gregory will be open for York Residents’ Festival on Saturday 27 January 2024 between 10 am and 4 pm. A rare opportunity to visit one of York’s most beautiful ‘secret’ buildings and learn about the art and craft of stained glass.

Please join us in this historic Grade I listed building for family-friendly activities and stalls selling original artwork and stained glass pieces.

For more information see our website at www.stainedglasscentre.org.