Archive for the ‘Pickering Events’ Category

17-20 Dec: Father Christmas on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Friday, December 16th, 2011 by RichFox
Santa Special on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway - photo courtesy of the NYMR

Santa Special on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway - photo courtesy of the NYMR

Guess who’s coming to town? For an extra special trip to see Santa, why not enjoy a trip back in time on a fabulous steam train to meet Father Christmas in his grotto.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s popular Santa Special will depart from Grosmont and Pickering stations between 17-20 December. Ticket prices are £13.50 (adult and child fares) and you will experience a wonderful steam journey through the North York Moors National Park, meet Father Christmas and enjoy a mince pie and hot drink (or a festive tipple for adults). Kids will also receive a quality gift from Santa.

In addition, during this period, Christopher Vine, the popular children’s author, will be signing his books about trains at Pickering Station’s shop – they are a perfect stocking filler for young train lovers and can be purchased in the NYMR station shops starting from just £2.99.

Please book tickets in advance (01751 472508 or www.nymr.co.uk), timetable below:

Pickering

Saturday 17 December to Sunday 18 December

Departs:

09:45

11:20

14:40

15:15

Monday 19 December to Tuesday 20 December

Departs:

11:20

13:40

15:15

Grosmont

Saturday 17 December to Tuesday 20 December

Departs:

11:30

13:45

15:30

And if you need last-minute accommodation this Christmas, try the Pickering B&Bs or Pickering guest houses on Hello Yorkshire.

18 June 2012: Olympic Torch Gets Some Good Old Yorkshire Traction

Monday, November 14th, 2011 by chrisjones
From left to right: Philip Benham (North Yorkshire Moors Railway), Councillor Joan Lovejoy (Mayor of Pickering), Councillor James Fraser (Ryedale District Council), Hannah Cockcroft (Paralympic athlete - Double world champion wheelchair racer), Gary Verity (Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire and Chair of Yorkshire Gold) - photo courtesy of NYMR

From left to right: Philip Benham (North Yorkshire Moors Railway), Councillor Joan Lovejoy (Mayor of Pickering), Councillor James Fraser (Ryedale District Council), Hannah Cockcroft (Paralympic athlete - Double world champion wheelchair racer), Gary Verity (Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire and Chair of Yorkshire Gold) - photo courtesy of NYMR

As we mentioned in our recent blog the Olympic Torch will be visiting many cities, towns and villages in Yorkshire and the Humber on its passage around the UK which ends in London for the opening ceremony of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. During its journey the Torch will travel by various means of transport as well as being carried on foot. But Yorkshire has really struck lucky as two of the forms of locomotion will be locomotives – or rather on board trains being pulled by locomotives.

On Monday 18 June, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway will take the Olympic Flame from Whitby, one of Britain’s favourite seaside resorts, aboard one of its steam trains. The Flame will leave the North Yorkshire coast to travel through the beautiful countryside of the North York Moors to the historic market town of Pickering. It seems rather fitting that the Torch will be travelling through countryside very much associated with outdoor exercises such as walking, running, cycling and riding as part of its journey to the premier competition for all things athletic.

Flying Scotsman from the National Rail Museum Pictorial Collection

Flying Scotsman from the National Rail Museum Pictorial Collection

Philip Benham, the General Manager of The North Yorkshire Moors Railway said on hearing the news that the NYMR would be involved, “This is a fantastic opportunity for the Railway to unite with the communities of North Yorkshire, in welcoming the Olympic Flame to our region and supporting those who have been chosen to run as Torchbearers. It is a great honour to have been selected as one of the host locations and we look forward to sharing the excitement of the Olympic spirit all the way along the line.”

And local councillors are delighted too. Cllr James Fraser, Member Champion for Sport for Ryedale District Council, said, “I am absolutely delighted that Ryedale residents will have the chance to see the Olympic Flame and witness the spectacle of the Olympic Torch Relay.”

Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games added: ‘We are thrilled to confirm that the North Yorkshire Moors Railway will act as a host location for the Olympic Flame, extending an invitation to the people in Yorkshire to welcome the Olympic Torch Relay during its journey around the UK. This is the UK’s moment to shine and I want to encourage people across Yorkshire to start planning how they can be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity and show their support for the inspirational Torchbearers chosen to carry the Olympic Flame as we count down to the start of the Olympic Games.’

The Olympic Flame will be carried from York to Thirsk on Wednesday 20 June 2012 by the majestic Flying Scotsman. This glorious engine was built in 1923, having been designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and in 1934, the Scotsman was the first locomotive to officially break the 100 mph barrier. It did its bit during the Second World War carrying passengers and troops the length of the country – though it had to forgo its Apple Green livery for the more austere black, but when the war ended it returned to its original colour. Later, after the railways were nationalised the Scotsman was briefly blue before again changing colour to Brunswick Green in which colour it remained until its retirement in 1963. After several changes of ownership involving a stay in the United States and Australia it was saved for the nation in 2004. It is currently being restored, and should be back in service in spring 2012. The Flying Scotsman has travelled approximately 2½ million miles and given useful service to millions of passengers in its lifetime and is now an object of pleasure for new generations.

Flying Scotsman from the NRM Pictorial Collection

Flying Scotsman from the NRM Pictorial Collection

The Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire and chair of Yorkshire Gold, Gary Verity, said: “We are delighted that the Torch will visit two of Yorkshire’s most prestigious railways. It is going to be a fantastic occasion for everyone and it will be wonderful to see the flame travelling on the Flying Scotsman from York to Thirsk and between Whitby and Pickering on the steam trains of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.  Being able to host the Torch over six days will give us a wonderful opportunity to profile and showcase our county to the world.”

Find all the places in Yorkshire and the Humber through which the Olympic Flame will be carried here.

And for Whitby hotels or Pickering B&Bs to stay in during this time, check out Hello Yorkshire’s accommodation.

7 Nov: London 2012 Olympic Torch Yorkshire Dates Unveiled

Monday, November 7th, 2011 by RichFox

The Olympic Torch will visit numerous Yorkshire towns & cities

The Olympic Torch will visit numerous Yorkshire towns & cities

The route for the 2012 London Olympic torch has been announced.

Arriving from Greece on 18 May, the torch’s relay starts in Land’s End on Saturday, 19 May and will snake its way around the United Kingdom for the next 70 days, taking in 1018 places before making one final journey from Hampton Court Palace down the River Thames to the Olympic Stadium in time for the Opening Ceremony.

Organisers say the torch will come within 10 miles of 95% of the population, and travel approximately 8000 miles. And as you’d expect, Yorkshire gets its fair share of exposure as the torch visits every corner of our great county.

The extensive list of Yorkshire dates is as follows:

Day 31 – 18 June 2012

Middlesbrough

Redcar

Marske-by-the-Sea

Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Brotton

Carlin How

Loftus

Hinderwell

Lythe

Sandsend

Whitby

Pickering

Scarborough

Filey

Bridlington

Beverley

Hull

Day 32 – 19 June 2012

Hull

Brough

Goole

Camblesforth

Selby

Monk Fryston

Barkston Ash

Tadcaster

Boston Spa

Wetherby

Harewood

Knaresborough

Harrogate

Ripon

York

Day 33 – 20 June 2012

York

Thirsk

Northallerton

Aiskew

Bedale

Aysgarth

Leyburn

Richmond

Day 37 – 24 June 2012

Marsh

Huddersfield

Brighouse

Halifax

Bradford

Keighley

Skipton

Ilkley

Headingley

Potternewton

Harehills

Richmond Hill

Leeds

Day 38 – 25 June 2012

Leeds

Hunslet

Beeston

Morley

Batley

Dewsbury

Wakefield

Castleford

Pontefract

Ackworth

Lundwood

Cundy Cross

Barnsley

Darton

Kexbrough

Chapeltown

Ecclesfield

Parson Cross

Sheffield

Day 39 – 26 June 2012

Sheffield

Rotherham

Templeborough

Dalton

Thrybergh

Conisbrough

Warmsworth

Doncaster

Armthorpe

Dunsville

Hatfield

Part of the journey through Yorkshire will be on the Flying Scotsman as the torch travels from York to Thirsk, and the torch will also pass great Yorkshire landmarks such as York Minster, the Humber Bridge and Harewood House. Major celebrations are being planned in Leeds, Sheffield and York, whilst Hull will be hosting a festival of music and sport.

You can see the design of the torch with Jonathan Edwards here:

We’ll have updates of parties and celebrations as and when they’re announced in the coming months. In the meantime, for those looking for accommodation in Yorkshire during the Olympic torch relay, or even during the Olympics if you’re staying away from the capital, find York hotels, Whitby hotels and Leeds hotels on Hello Yorkshire.

12-14 October: Pickering War Weekend 2012

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011 by RichFox
Waiting for the train at Pickering Station

Waiting for the train at Pickering Station

The War Weekend in the North York Moors, Pickering, Levisham, Goathland, Grosmont and Whitby has been scheduled for 12, 13 and 14 October 2012.

An exceptionally popular event, 2012 will be the 20th year for the North York Moors Railway’s Wartime Weekend as visitors take a nostalgic trip back to 1940s wartime Britain.

Vintage Car Parade, Pickering

Vintage Car Parade, Pickering

Events will include:

  • a flag-raising ceremony to get proceedings under way, commemorating the many who died in service on the railways during the war
  • huge parade on the Saturday morning in the market place in Pickering
  • air raid at Pickering Station
  • 1940s musical shows and music
  • land army vintage tractor display
  • jive music and dancing
  • home front displays
  • French café in Le Visham (German-occupied Levisham)
  • Home Guard display, Anderson shelter display
Commemorating those who served on the Home Front

Commemorating those who served on the Home Front

The 2011 War Weekend drew record crowds to the North York Moors including hundreds of re-enactors from all over the UK and Europe (we spoke to a Polish chap from Stratford and a German re-enactor who’d come over from Düsseldorf for the weekend). And whilst Grosmont, Goathland and Pickering all put on brilliant shows and events, Levisham stole the show this year, tranformed into French Le Visham, a continental rural station under German occupation with a fabulous French café in an atmospheric marquee and a full-size replica flying V1 bomb.

For the 2012 War Weekend, if you’re looking for accommodation for the weekend, check out Pickering B&Bs, Whitby hotels and holiday cottages in the North York Moors on Hello Yorkshire.

In the meantime, here are a few pictures of the 2011 weekend to whet your appetite:

Preparing for a busy day

Youngsters preparing for a busy day

Soldiers block the road into the market square in Pickering

Soldiers block the road into the market square in Pickering

Re-enactors share a joke in Pickering

Re-enactors maintain a road block in Pickering

A spiv has his papers checked in Pickering

A spiv has his papers checked in Pickering

1940s shoes!

1940s shoes!

Pickering Vintage Car Parade gets under way

Pickering Vintage Car Parade gets under way

The vintage car parade attracted thousands of Pickering's market place

The vintage car parade attracted thousands to Pickering's market place

Austin Utility Van in the Pickering Vintage Car Parade

Austin Utility Van in the Pickering Vintage Car Parade

This little red cross dog attracted lots of attention

This little red cross dog attracted lots of attention

Home Guard patrol in Pickering Market Place

Home Guard despatch rider in Pickering Market Place

Thousands line the streets as the parade marches down Birdgate, Pickering

Thousands line the streets as the parade marches down Birdgate, Pickering

Parade snakes down Birdgate, Pickering

Parade snakes down Birdgate, Pickering

Re-enactors line the streets during the parade

Re-enactors line the streets during the parade

Re-enactors await the next train at Pickering Station

Re-enactors await the next train at Pickering Station

Sunshine beats down on Pickering Station

Sunshine beats down on Pickering Station

Checking the news from the front

Checking the news from the front

Young and old all chip in to help recreate the wartime feel

Young and old all chip in to help recreate the 1940s feel

11:30 Pickering to Whitby train arrives on time

11:30 Pickering to Whitby train arrives on time

View from the train window as passengers queue to board

View from the train window as passengers queue to board

Re-enactors chat on the platform

Re-enactors chat on the platform

Veteran passes famous 1940 Churchill poster

Veteran passes famous 1940 Churchill poster

Dancers from across the UK perform on Grosmont Station platform

Dancers from across the UK perform on Grosmont Station platform

Veteran enjoys the late autumn sunshine in Grosmont

Veteran enjoys the late autumn sunshine in Grosmont

Steam train prepares to pull out of Grosmont and on to Goathland

Steam train prepares to pull out of Grosmont and on to Goathland on a beautiful October afternoon

Couple Lindy Hop on Grosmont Station

Couple Lindy Hop on Grosmont Station

Land girls share a story at Goathland Station

Land girls share a story at Goathland Station

Beautiful shire horse attracts plenty of attention

Beautiful shire horse attracts plenty of attention

Local youngsters enjoy the vintage vehicles on show

Local youngsters enjoy the vintage vehicles on show

Steam train heads towards Levisham

Steam train heads towards Levisham

Waffen-SS soldier in Le Visham

Waffen-SS soldier in Le Visham

Personnel from the Feldgendarmerie and the Wehrmacht patrol Le Visham

Personnel from the Feldgendarmerie and the Wehrmacht patrol Le Visham

Waffen-SS soldier in reflective mood

Waffen-SS soldier in reflective mood

SS motorbike and sidecar at Le Visham

SS motorbike and sidecar at Le Visham

Levisham Station's sign is replaced with occupied Le Visham

Levisham Station's sign is replaced with occupied Le Visham

German submariner re-enactor from Düsseldorf takes a breather at Le Visham

German submariner re-enactor from Düsseldorf takes a breather at Le Visham

Local girl accosted by German re-enactors

Local girl accosted by German re-enactors

 

…and here’re a handful of pictures from the 2007 NYMR War Weekend:

 

Sir Nigel Gresley pulls into Pickering Station

Sir Nigel Gresley pulls into Pickering Station

American serviceman with cute companion

American serviceman with cute companion

Re-enactor looks the part

Re-enactor looks the part

Getting prepared for an air raid

Getting prepared for an air raid

Commando alights at Grosmont

Commando alights at Grosmont

American waits to board the train at Grosmont

American waits to board the train at Grosmont

Beautiful vintage Merlin at Goathland Station

Beautiful vintage Merlin at Goathland Station

1940s-style boy aboard a train being pulled by the Sir Nigel Gresley

1940s-style boy aboard a train being pulled by the Sir Nigel Gresley

The end of a long weekend, time for a rest in Pickering

The end of a long weekend, time for a rest in Pickering

All photographs courtesy of Richard Fox.

October-December 2011: Pantomimes, Ballets and Christmas & Festive Productions in North Yorkshire

Monday, October 10th, 2011 by chrisjones
Berwick Kaler & Martin Barrass in York Theatre Royal's panto, photo by Karl Andre Photography

Berwick Kaler & Martin Barrass in York Theatre Royal's panto, photo by Karl Andre Photography

North Yorkshire Pantos, Ballets & Christmas Productions 2011

There’s a festive abundance of pantos and entertainment throughout North Yorkshire in 2011 – we’ve pulled together a selection below organised in alphabetical order by city or town. If you’d like your Christmas production featured here, please contact Hello Yorkshire to have it added.

In the meantime, if you’re after shows in other areas of Yorkshire, please see here:

South Yorkshire Christmas pantomimes

East Yorkshire Christmas pantomimes

West Yorkshire Christmas pantomimes

 

Easingwold

Music to Delight

3 December 2011 - 7.30 pm

Parish Church of St John & All Saints, Church Hill, Easingwold, York YO61 3JU

Including A Christmas Cantata, Advent and Christmas Carols

Easingwold Singers: Conductor – Dr Roger Tebbet, Paula Harris – soprano

Tickets: adults £8.00, students & children £4.00

Available from Tempo Records, members of Easingwold Singers or on the door

Box office: 01347 823 728 or 07903 473 161

Includes seasonal punch and mince pie.

More information available here: www.easingwold-singers.co.uk/concerts.htm

 

Tenorissimo – Three Tenors at Christmas

10 December 2011

Galtres Centre, Market Place, Easingwold York

Tickets: Adults £15.00, 16 & under £12.00

Box office: 01347 822 472

 

East Harlsey

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

20 December 2011

East Harlsey Village Hall, East Harlsey, Northallerton DL6 2DB

Tickets: adult £8.50, child £5.00

Box office: 01423 339 168

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Fewston

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

8 December 2011

Parochial Hall, Fewston, Harrogate HG3 1SU

Tickets: adult: £9.50, child £5

Box office: 01943 880 362

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Green Hammerton

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

23 December 2011

Village Hall, Harrogate Road, Green Hammerton, York YO26 8AE

Tickets: adult £9, child £5

Box office: 01423 339 168

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Harrogate

The Sleeping Beauty – La Classique

Moscow Ballet

13 October 2011

Royal Hall, Ripon Rd, Harrogate HG1 2RD

Tickets: various

Box office: 01423 500 500

www.royalhall.co.uk

 

Beauty & the Beast

25 November 2011 – 15 January 2012

Harrogate Theatre, Oxford Street, Harrogate HG1 1QF

Times & Prices vary.

Box office: 01423 502 116

www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

 

Helmsley

A Pre-Christmas Feast – Christmas Stories

2 December 2011

Helmsley Arts Centre, Helmsley York YO62 5DW

Tickets: £8, students & under 25s £4, family £20 (2 over 25 + 2 under 25)

Box office: 01439 771 700

 

A Pre-Christmas Feast – Queen Mary’s School Chapel Choir

3 December 2011

Helmsley Arts Centre, Helmsley York YO62 5DW

Tickets: £10, friends & over 60s £9, students & under 25s £5

Box office: 01439 771 700

 

A Pre-Christmas Feast – Tour de Force Theatre presents A Child’s Christmas!

4 December 2011  – 2.30 pm

Helmsley Arts Centre, Helmsley York YO62 5DW

Tickets: £10, students & under 25s £5, family £25 (2 over 25 + 2 under 25)

Box office: 01439 771 700

 

A Pre-Christmas Feast – Christmas by the Fireside!

4 December 2011  – 7.30 pm

Helmsley Arts Centre, Helmsley York YO62 5DW

Tickets: £6

Box office: 01439 771 700

 

1812 Theatre Company presents Around the World in 80 Days

14 – 17 December 2011

Helmsley Arts Centre, Helmsley York YO62 5DW

Tickets: £10, friends & over 60s £9, students & under 25s £5

Box office: 01439 771 700

For further details on all of the above Helmsley productions, please see the Helmsley Arts Centre’s website here

 

Long Marston

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

1 December 2011

Long Marston Village Hall, Long Marston, York YO26 7LN

Tickets: adult: £8.50, child £5, family £20

Box office: 01904 738 527

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Northallerton

Advent Concert – Northern Voices

2 December 2011 – 7.30pm

Northallerton Methodist Church, High Street, Northallerton DL7 8EG

Tickets: £6 (in aid of church funds)

Available from: Greensleeves Music Shop, Central Arcade, Northallerton or Methodist Church Coffee Pot (Wed and Sat mornings)

T: 01609 774 060

www.northallertonmethodistchurch.org.uk

 

Northallerton Silver Band Christmas Concert

14 December 2011 – 7.30pm

Hambleton Forum, Bullamoor Road, Northallerton DL6 1LP

Tickets: £6

Greensleeves Music Shop, Central Arcade, Northallerton

T: 01609 777 272

With special guests “The Evergreen Singers”

 

Pickering

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

17 December 2011

Memorial Hall, Potter Hill, Pickering YO18 8AA

Tickets: adults £8, under 16s £5.00

Box office: 01751 472 847

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Reeth

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

16 December 2011

Reeth Memorial Hall, Arkengarthdale Road, Reeth, Richmond DL11 6QT

Tickets: adults £9, under 16s £4.50

Box office: 01748 884 759 or Reeth Post Office

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Richmond

Yule Riding

The Yorks Waits

3 December 2011 – 7 January 2012

Georgian Theatre Royal, Victoria Road, Richmond DL10 4DW

Tickets & times: various

Box office: 01748 825 252

 

The Adventures of Sinbad

8 December 2011 – 7 January 2012

Georgian Theatre Royal, Victoria Road, Richmond DL10 4DW

Tickets & times: various

Box office: 01748 825 252

Further information on the Richmond Christmas productions can be found here

 

Ripley

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

2 December 2011

Town Hall, Ripley, Harrogate HG3 3AX

Tickets: adult: £9, child £5, concessions £8

Box office: 01423 860 340, 01423 339 168

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Ripon

Christmas Music & Lights

Fountain’s Abbey & Studley Royal, Ripon HG4 3DY

26 – 27 November 2011, 3.30pm – 5 pm

Tickets: normal admission charge

 

Christmas Story-Telling

Fountain’s Abbey & Studley Royal, Ripon HG4 3DY

22 December 2011, 2 pm

Suitable for children aged 4-9

Tickets: normal admission charge, £1.50 per child.

Box office: 01765 643 164

Further information about the Fountain’s Abbey Christmas productions can be found here

 

Sand Hutton

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

15 December 2011

Sand Hutton & Claxton Village Hall, Main Street, Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LB

Tickets: adults £9.50, child £5

Box office: 01904 468 376

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Scarborough

The Snow Queen

13 November 2011

Futurist Theatre, Foreshore Road, Scarborough YO11 1NT

Tickets:  various prices

Box office: 01723 365 789 or 374 500

www.futuristtheatre.co.uk

 

Spotlight Christmas Show

25 November 2011, 7.30 pm

YMCA, St Thomas Street, Scarborough

Tickets: TBA

Box office: 01723 506 750

 

Jingle Rock

26 November 2011, 7.30 pm

YMCA, St Thomas Street, Scarborough

Tickets: TBA

Box office: 01723 506 750

 

Alice in a Winter Wonderland

2 + 3 December 2011

YMCA, St Thomas Street, Scarborough

Prices – Adults £8, concessions £7, family (2+2) £26

Box office: 01723 506 750

 

Festive Spectacular 2011

3 December 2011

Grand Hall, The Spa, South Bay, Scarborough, YO11 2HD

Tickets: various prices

Box office: 01723 357 869

 

Rockin’ Carols

5 December 2011

YMCA, St Thomas Street, Scarborough

7.30 pm – all seats £4

Box office: 01723 506 750

 

Aladdin

8 December 2011 – 1 January 2012

The Spa, South Bay, Scarborough, YO11 2HD

Tickets: various prices

Box office: 01723 357 869

 

Christmas Party Nights

9 + 16 + 17 December 2011

The Spa, South Bay, Scarborough, YO11 2HD

Tickets: £29.95 per person

Box office: 01723 357 869

 

Christmas Dance Night with Ray Kirk

16 December 2011

The Spa, South Bay, Scarborough, YO11 2HD

Tickets: £6.50

Box office: 01723 357 869

 

Magic Mike Christmas Special

24 December 2011 – 6 pm

Ocean Room, The Spa, South Bay, Scarborough, YO11 2HD

Tickets: £8, concessions £7, family (4) £27, under 2s free

Box office: 01723 357 869

 

Peter Pan

26 December 2011 – 7 January 2012

YMCA, St Thomas Street, Scarborough

Prices – Adults £8, concessions £8, family (2+2) £30

Box office: 01723 506 750

Further information about the above Scarborough Christmas productions can be found on the following websites:

www.scarborough.ymca.org.uk/theatre-shows

www.scarboroughspa.co.uk

 

Sessay

Old Mother Hubbard

1 – 3 December 2011 – 7.30pm

Sessay Village Hall, Sessay, Thirsk YO7 3BE

 

Skipton

Aladdin & His Magic Lamp

23 & 24 December 2011

The Mart Theatre, Craven College, High Street, Skipton BD23

Tickets: £20 family, £7.50 adult, £5.00 child, Groups: buy 10 get 11th free

Box office: 01756 706 460

www.themarttheatre.org.uk

 

Stokesley

Christmas Masquerade Ball

Sat 26 November 2011 – 8pm to 1am

Stokesley Town Hall, High Street, Stokesley TS9 5DG

With the Middlesbrough Jazz & Blues Orchestra, Tfm Radio Charity Cash for Kids Auction, buffet supper, licenced bar, black tie.

Tickets: £38

T: 01642 711 036 or 01609 882 095

 

Sutton on Derwent

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

3 December 2011

Village Hall, Main St, Sutton on Derwent, York YO41 4BN

Tickets: adult: £8.50, child £5

Box office: 01904 608 524

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Tockwith

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

11 December 2011

Tockwith Village Hall, Marston Road, Tockwith, York YO26 7QS

Tickets: adults £8.50, child £5, family (2+2) £20

Box office: 01423 339 168

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Weaverthorpe

A Yorkshire Christmas Carol

6 December 2011

Weaverthorpe Village Hall, Malton YO17 8ET

Tickets: adult: £8.50, child £5

Box office: 01944 738 804

Read a preview including photos of some of the cast of A Yorkshire Christmas Carol here

 

Wetherby

Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park

21 October 2011 – 23 December 2011 from 10.00 to 20.30

24 December 2011 from 10.00 to 19.00

27 – 30 December 2011 from 10.00 to 20.30

31 December from 10.00 to 19.00

1 January 2012 from 14.00 to 20.30

2 to 8 January 2012 from 10.00 to 20.30

Stockeld Park, Wetherby LS22 4AN

Ice rink, enchanted forest with illuminated unicorns, angels aglow on the lake, Santa’s grotto, snowflake hedge maze, Nordic ski trail. Plus special events, choirs, Santa, Christmas panto (Jack & the Beanstalk), fireworks display, musical, and lots more – see here for full details and photos: Christmas Adventure Yorkshire

 

Whitby

Annie

7 – 10 December 2011

Whitby Pavilion Theatre, East Terrace Cresent, West Cliff, WhitbyYO21 3EN

Tickets: various

Box office: 01947 604 855

 

A Winter’s Tale

16 – 17 December 2011

Whitby Pavilion Theatre, East Terrace Cresent, West Cliff, WhitbyYO21 3EN

Tickets: £6

Box office: 01947 604 855

 

Santa’s Christmas Party

22 December 2011 – 2.30pm

Whitby Pavilion Theatre, East Terrace Cresent, West Cliff, WhitbyYO21 3EN

Tickets: adults £2.50, children £5 (children under 1, free)

Box office: 01947 604 855

Further information on the above Whitby Christmas productions can be found here

 

York

The Nutcracker

Vienna Festival Ballet

25 October 2011

Grand Opera House, 4 Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW

Prices and times vary.

Box office: 0844 871 3044

www.grandoperahouseyork.org.uk

 

Christmas Unwrapped

22 November 2011 – 8 January 2012

How York Minster prepares for and celebrates Christmas, and find out what the symbolism and practices behind the season really mean.

Undercroft Museum, York Minster, YorkEntrance: (normal admission charge) – £9

Opening times: Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm, Sun 12 noon to 5pm

 

Bach – Christmas Oratorio

3 December 2011 - 7.30 pm

York Musical Society Chorus and Orchestra

Nave of York Minster, York

 

York Minster Christmas Carol Concert 2011

9 December 2011 – 7.00

Nave of York Minster, York

 

Britten – A Ceremony of Carols

10 December 2011 – 7.30 pm

Chapter House, York Minster, York

For more information on all of York Minster’s events, visit York Minster’s website

 

Babes in the Wood

3 – 10  December 2011

The Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road. York YO91 1RT

Tickets: Adults £13, seniors & under-16s £10

Ticket hotline: 07927 026 071

www.rowntreeplayers.co.uk

 

Aladdin

9 December 2011 – 1 January 2012

Grand Opera House, 4 Cumberland Street, York YO1 9SW

Prices and times vary.

Box office: 0844 871 3044

www.grandoperahouseyork.org.uk

 

The York Family Robinson

15 December 2011 – 4 February 2012

York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York YO1 7HD

Performance times and prices vary.

Box office: 01904 623 568

www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

 

Christmas Cruse Carol Service with Gervase Phinn

16 December 2011

Central Methodist Church, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NQ

Tickets £10.50

T: 01937 834 702

E: york@cruse.org.uk

York Family Robinson, poster courtesy of York Theatre Royal

York Family Robinson, poster courtesy of York Theatre Royal

4-7 August: Pickering Traction Engine Rally 2011

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011 by RichFox
Steam Engines attract admirers of all ages

Steam Engines attract admirers of all ages

If you’re in or around Pickering this summer, why not check out the fantastic four-day Pickering Traction Engine Rally.

An action-packed family event at the Pickering Showground, the show includes the following:

Steam Engines
Organs
Tractors
Miniatures
Working Area
An Old and Modern Fairground
Classic Cars
Classic Motocycles
Antique Market
An Autojumble
Trade Stands
Fine Foods
Crafts

plus, the Sheep Shearers’ Music Festival.

Opening times are as follows:

Thursday, 4 August - 10am-5pm
Friday, 5 August – 9am-11pm
Saturday, 6 August – 9am-11pm
Sunday, 7 August – 9am-5pm

Admission, including admission to the  Sheep Shearers’ Music Festival:

Adults – £10 (£5 after 6pm on the Friday and Saturday)
Over 65s – £8
Under 16s – £4 (£2 after 6pm if unaccompanied)
Family Ticket (2+3) – £25 (£10 after 6pm on the Friday and Saturday)
Under 5s  - FREE

Dogs are welcome but must be on a lead at all times.

Car parking is free and there is disabled access.

Public camping is available and plots are £90 each for arrival on Tuesday, 2 August from midday untill Monday, 8 August at midday. Included in the price is unlimited access to the Pickering Traction Engine Rally (including the Sheep Shearers’ Music Festival) for two adults and up to three children.

There is also a designated disabled camping facility for all disabled campers (ID is required).

Further information can be found on the Pickering Traction Engine Rally website.

For accommodation for this event, check out some Pickering guest houses and Pickering bed and breakfast properties on Hello Yorkshire.

And if this was of interest to you, you may wish to read about the 60s weekend in Whitby and the Flying Scotsman at the National Railway Museum.

20-22 May: Mountain Bike World Cup, Dalby Forest

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 by RichFox
Mountain Biking World Cup at Dalby Forest

Mountain Biking World Cup at Dalby Forest

Friday 20 May – Sunday 22 May

Mountain biking is really in vogue at the moment (and not just amongst the MAMILS*), so if it’s your thing, you simply must head to Pickering over the weekend of the 20-22 May to see the Mountain Bike World Cup.

It’s a superb opportunity to see some of the world’s top riders in action ahead of next year’s London 2012 Olympics.

Top British riders expect to compete include Liam Killeen and Annie Last.

It promises to be a weekend of top-class riding, with the UK leg of the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) Mountain Bike World Cup taking place on the Sunday at Dalby Forest, plus the free-to-watch Pro Sprint Eliminator (an urban street race) on the Friday in Pickering.

Celebrations at the Mountain Biking World Cup

Celebrations at the Mountain Biking World Cup

What’s more, the official Mountain Bike World Cup course is open to members of the public for the “Dalby Dare” on the Saturday. Family and friends can watch and cheer on participants as they ride under race conditions the 6km official World Cup course before tackling a further 14km of some of Dalby’s first-class trails.

For kids there is the Go Ride Racing on Sunday morning with young club riders racing a 1km track which incorporates the start and finish lines of the World Cup course. And children who have never competed before can take part in entry-level racing free of charge in the World Cup Village (in the Go-Ride Racing programme organised by British Cycling, or they can enter Dixons Dare).

And in addition to watching or taking part in the races, you will also have the opportunity to watch technical teams at work and bike demos whilst enjoying the atmosphere in the World Cup Village and mingling with the star riders at this top-class sporting event.

Tickets are available at the event and are £14 for adults for the World Cup racing, whilst there are discounts for children plus weekend/family passes available.

Further details can be found on the Mountain Biking World Cup website here.

And for Pickering accommodation for the weekend, check out some great Pickering bed and breakfast properties on Hello Yorkshire.

If you’d liked this, you might like to read about the possibility of the Tour de France coming to Yorkshire.

*MAMILS – middle-aged men in lycra!

9 April-8 May: Easter Events in Yorkshire

Friday, April 15th, 2011 by admin
Yorkshire Easter Egg Hunts Galore

Yorkshire Easter Egg Hunts Galore

Easter’s a terrific time for kids and there are loads of Easter egg hunts and other Easter events for families across Yorkshire for you to enjoy – here’s a selection:

Wentworth Castle’s Eggciting Easter Fun for all the Family!
22-29 April

Follow the Easter Trail through the delightful gardens and stunning parkland. Take part in an Easter Egg Hunt and meet Wentworth Wabbit the Easter Bunny!

Burton Agnes Hall’s Easter Egg Hunt
11am-5pm, 24-25 April

Come along and search for chocolate Easter Eggs in the beautiful grounds and along the woodland walk.

Ripley Castle’s Easter Egg Hunt & “Dress the Egg”
10.30am-3.30pm, 23-25 April

Join in the fun with a great Easter Egg Hunt and “Dress the Egg” competition, fabulous prizes to be won!

Swinton Park Easter Egg Hunting Days
16 April – 1 May

Test your detective skills on our Easter Treasure Trail and on Easter Sunday the Easter Bunny will be making a special visit!

Newby Hall & Gardens Easter Fun Days
22-25 April

Come and meet the costumed characters on our woodland trail where they will help you in your quest to find the Newby Treasure!

Brodsworth Hall & Gardens Easter Family Fun Trail
10am – 5.30pm, 22-25 April

Take part in the Easter Egg hunt for a chance to get your hands on a real golden egg!

Bolton Castle’s Easter Eggstravaganza!
18-25 April

Come along and enjoy egg decorating, bonnet making and so much more, as well as the spectacular Eggciting Easter Egg hunt.

Harewood’s Mad Hatter’s Easter Weekend
10.30am – 4.30pm, 22-25 April

Enjoy our Alice in Wonderland themed Easter weekend with face painting, biscuit decorating and a chance to decorate your own tea cup.

Pannett Park’s Easter Egg Hunt
11am – 3.30pm, 23 April

At Pannett Park this Easter there is the traditional Easter Egg hunt, Easter egg rolling, Easter bonnet competition and so much more.

Thorp Perrow’s Easter Treasure Hunt
7-26 April

Solve the clues on our Treasure Hunt, a great game for everyone.

Harlow Carr’s East Egg Hunt
11am – 4pm, 22-25 April

Visit the Easter Bunny in his burrow and join the hunt for the giant eggs he has hidden around the garden, collect as many as you can to claim a delicious chocolate treat.

Sutton Park’s Easter Sunday Children’s Treasure Hunt
24 April

Come and enjoy our Treasure Hunt.

Bolton Abbey’s Eggciting Easter Egg Hunt
10am – 4pm, 22-25 April

Join the Easter Bunny and have a look in Strid Wood for all the hidden eggs.

Whitby Abbey’s Easter Family Fun Trail
22-25 April

Want to get your hands on a real golden egg? Come along and take part in our fantastic Easter egg hunt in Whitby.

RSPB Old Moor Easter Egg Hunt
24 April

Solve the clues which are hidden around our reserve which will lead you to a splendid chocolate treat!

Beck Isle Museum of Rural Life Easter Egg Trail
24 April

Come along and enjoy our Easter Egg Trail

More Easter Egg Hunts in Yorkshire

More Easter Egg Hunts in Yorkshire

Beningbrough Hall & Gardens Easter Egg Hunt & Olympics!
23-25 April

Join us for the Easter Olympics with Eggtastic races and take part in our Cadbury sponsored East trail.

Rievaulx Terrace’s Family Easter Egg Trail
11am – 5pm, 9-18 April

Easter weekend packed full of fun for all the family, take part in our special Easter trail.

Duncombe Park’s Easter Craft Fair
10am – 5pm, 24-25 April

A delightful Easter Craft Fair.

Nunnington Hall Easter Egg Trail
11am – 5pm, 9 April – 8 May

Take part in our Easter Family Trail and receive a Cadbury egg to take away with you.

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Cadbury Easter Fun
11am – 4pm, 24-25 April

Join us this Easter for face painting, game playing and enjoy the Easter trails and don’t forget to collect your chocolate ‘Egghead’

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Easter Eggsploits
From 2pm, 25 April

Come along with your decorated hard boiled eggs and take part in our best decorated egg and egg rolling competitions.

Brimham Rocks Easter Trail
11am – 4pm, 23 April

Solve the puzzles on our Easter trail in the search for your Easter surprise!

Bridestone, Crosscliff and Blakey Topping’s Bridestone Easter Egg Trail
10am – 3pm, 24 April

Follow the clues around the Easter trail to find your Easter treat.

Ormesby Hall’s Easter Egg-static
1.30pm – 4pm, 22-25 April

Come and have fun in our beautiful garden whilst looking for the answers to the Easter quiz.

East Riddlesden Hall Easter Egg Hunt
22-25 April

Complete the trail around the garden and claim your chocolate surprise.

The Lord Mayor’s Easter Egg Hunt, York
10am – 1pm, 23 April

Take part in the city-wide search for chocolate, work out the answer to the puzzles to visit 6 locations around the city and collect a treat at each stop!

Tropical Butterfly House Easter Egg Hunt
10am – 5.30pm, 24-25 April

Join our Easter Egg Hunt to win a chocolate surprise.

Knaresborough Easter Fayre
9am – early evening, 22 – 23 April

Come along for a family fun day out with market stalls, street entertainment, fairground rides and plenty more.

Once Easter’s over, you can find a superb list of Christmas markets and Christmas fayres in Yorkshire here.

April-May 2011: The James Herriot Story 2011

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011 by chrisjones
Christopher Timothy at the Herriot Museum in Thirsk

Christopher Timothy at the Herriot Museum in Thirsk

From April 2011, the Badapple Theatre Co Ltd will be touring their production of “The James Herriot Story 2011”.

This comic-drama is a revised version of the biography of Alf Wight, “An Honorary Yorkshireman”, after he came to Yorkshire from Glasgow after the war and became a vet in Thirsk, North Yorkshire. Alf Wight is better known as the author James Herriot whose stories were best-sellers and were adapted into the long-running TV series “All Creatures Great & Small”, starring Christopher Timothy, Robert Hardy, Peter Davison and Lynda Bellingham, and two films, “It Shouldn’t Happen to a Vet” with John Alderton and Colin Blakely and “All Creatures Great and Small” – the latter starring Simon Ward and Anthony Hopkins.

The James Herriot Story 2011 is set in a pub in Yorkshire in the 1940s – in the heyday of traditional farming, and includes a variety of the characters drawn from his novels and short stories with Jonny McPherson as the title character. The show remembers one of Yorkshire’s and also the rest of Britain’s, popular best-selling authors in a wryly humorous way.

Coincidentally (or maybe not),  BBC 1 will be screening a new 3-part drama series this year called “Young James” about James Herriot’s life in Scotland and the events which occurred which led to him deciding on a career as a vet. Each episode will last an hour and is based on Herriot’s notes of his own student days, and also Jim Wight’s autobiography of his father. UPDATE 16 September 2011: the title of this programme has now been changed from Young James to Young Herriot – see some pics of the cast and read more here.

You can find out a little more about this here:

Young Herriot – BBC drama

These are the Yorkshire dates for “The James Herriot Story 2011”:

Wed 27 Apr 2011 – Marton cum Grafton Memorial Hall, Marton cum Grafton, York YO51 9QY – T:  01423 339 168/ 01423 325 179

Fri 29 Apr 2011 – Markington War Memorial Institute, Harrogate HG3 3NR – T:  01423 339 168/ 01765 676 321

Sat 30 Apr 2011 – Markington War Memorial Institute, Harrogate HG3 3NR – T:  01423 339 168/ 01765 676 321

Sun 1 May 2011 – Long Marston Village Hall TBC – Long Marston, York YO26 7LN – T: 01423 339 168/ 01904 738 527

Tue 3 May 2011 – Pickering Friends Meeting House, Pickering YO18 7AX – T: 01751 474 043 – Tickets £9.00

Wed 4 May 2011 – Fewston Parochial Hall, Fewston, Harrogate HG3 1SU – T: 01943 880 362

Thu 5 May 2011 – Kirkby Malzeard Mechanics Inst Hall HG4 3RS – T: 01423 339 168

*Fri 6 May 2011 – Skirlaugh Village Hall TBC – Skirlaugh, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire HU11 – T: 01964 500 356

Sun 8 May 2011 – Scawby Village Hall DN20 9AS – T: 01652 655 595 – Tickets £6.00

*Wed 11 May 2011 at 7.30pm – Pocklington Arts Centre, Pocklington, York YO42 2AR – T: 01759 301 547 – Tickets £8.50/£7.50/under 18s £6.00

Wed 25 May 2011 – Suddaby’s Crown Hotel, Wheelgate, Malton YO17 7HP – T: 01653 692 038 – Tickets £8.00

*Thu 26 May 2011 – Helmsley Arts Centre, Helmsley, York YO62 5DW – T: 01439 771 700

Fri 27 May 2011 – Green Hammerton Village Hall, Green Hammerton, York YO26 8BA – T: 01423 339 168

Sun 29 May 2011 – 2.30 pm & 7.30 pm - World of James Herriot, Thirsk YO7 1PL – T: 01845 524 234 – Tickets £10

Prices £8.50 adult, £5 child, except where indicated.

*To be confirmed

Tickets are available online from the Badapple website.

And if you need accommodation in Helmsley or a Pickering B&B or a Thirsk hotel, take a look at the accommodation on Hello Yorkshire.

15-17 October 2010: Railway in Wartime weekend

Saturday, June 12th, 2010 by chrisjones

This is an incredibly popular event (and growing in popularity each year) organised primarily by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NMYR) and takes place in Pickering and the villages (Levisham, Goathland, and Grosmont) on the rail line to Whitby. Although originally based on the railway stations, it has, over the years, spread out across the towns and villages and involves a large proportion of the local population, as well as thousands of visitors (many in period costume) who come along to join in the many and varied events that take part over the weekend.

The basis of the Railway in Wartime Weekend is that Britain’s railways and the staff that ran them played a vital part in the Allied victory in World War 2. To celebrate this contribution to the war effort and to commemorate those staff who died in service the North Yorkshire Moors Railway set aside one weekend a year in which they turn the clock back to those days when fair Albion had its back again the wall. The NMYR decorates it stations in WW2 style, station names are covered up (spies are everywhere!) station windows are taped-up (to minimise flying glass), sandbags line entrances and exits (to absorb shrapnel), and propaganda posters adorn the walls (to boost morale and encourage everyone to do their duty). To complete the picture the Railway’s staff wear appropriate uniform for the duration.

Many of the local populace join in and also dress in period civvies or in the uniforms of our valiant armed forces, and there are dances (organised by ENSA*, naturally), parades and marches. Participants also have to be aware that air-raids can occur at any time and must be prepared to take precautions – so always wear your gas-mask!

If you visit any of the participating towns and villages, you’ll find lots of men and women in military uniforms – and you’ll need to be aware that you might be challenged by a German paratrooper (they have been known to invade Pickering before now). There are always displays of military equipment – from hand guns to tanks – flags, and insignia, etc.

And, of course, you can really get a feel for it all by boarding one of the steam trains that journey back and forth on the line that day.

The weekend serves many functions – it’s an excuse to dress up, it’s a chance to relive recent history (a time for grandparents to share their or their parents’ experiences of wartime Britain), it’s a commemoration (a wreath is laid in tribute to railway workers who died during wartime service, but it’s also huge fun and a treat for all the family.

*Not really, as ENSA – Entertainments National Service Association – no longer exists, but they are in the style of ENSA concerts and dances.