York, Western Australia’s oldest inland town, is excited to announce the return of the York Festival, taking place in the first week of the Spring school holidays from 20 to 29 September, 2024. This year’s festival promises an enriching blend of music, theatre, family activities and workshops, set against the backdrop of York’s stunning historical landscape.
The York Festival, now in its 8th year, continues to be a beacon of cultural vibrancy and community spirit for the Wheatbelt area. With Day and Weekend Passes that will gain entry to all activities happening on that day for just one fee, it has never been easier to participate in all that the York Festival has to offer.
Festival Highlights Include:
Live Music: Opening with West Australian Opera’s production of WUNDIG WER WILURA In Concert,by Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse on Friday 20 September, this year’s excellent music programming also welcomes Melody Pool (NSW) touring her latest album “Changes”, beautiful contemporary classical & spoken word work “Visceral Fragments” from poet John Kinsella and Simon Charles, and the virtuosic Silver Sands Guitar Quartet performing dynamic classical repertoire at Holy Trinity Church.
Perth International Jazz Festival Presents: The York Festival: Returning with excellent curation by PIJF Artistic Director Dr Mace Francis, the highly popular Jazz program will take place over both weekends and presents delightful duos and small ensembles in The Imperial Homestead and gorgeous outdoor venue The Rookery. Featuring Lucy Iffla, Holli Scott, Dan Garner, Harry Mitchell and Allira Wilson and the Satchmo Trio.
Free Family Activities: Presenting a range of free interactive activities for young people and families – from the Artybrellas Umbrella Painting in the park, to presentations of Floeur Alder’s dance work Djilba: A Moment in Time, to York’s GlowZone, a mixed media installation with a virtual gallery, silent disco and a performance by the inimitable entertainer Ross Vegas – there is plenty to do if you’re just passing through.
Craft workshops for all ages: Drawing, sculpture, dance classes, painting, poetry and jewellery making workshops for grown-up crafters, all included in the Day & Weekend Passes! Limited places for these, so turning up early is a must!
Theatre & Dance: Alongside Djilba: A Moment In Time, contemporary dancer Lynn Boon presents Astral Bodies, a beautiful collaboration with poet Shey Marque about the heavens. Immersive site-specific playScones With Nanna explores themes of cultural identity, truth telling, and wicked humour in the face of adversity.
Walks & tours: Enjoy a guided tour about York’s interesting history with the whole family on Heritage Quest: Family Fun Walk, or bring your torches to the Riverside Night Safari and see which animals might appear! Walks and tours are free for kids but must have an accompanying adult with a Day/Weekend pass.
Day and Weekend passes and tickets are available now and can be purchased online at www.yorkfestival.com.au.
First release discounted passes are available until 15 August.
