Category: Breaking News

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What’s On in Ryedale, York and beyond. Hutch’s List No. 49, from Gazette & Herald

Adrian Lillie and Charlotte Lloyd Webber, of CWL Design, standing by the 28ftChristmas tree in the Great Hall at Castle Howard, where their Wonderful Wizard Of Oz immersive experience enchants until January 4. Picture: Tom Arber

SNOW storms with clowns, Castle Howard’s immersive Wonderful Wizard Of Oz and Count Arthur Strong and Adam Z Robinson’s solo takes on A Christmas Carol put the ‘yes’ into November for Charles Hutchinson.

Christmas transformation of the week: The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz, Castle Howard, near York, until January 4

CASTLE Howard becomes an immersive Christmas experience, dressed in set pieces, decorations, floristry, projections, lighting and sound for The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz, set to delight as many as 100,000 visitors over a seven-week period.

Created by CLW Event Design, headed up by Charlotte Lloyd Webber and Adrian Lillie, the show-stopping Emerald City High Street in the Long Gallery is a highlight of this winter’s transformation, with life-size fabricated shop fronts inspired by York’s Shambles, while the 28ft Christmas tree sparkles in the Great Hall. Leeds theatre company Imitating The Dog has provided the projections and soundscapes. Tickets: castlehoward.co.uk.  

Slava’s SnowShow: Arrival in York coincides with forecasts of snow across the North

Weather forecast of the week: Slava’s SnowShow, Grand Opera House, York, 7.30pm, today to Saturday; 2.30pm, tomorrow and Saturday; Sunday, 2pm and 6pm

ENTER an absurd and surrealistic world of “fools on the loose” in Slava Polunin’s  work of clown art, wherein each scene paints a picture: an unlikely shark swimming in a misty sea; clowns and the audience tangled up in a gigantic spider’s web; heart-breaking goodbyes with a coat rack on a railway platform, and audience members being hypnotised by giant balloons. The finale is an “out-of-this-world snowstorm”. Box office: atgtickets.com/york.

Kerry Godliman: Welcome to the life of a middle-aged woman who has outsourced her memory to her phone in Bandwidth. Picture: Aemen Sukka, of Jiksaw

Straight-talker of the week: Kerry Godliman: Bandwidth, York Theatre Royal, tonight, 7.30pm

WHILE parenting teenagers, bogged down with knicker admin and considering dealing HRT on the black market, Kerry Godliman can’t remember what was in her lost mum bag after outsourcing her memory to her phone. Welcome to the life of a middle-aged woman who lacks the bandwidth ​for any of this.

Godliman, comedian, actor, writer, podcaster and broadcaster, from Afterlife, Taskmaster and Trigger Point, builds her new stand-up show on straight-talking charm and quick wit. Box office: 01904 623568 or yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.

York artist Lesley Birch at work in her studio for her Flower Power exhibition at Pyramid Gallery, York. Picture: Esme Mai Photography

Blooms of the week: Lesley Birch: Flower Power and Jacqui Atkin: Ceramics, Pyramid Gallery, Stonegate, York, until mid-January 2026, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm  

LESLEY Birch is showing 22 paintings from her Flower Power series in an exhibition that coincides with the publication of her small artbook of the same title by independent York publisher Overt Books, also featuring Esme Mai’s photographs of Lesley’s home studio and the York artist’s free-verse musings. On show too are Pottery Showdown potter Jacqui Atkin’s ceramics.

Dickens of a good show: Count Arthur Strong Is Charles Dickens in A Christmas Carol, York Barbican, tomorrow, 8pm; Whitby Pavilion Theatre, November 23, 7.30pm; Scarborough Spa Theatre, November 27, 8pm  

IN response to public pressure, doyen of light entertainment and raconteur Count Arthur Strong is extending his fond farewell with new dates aplenty for his one-man interpretation of A Christmas Carol, performing his own festive adaptation in the guise of literary great and travelling showman performer Charles Dickens. Box office: York, yorkbarbican.co.uk; Whitby, whitbypavilion.co.uk; Scarborough, scarboroughspa.co.uk.

Gerard Hobson: Cut out for three days of Christmas art

Christmas exhibition of the week: Gerard Hobson, 51, Water Lane, Clifton, York, Friday and Saturday, 10am to 4pm; Sunday, 12 noon to 4pm

YORK printmaker Geard Hobson’s artwork comprises hand-coloured, limited-edition linocut prints and cut-outs focused on nature and wildlife, inspired by the countryside around where he lives in York.

As well as prints and bird, animal, tree and mushroom cut-outs, he creates anything from cards, mugs, cushions and coasters to chopping boards, lampshades, tea towels, notepads and wrapping paper. This week’s festive exhibition focuses on Christmas gifts, cards, prints and cut-outs.

Mexborough poet Ian Parks holding a copy of his new book The Sons Of Darkness And The Sons Of Light. The Basement at City Screen Picturehouse awaits on Friday

Word-and-song gathering of the week: Navigators Art presents An Evening with Ian Parks and Friends, The Basement, City Screen Picturehouse, York, Friday, 7.30pm

YORK arts collective Navigators Art plays host to An Evening with Ian Parks and Friends, where Parks reads from his new collection, The Sons Of Darkness And The Sons Of Light, and will be in conversation with Crooked Spire Press publisher Tim Fellows.

Joining Parks will be award-winning York novelist and poet Janet Dean, poet and critic Matthew Paul and singer-songwriter Jane Stockdale, from York alt-folk trio White Sail. Tickets: £5 in advance at bit.ly/nav-events or £8 on the door from 7pm.

Rant: Scottish quartet of fiddle players heads for Helmsley Arts Centre

Fiddlers of the week: Rant, Helmsley Arts Centre, Friday, 7.30pm

SCOTTISH chamber-folk fiddlers Rant return to the road after releasing third album Spin last year, featuring their ambitious, bold and reflective reinterpretation of influential tracks by bands and players from across the globe from their formative years.

In the line-up are Bethany Reid, from Shetland, Anna Massie and Lauren MacColl from the Highland peninsula of the Black Isle, and Gillian Frame, from Arran, whose live set reflects years of honing their sound together and their love for the music of each home region through their writing, repertoire and stories. Box office: 01439 771700 or helmsleyarts.co.uk.

Adam Z Robinson: Playing Scrooge and 27 more characters in A Christmas Carol at Helmsley Arts Centre

Ryedale solo show of the week: The Book of Darkness & Light Theatre Company in A Christmas Carol, Helmsley Arts Centre, Saturday, 7.30pm

MARLEY was dead.. to begin with. So starts The Book of Darkness & Light Theatre Company’s ghostly staging of Charles Dickens’s festive tale, performed by Adam Z Robinson, whose solo adaptation “teases out the gothic aspects” and requires him to play 28 characters.

Join miserly misery Ebenezer Scrooge on a supernatural journey into the past, present and yet-to-come. The chilly atmosphere of Victorian London is brought to life and the spirits of Christmas return from the dead, all through the spellbinding art of storytelling that combines gripping narration with eerie recorded voices and an immersive soundscape. Box office: 01439 771700 or helmsleyarts.co.uk.

The show poster for The Sounds Of Simon at the Kirk Theatre, Pickering

Tribute show of the week: The Sounds Of Simon, The Music of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, Old Friends, Kirk Theatre, Pickering, Saturday, 7.30pm

THE Sounds Of Simon, the UK’s longest-running tribute to Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, takes a musical journey from their years as Simon and Garfunkel to the successes of their solo careers, as they explore the friendship that led to songs such as Mrs Robinson, The Sound Of Silence and Bridge Over Troubled Water,   onwards to You Can Call Me Al, Graceland and Garfunkel’s Bright Eyes.

The show incorporates elements of the duo’s famously fractious relationship, as well as replicating their beautiful harmonies, complemented by video clips, stories and memories from more than 50 years. Box office: 01751 474833 or kirktheatre.co.uk.

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Illustrator Ric Liptrot marks independents’ day in 2026 calendar of York shops and businesses. Who makes his chosen dozen?

York illustrator Ric Liptrot with his hot-off-the-presses York Calendar for 2026

YORK illustrator Ric Liptrot has produced his third calendar, depicting the city’s independent scene.

The 2026 calendar features new illustrations of Heima, in Gillygate, for January; Haxby Bakehouse, February; York, Home of Independents poster, March; Bettys’ Easter window, in St Helen’s Square, April; Watkinsons Shoes, in Goodramgate, May, and Janette Ray Booksellers, in Bootham, June.

Turn over to July to reveal Heppni Bakery, in Swinegate; August, Two Hoots ice cream boat, by Dame Judi Dench Walk; September, Sir Thomas Herbert’s House/York Gin, in Pavement; October, Forty Five Vinyl Cafe, in Micklegate; November, Rustique, in Castlegate, and December, Silvarious, in Low Petergate.

“We’re so lucky to have so many great independent businesses in York,” says Ric, whose parents owned a newsagent shop in his hometown of Runcorn.  “Perhaps it’s this upbringing that has impacted on my beliefs to stand up for the small shops, cafes and pubs of the local community.”

Explaining how he selected his chosen 12 for 2026, Ric says: “I have a list of shops, pubs and cafes that I would love to draw. They usually have colours or shapes that grab my attention.

“For example, Heima, on Gillygate, I love the shop-front with its beautiful household objects; they’re interesting shapes to draw.

“Some months, such as December, were easy to choose as I was commissioned last year by Silvarious Jewellery to create an illustration. At the time I drew it, they had their festive window display, so I knew this would make a great December image.”

How does Ric assess the present welfare of independent businesses in York, when more and more look to be opening, but mainly yet more cafes! “You’re right that there’s more and more cafes and bars opening, which is why I feel quite strongly about celebrating the small shops,” he says.

The cover to Ric Liptrot’s York Calendar for 2026

“I’ve only lived in York for 15 years but I’ve heard of some lovely shops that have sadly closed; people still have fond memories of them. The saying ‘Use it or lose it’ comes to mind. I try to avoid using Amazon to shop. I get a buzz from buying locally; you feel like you’re making a positive purchase.”

Ric works out of a studio in the artist-led community at PICA Studios in Grape Lane. “I begin each artwork with a sketch taken directly in front of the subject. It’s here that I can take time to capture the detail and take note of shapes and colour,” he says.

“When I’m out sketching on the street, there’ll usually be one or two people who stop to have a nosey or ask what I’m drawing. I’m always happy to stop and chat. I think it’s nice that people take an interest and sometimes they’ll give me a story or fact about the subject I’m drawing.

“Then, using acrylic paint, collage and dip pen, I’ll transform the sketch into a full-colour illustration.”

Some shops featured in the 2026 calendar commissioned Liptrot Illustration’s  services, among them Watkinsons Shoes in celebration of their 120th anniversary.

“It hangs pride of place in our store and is absolutely stunning,” says manager Alice Preece “Ric’s art and interpretation of the shop has captured the spirit of Watkinsons and what makes us unique. Thank you, Ric for an amazing experience from start to finish throughout the commission.”

2025 North Yorkshire Open Studios participant Ric was delighted to receive this commission from one of his favourite shops. “Watkinsons is a great example of a successful independent shop in York,” he says. “I have people telling me they went there to get their first pair of shoes and now take their children. I love to draw places that people have a connection with.”

Picking highlights of his 2025 diary, Ric says: “There have been fantastic commissions, not only from Watkinsons Shoes, but Heppni Bakeri and Rustique too,” he says. “I was asked by York Independent to produce a cover for the free small newspaper they produce. That was fun, using York’s archways and bridges to frame elements of the independent businesses. The artwork for this is on my March page. 

The 12 illustrations for Ric Liptrot’s 2026 calendar celebrating York’s independent shops and businesses

“I was asked to create an illustration of York to wrap around a candle holder for the lovely Born Of Botanics shop on Stonegate. It was my first bit of package design that I’d made.”

Looking ahead, how will Ric be filling his 2026 calendar? “I’m in the middle of working on some designs for the York Cocoa Works on Castlegate. I’ve had some good conversations with Sophie Jewett, the owner, and we’re hoping to produce a map and possibly some chocolate bar packaging,” he says.

“I’m also working on an illustration for a grand hotel just outside of York, Aldwark Manor. The original artwork will hang in the hotel and it will feature on their promotional material.

“I visited the estate recently to make some sketches and was blown away. It’s   a stunning building and I can’t wait to start working on the illustration.” 

Should you be wondering if Ric will just stick to putting up one of his own calendars in the Liptrot home, he says: “There are some great York calendars around and I usually do a swap with artist friend Elliot Harrison, known as York 360, who makes a nice calendar.”

Ric will launch the 2026 calendar at the PICA Studios Winter Sale on November 29 and 30, when fellow PICA Studios artists will be selling work jewellery, ceramics, textiles, prints and paintings from 10am to 5pm each day.

Priced at £15.99, the calendar also will be on sale at the pop-up artists’ shop, at 22 High Petergate, York, or you can order via www.ricliptrot.bigcartel.com.

Festive final question for Ric

Do you have a Christmas tradition that no Christmas would be complete without?

“IN recent years we’ve headed to York Minster to hear the Choral Matins; it’s a lovely way to start the day. I find it a real, hairs-on-the-back-of-your-neck- pricking- up moment. 

“We’ve also been enjoying a pint at the local pub on Christmas Day. The last couple of years we’ve popped into the Volunteer Arms [in Watson Street, Holgate] and the atmosphere has been brilliant, full of folk in a festive mood.” 

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Graham Smith to take on new panto damehood as Nellie Nickerlastic in Shiptonthorpe Community Theatre’s Robin Hood And The Babes In The Wood

Graham Smith in shocking pink as saucy Dame Dora Di Sorderlie in Dick Whittington in December 2021 in his Rowntree Players days

GRAHAM Smith, once the doyen of Rowntree Players pantomime dames, is moving on to panto pastures new with Shiptonthorpe Community Theatre.

Graham, who lives near Wilberfoss, will revel in the moniker of Dame Nellie Nickerlastic in Rachel Waud’s production of Robin Hood And The Babes In The Wood at Shiptonthorpe Village Hall.

Neil Scott, Shiptonthorpe’s former “beloved and renowned dame”, will take on a regal new role as King Richard while Henry Rice will step into the boots of Will Scarlett, one of Robin Hood’s Merry Men.

Joining them will be Toby Jewsen as Robin Hood; Chris McKenzie,Little John; Paul Jefferson, Friar Tuck; Alison Rosa, Sheriff of Nottingham, and Chloe Jensen, Maid Marion.

Further roles will go to Robbie Howe as Snivel and Phil Featherstone as Grovel; Sienna Cayton, Ella; Pelham Dennis, Sam; Carolyne Jensen, Poet; Sarah Burnell, Minstrel, and Shirley Rice, Lady Guy.

Show times will be Friday, January 30 2026, 7pm; Saturday, January 31, 3pm and 7pm; Sunday, February 1, 2pm; Friday, February 6, 7pm, and Saturday, February 7,
7pm.

“Get ready for laughter, adventure and festive fun as the curtain rises on another unforgettable pantomime season,” says the director.

Tickets are available from Richard Waud on 07922 443639 or by emailing richardwaud@yahoo.co.uk.

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MarcoLooks takes Kids TakeOver designs onto city streets for York Nutcracker Trail

A trio of York Nutcracker Trail 2025’s designs in preparation for street duty

YORK Nutcracker Trail returns for the festive season with the Kids Takeover theme for 2025.

From now until January 4 2026, you can embark on York BID’s city-wide trail to discover ten giant nutcrackers, each designed uniquely by children from across York and the surrounding area.

Each design has been brought to life with delicacy by York artist Marc Godfrey-Murphy, also known as MarcoLooks, who has hand-painted the children’s creations onto the full-size nutcracker sculptures.

Kids Takeover brings young people’s imagination to life after York BID (Business Improvement District) invited budding young artists to submit their dream nutcracker designs last year. From hundreds of colourful entries, ten were selected to be transformed into life-sized sculptures to brighten York’s historic streets.

Mark Godfrey-Murphy painting one of the Kids Takeover designs for the York Nutcracker Trail

Rachel Bean, project manager at York BID, says: “We wanted to do something truly special this year:  to hand the creative reins over to York’s young people. We asked kids across York to let their imaginations run wild, and the designs we received were full of colour and fun. It was so hard to pick just ten!

“York Nutcracker Trail has become a real festive favourite in York, and I can’t wait to see lots of people with trail maps in their hands across the city again this year”

Marc says: “I remember when York BID first talked to me about working on this project with them. From the moment I found out about the concept, I immediately wanted to be involved.

“I used to be an animator for CBeebies, so I know how discerning children’s imaginations can be. Their ideas and minds are bold, brave and limitless. It’s been a joy spending time working with designs from their perspective.

The map for the York Nutracker Trail 2025 with the Kids Takeover theme

“Some of our young designers have used colour combinations I would never think of, but as an artist illustrator, it’s been wonderful to discover the joy in colour and pattern from their world view.”

York Nutcracker Trail maps are available to pick up from the Visit York Information Centre on Parliament Street to help you discover each nutcracker’s location and enjoy a fun, free festive adventure through the city.

Find all ten Nutcrackers and collect their names on your trail map to enter the prize draw for a £250 York Gift Card. That’s not all: by answering the bonus question, you could win an art hamper filled with MarcoLooks goodies.

Submit your completed trail map to the Visitor Information Centre or post it in Santa’s Post Box in York Museum Gardens to enter the prize draw.

York illustrator Marc Godfrey-Murphy

Marc Godfrey-Murphy/MarcoLooks: back story

GRADUATED from Character Animation course with Aardman Animation studios (the people behind Wallace & Gromit).

Worked as animator for CBeebies on Numberblocks and Tree Fu Tom. Now a freelance Illustrator and independent card and calendar publisher in York, he founded MarcoLooks in 2018.

His delightfully daft, quirky and colourful greetings cards and prints, coasters and mugs are stocked in many shops across the UK. From punning animal titles to illustrations of York landmarks and cheeky birthday card messages, “everything pops in bright and happy colour palettes”.

Marc has worked for Fenwick department stores, Oxfam, The Hole In Wand, York BID and Indie Makers and is the founder of the Draw As You May online drawing challenge. He also is a part-time animation tutor and mentor to newbie artists/makers who want to start making money from their creative practice.

You can find Marc across social media as @MarcoLooks. To find out more, visit www.marcolooks.com or go to Fabrication, on Stonegate, to discover his greetings cards and York illustrations.

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Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox to play York Barbican on The Future Is Vintage tour next May. When do tickets go on sale?

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

SCOTT Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox will return to York Barbican on May 29 2026 on The Future Is Vintage world tour across the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Tickets go on sale at 11am on Friday (21/11/2025) at https://www.yorkbarbican.co.uk/whats-on/pmj-2026/.

Founded by New York-based pianist Scott Bradlee in 2011, his rotating collective of singers, dancers and instrumentalists will perform a new retro-futurist show in the troupe’s signature time-twisting style.

After playing York Barbican on their Moonlight & Magic World Tour on May 7 this spring, Postmodern Jukebox will put a retro spin on everything from 1970s’ rock classics and Britpop hits to present-day chart toppers and movie and video game soundtracks in The Future Is Vintage. 

Combining a heavy dose of danceable numbers with jaw-dropping showstoppers, the show “works equally well as the perfect date night or family outing”.

Founder and arranger Scott Bradlee says: “In the midst of the AI hype all around us, some folks have gone so far as to proclaim that in the not-so-distant future, all of the music that we listen to will be AI generated.

“We’ll gladly take the other side of that wager. On the 2026 Postmodern Jukebox UK tour, we’re humbly presenting our own unique vision of a spectacular future; one that is built upon the timeless musical genres of the past and the authentically human spirit of creativity that inspired them.”

Dress in your vintage best for the full time-travel experience, Bradlee advises.

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Gaza Poets Society founder Mohammed Moussa to headline Say Owt’s midday bill at The Crescent in York on Sunday

Palestinian poet and podcast host Mohammed Moussa

AFTER  hosting Palestinian poet Farah Chamma in June, York spoken-word collective Say Owt brings another international artist to The Crescent on November 23 when Gaza Poets Society founder Mohammad Moussa headlines the midday bill.

Palestinian poet and podcast host Moussa set up the Gaza Poets Society as a platform for emerging voices from Gaza and beyond.

Born and raised in Gaza, Moussa now lives in Turkey, where he continues to write and build connections across borders. He has published two poetry collections and contributed to multiple anthologies.

Nadira Alom

“Mohammed shares work that speaks with urgency, humour and hope – poems rooted in lived experience and reaching for freedom,” says Say Owt artistic director Henry Raby.

“We believe in platforming under-represented voices, and through his poetry Mohammed tells the story of the people of Gaza. A humble, gentle soul, Mohammed’s poetry is full of compassion and soul.”

Supporting Moussa at Sunday’s 12 noon to 2pm show of “generous spoken word sharing personal stories” will be York-based poets Nadira Alom and Minal Sukumar.

Minal Sukumar

“Nadira Alom is a poet who believes that your voice is the most important thing you have and you should use it to stand up for the causes you believe in,” says Henry. “She writes about mental health and her experiences as both a woman and a Muslim.

“Minal Sukumar is a writer, performance poet and doctoral researcher at the Centre for Women’s Studies, University of York. She holds a master’s degree in writing and has performed poetry across India, Ireland and the UK.”

For tickets, go to: https://thecrescentyork.com/events/say-owt-mohammed-moussa-gaza-poets-society/. The ticket price is Pay-What-You-Decide.

Poster for Gaza Poets Society

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Ian Parks tops Navigators Art & Crooked Spire Press line-up at The Basement, City Screen. Who else is on November 21 bill?

Poet Ian Parks with his new collection The Sons Of Darkness And The Sons Of Light

YORK arts collective Navigators Art plays host to An Evening With Ian Parks and Friends on November 21 at The Basement, City Screen Picturehouse, York, presented in  tandem with Crooked Spire Press.

“This is one for lovers of poetry and folk music,” says organiser Richard Kitchen. “Ian is a widely published and much admired poet from Mexborough, described as ‘the finest love poet of his generation’, although his work vigorously addresses the political as well as the personal.”

Parks will be reading from his new collection, The Sons Of Darkness And The Sons Of Light, published in October. In addition, he will be in conversation with Crooked Spire Press publisher Tim Fellows.

Joining Parks will be his chosen guests, award-winning York novelist and poet Janet Dean, poet and critic Matthew Paul and singer-songwriter Jane Stockdale, from York alt-folk trio White Sail.

Navigators Art’s poster for An Evening with Ian Parks and Friends

Parks is the author of Selected Poems 1983-2023 and the editor of Versions Of The North: Contemporary Yorkshire Poetry. He has run the Read To Write Project in Doncaster for a decade.

His translations of the modern Greek poet Constantine Cavafy were a Poetry Book Society Choice.He has been a Hawthornden Fellow since 1991 and has held residencies at Gladstone’s Library, De Montfort Leicester and Hawkwood College, Stroud.

His poems have appeared in The Times, Poetry Review, the Independent On Sunday, Morning Star and Poetry (Chicago) and have been broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

Poet and novelist Janet Dean/Janet Dean Knight explores contemporary themes through the prism of history. She is widely published in anthologies and magazines in print and online.

Poet and critic Matthew Paul

Poet and critic Matthew Paul, originally from South London, now lives in South Yorkshire. His second poetry collection, The Last Corinthians, was published by Crooked Spire Press this year, following The Evening Entertainment (Eyewear Publishing) in 2017.

Paul is the author of two haiku collections, The Regulars (2006) and The Lammas Lands (2015) , and co-writer/editor (with John Barlow) of Wing Beats: British Birds In Haiku (2008) a Guardian book of the year, all published by Snapshot Press.

He co-edited Presence haiku journal, has contributed to the Guardian’s Country Diary column and posts blogs at www.matthewpaulpoetry.blog.

Singer-songwriter and poet Jane Stockdale is a skilled multi-instrumentalist who loves performing a cappella too.

Crooked Spire Press is a new independent publisher based in Chesterfield. Edited by Tim Fellows, it focuses on poetry pamphlets, collections and anthologies.

York singer-songwriter and poet Jane Stockdale

In 2025, it has published an anthology of poems from The Fig Tree as well as  Matthew Paul’s The Last Corinthians and Ian Parks’s The Sons Of Darkness And The Sons Of Light, and will publish a further anthology of poems, based around coal mining.

Published every two months in the north, The Fig Tree is a vibrant online poetry magazine that reflects the diversity of modern life while looking back on childhood memories, working life, the natural world and family history.

The Fig Tree encourages poems in all forms that explore the relationship between poetry and the visual arts, poems that explore the tensions inherent in politics and the nature of the human condition.

“The bar will be open on Friday night and we hope to adjourn for a chat after the show with anyone who’d like to join us,” says Richard. Books will be available to buy. Tickets for this 7.30pm event cost £5 in advance at bit.ly/nav-events or £8 on the door from 7pm.

Navigators Art’s Folk & Words at The Artful Dodger, Micklegate, York, November 20

Navigators Art’s poster for this autumn’s series of Folk & Word events

ON Thursday (20/11/2025) – and on the third Thursday of each month – Navigators Art play host to Folk & Word in The Artful Dodger’s function room, in Micklegate, York, at 7.30pm.

“This is a low-key and warmly welcoming open-mic night where writers and acoustic folk musicians can present new and original work,” says Richard Kitchen. “Each month we invite a poet and a musician to co-host the evening and bring a guest performer; then the floor is open to the audience. 

“Come and enjoy the safe, calm, friendly vibes of this unique monthly event. Entry is free with a purchase from the bar. Sign up from 7pm if you’d like to speak or play. Access is by the stairs only as it’s a listed building.” 

Explaining the modus operandi of Folk & Word, Richard says: “Time and ethos-wise, it fits somewhere between the long-running York Spoken Word, held monthly at The Exhibition, in Bootham, and the bi-monthly Howlers sessions at the Blue Boar, in Castlegate, with the bonus of a musical element.

“Although open-mic events are everywhere these days, not many highlight poetry and acoustic sounds, so we’re focusing on people with words to perform, whether spoken or sung – and spoken word can include stand-up comedy as well as poems! 

“It’s developing into a small cosy club. Everyone is supportive of each other and it feels good for one’s mental health. People leave feeling at peace, even if they move on to the bigger, noisier Thursday events elsewhere!”

Navigators Art co-founder Richard Kitchen

Navigators Art: back story


LOOSE collective of York creatives that embraces visual art, spoken and written word, live music and community projects.

“We’re passionate about giving emerging artists and performers the opportunity to shine alongside more established names,” says co-founder Richard Kitchen.

“We oppose bigotry in any form and strive to achieve gender balance and across-the-board inclusivity in all our events and activities. Since 2020, we’ve worked with more than 200 individuals and organisations.

“We welcome commissions and new collaborations with artists, writers, musicians and performers of all genres.

“Our YO Underground events offer a platform for new work and experimentation. For details of all our events, visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/navigators-art-performance.”

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Richard Shephard Music Foundation reports best year yet in providing weekly lessons in Yorkshire and Tees Valley

The joy of making music with support from the Richard Shephard Music Foundation

THE Richard Shephard Music Foundation (RSMF) is celebrating its most successful year to date.

More than 8,685 children have received weekly music lessons through partnerships with 34 schools across Yorkshire and Tees Valley.

This milestone marks significant progress towards the York foundation’s goal of teaching 10,000 children every week by 2026: a target that will mean almost one in seven primary-aged children in the region will have regular access to high-quality music education.

Andrea Hayes, foundation trustee and former head teacher, says: “Music inspires, unites and empowers. The foundation brings that power into classrooms, ensuring every child, whatever their background, can access high-quality music teaching.”

Here are the key highlights from the RSMF’s 2024–25 Impact Report:

• 8,685 children received weekly music lessons, totalling 8,250 hours of high-quality music education.

• 34 partner schools participated, including new additions in East Yorkshire, Saltburn, Darlington, Richmond and Selby.

• 450 children joined the foundation’s biggest-ever Make Music Day, celebrating creativity and collaboration through live workshops and performances.

• Ten free Music Explorers holiday clubs reached 263 children, with an average of 57 per cent eligible for free school meals, rising to 85 per cent in Scarborough.

• 1,943 children took part in foundation-led events, concerts, and community performances.

Revelling in the power of music for schoolchildren

Independent evaluations and teacher feedback revealed transformative results:

• 99 per cent of staff reported improved confidence among pupils.

• 97 per cent saw enhanced musical knowledge.

• 92 per cent observed improvements in wellbeing.

• 94 per cent said their school’s standard of music teaching had improved.

A teacher from Crayke C of E Primary School says: “The love of music you are instilling in children is wonderful. It’s breathing life back into the curriculum.”

Reaching communities that need it most

HALF of the RSMF’s partner schools have more than 30 per cent of pupils eligible for free school meals, and 12 are based in Arts Council England’s Priority Places. By focusing on these areas, RSMF is ensuring access to the social, emotional and educational benefits of music for children who might otherwise miss out.

How you can be involved

WHETHER you are a parent, musician or member of the public passionate about music education, RSMF would like to invite you to be involved. “Please consider becoming a Friend of the Foundation by committing to a monthly donation – as small or large as suits you,” requests the RSMF. “You’ll receive updates from the foundation and invitations to events.” For more details, visit: donate.rsmf.org.uk.

Young players in unison

Cathy Grant, the foundation’s chief executive, says: “Research highlights time and time again that music education is not an equal playing field. The Child of the North* report found that 93 per cent of children are being excluded from arts and cultural education due to a lack of funding in state schools, with almost half (42 per cent) of secondary schools no longer entering pupils for GCSE Music.

“The same report outlined how participation in arts activities also correlates strongly with socioeconomic status, with children from the most affluent backgrounds being three times more likely to sing in a choir or play in an orchestra than those in deprived areas.

Cathy continues: “Our work directly addresses these inequalities, aiming to level the playing field for children across our region. We’re encouraged by the Government’s recent curriculum review report, which commits to ensuring that ‘the arts are an entitlement within the national curriculum for every pupil, not an optional extra’. We think our work in the region is a practical example of how this can be delivered.”

For more information about the Richard Shephard Music Foundation and its work supporting schools, visit www.rsmf.org.uk. View the RSMF’s Music Is A Key video at: https://youtu.be/jdJGf3fCvbg.

* N8 Research Partnership produced the Child of the North report, an evidence-based approach to creating a culture of inclusive opportunity through arts and creativity, in March 2025.

Upcoming Richard Shephard Music Foundation events:

Saturday, November 29 2025 to Monday, January 5 2026: York Minster Christmas Tree Festival, featuring RSMF Christmas tree.

Saturday, November 29, Scarborough Sparkle: School choir from Overdale Primary School singing from 11am to 12 noon.

Wednesday, December 3: Acomb Primary School Christmas busking, York Railway Station, 9.45am to 10.30am.

Thursday, December 4 2025:  Christmas Celebration, St Olave’s Church, Marygate, York, 1.30pm to 3pm. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rsmf-christmas-music-celebration-tickets-1756681294039?aff=oddtdtcreator.

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Kentmere House Gallery confirms opening hours for Christmas gift season

York Waits, by John Scarland, one of the Christmas cards on sale at Kentmere House Gallery, York

KENTMERE House, Ann Petherick’s gallery in Scarcroft Hill, York, will be open every weekend in December until December 21, from 11am to 5pm each day, then on January 3 and 4, 11am to 5pm.

The gallery also will welcome visitors every Thursday evening through to December 18, 6pm to 9pm, and at other time by arrangement on 01904 656507 or 07801 810825.

Work by more than 70 artists is on show and for sale. “Those who have everything may be the bane of your Christmas list, but you can be absolutely certain that what they don’t have is any of the paintings available from Kentmere House Gallery – because all are originals,” says Ann.

“The Aladdin’s cave that is Kentmere House Gallery has paintings by gallery favourites such as Susan Bower, Jack Hellewell and John Thornton, along with work from nationally known printmakers, including Lisa Hooper and John Brunsdon.

“Look out too for more of David Greenwood’s pastels of familiar York buildings and work by an amazingly talented new artist from South Yorkshire, William Sculthorpe.”

Kentmere House Gallery’s poster for December’s opening hours

Prints are for sale at £50 upwards, paintings from £200, plus lavishly illustrated art books unique to the gallery from £10. “That means there is a wide range of gifts both affordable and truly original,” says Ann. “Please note these prints are genuine and handmade, not the mass-produced ‘limited-edition’ prints you might find on the high street.

“If it’s still all too difficult, the gallery has a gift voucher service, allowing the recipients themselves to make the choice. A voucher can be issued for any amount from £10 and the gallery will add five per cent to the value of any voucher.

“Alternatively, if you buy a painting as a gift and the recipient would prefer another, return it by the end of January &amp a full credit will be given against another painting.”

Ann has a further suggestion: “For something really special, why not commission a painting? Maybe a portrait, a house portrait, a favourite pet or a landscape that has a special meaning? The possibilities are endless; you can choose from more than 70 artists, and the gallery is happy to advise.”

Kentmere House Gallery favourite Susan Bower picked for Actors’ Benevolent Fund charity Christmas card. On sale soon

Susan Bower’s Taking Five: the Actors’ Benevolent Fund’s selection for its 2025 Christmas card

THE Actors’ Benevolent Fund has selected Kentmere House Gallery regular artist Susan Bower’s painting Taking Five for its 2025 fundraising Christmas card.

Born in 1953, Susan graduated with degrees in Biology and Psychology but pursued an artistic career on returning her Yorkshire birthplace. Exploring her life-long love for painting, she creates pieces that explore various facets of the human condition. 

Susan’s work is on permanent display at Kentmere House, where the Christmas card will be on sale soon.

Did you know?

KENTMERE House Gallery is York’s original “gallery-at-home”, housed in the relaxed setting of a large Victorian house on Scarcroft Hill.

It sells work by some of the finest artists working in Britain and has a reputation for showing nationally known names alongside promising newcomers.

The featured artist changes each month and, in addition, there is always a rolling exhibition of work by 50 other artists.