LFay: Opening the first New Music Stage bill at York Theatre Royal on Saturday
FOR the second year running, Aesthetica Film Festival is playing host to the Aesthetica New Music Stage as part of its Music At Aesthetica programme.
Designed to support emerging talent, this event brings together ten breakthrough British and Irish acts making waves in the music scene already, whether in indie, folk, jazz or pop, before they explode onto the world stage.
Supported by TALENTBANQ, Caffè Nero, Innovate UK, Leeds Conservatoire, Imagesound and Beggars Group, performances take place across two sessions, 1pm to 3.40pm and 6.10pm to 8.50pm, with five acts in each one.
Who are the acts for the New Music Stage?
LFay, 1pm to 1.20pm
LFAY is a lyricist and vocalist from rural Norfolk, crafting a vibrant sound that fuses old-school hip-hop, urban jazz and neo-soul with elements of jungle, drum & bass and breaks.
LFay delivers playful yet insightful observations on the impact of isolation and youth experience, drawing inspiration from her free party and rave culture roots, while incorporating textures and imagery influenced by the pirate radio scene of the 1990s. Her music has been featured on BBC Radio 1, BBC 1Xtra, Capital XTRA and BBC Introducing, where she has been named a One Tto Watch 2026 for Suffolk and Norfolk.
Katherine Aly, 1.35pm to 1.55pm
KATHERINE Aly is a rising alt-pop artist known for her genre-defying sound. Her distinctive orange aesthetic and a commitment to pushing creative boundaries have garnered praise from the press including Wonderland, Notion and Earmilk. BBC Introducing described Aly’s songs as “educational”, reflecting her distinctive lyrical approach and incisive perspective on relationships.
Her music operates as a form of “humorous anthropological research”, set against an hyperpop soundscape that fuses alternative pop with an experimental edge. Her work has received airplay on BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music and support from BBC Introducing Scotland, who . named her as their Future-Ready Artist of 2026.
Lepani, 2.10pm to 2.30pm
LEPANI is a Fijian-born, New Zealand-raised independent artist, songwriter and producer. Blending alternative pop, R&B and soul and drawing on a diverse range of influences to create a smooth sound, his music has gained 14 million streams across digital platforms.
Since making Manchester home, he has immersed himself in the grassroots scene, performing regularly in venues across the city and building relationships with fellow artists. Lepani has performed internationally too, including at Pacific Roots Festival in Amsterdam. His upcoming project explores vulnerability, mental health and his challenging relationship with his music career.
Chisara, 2.45pm to 3.05pm
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY artist Chisara mixes radical hope with punk, curiosity and philosophy in their Afro-art-pop sound, making music that asks you to shine your light on the world while interrogating the chaos and contradictions at its core.
Chisara’s voice, lyricism and skilful storytelling has led to achievements across theatre, film and visual arts, including a George Butterworth Award; choreography for Steve McQueen’s Blitz; mentoring from Brian Eno through Netflix’s composer programme and recognition from BBC Introducing London, The Great Escape, The Roundhouse, Tate Britain and the National Theatre.
Circe, 3.20pm to 3.40pm
BRIGHTON artist, writer and multi-instrumentalist Circe makes cinematic dark-pop, where huge synths, distorted guitars, strings and layered vocals collide with sharply drawn storytelling. Taking cues from Björk, FKA twigs and Kate Bush, her sound filters visceral electronics through something more romantic, atmospheric and melancholy.
Her music has appeared in Netflix’s Crew Girland Elite; Amazon Prime’s Hanna and Channel 4’sMade In Chelsea. Circe has toured with The Midnight, as well as headlining Latitude Festival’s BBC Introducing Stage and The Great Escape. Jack Saunders of BBC Radio 1’s Next Wave called Circe “insanely talented and definitely someone we are backing”.
Pavey Ark, 6.10pm to 6.30pm
PAVEY Ark are a cinematic indie-folk band from Hull, making music wherein atmospheric vocals, strings and horns glide over finger-picked guitar, melodic bass and complex percussion. The result is a sound that evades immediate comparison. Pavey Ark are known for sublime live shows, having played SXSW Texas, the Glastonbury Acoustic Stage and Cambridge Folk Festival.
Their second album, 2025’s More Time, More Speed, was mixed by producer Paul Butler and selected for Record Store Day 2026, with a live in-store performance at Rough Trade. Debut album Close Your Eyes And Think Of Nothing (2020) was lauded by Uncut and Record Collector, receiving airplay on BBC Radio 6 Music.
PH, 6.45pm to 7.05pm
MANUFACTURED in Northwest London, lyrical rapper PH’s modern alternative sound blends old-school hip-hop with influences from cultures around the world. He has collaborated with Soulja Boy, The Game, Onyx and Swayvee, as well as producers including Oliver Bassil, who has worked with NBA YoungBoy and That Mexican OT.
PH’s 2024 collaboration with rising artist SoloCelo, You Girl has become a summer anthem, amassing more than one million streams. The pair followed up with Hell N’ Back. PH has travelled to Lagos and Rio de Janeiro to create music and visual content, including a Hollywood-style video aired on Nigerian television.
WineMom, 7.20pm to 7.40pm
DUBLIN four-piece WineMom WineMom are stepping their way firmly to the forefront of the Irish music scene. Led by powerhouse frontwoman Rosanna, their sound draws parallels to Fleetwood Mac and Blondie.
In their first year, they supported Kingfishr, Jane’s Addiction and Deacon Blue, as well as making a surprise appearance at Electric Picnic. Debut EP Grand Affair came out in April 2026. Now WineMom are excited to bring their self-styled brand of “Nostalgia Rock” to the rest of the world.
Other People’s Leisure, 7.55pm to 8.15pm
OTHER People’s Leisure (OPL) are making waves on their own terms. The Scottish electronic duo of Craig A and Craig P craft immersive live performances using analogue hardware, digital production and multi-projection visuals, creating melody-driven music that translates seamlessly to their expansive sets, with lyrics adding emotional depth and drawing from a background in songwriting.
Taking influence from Bicep, Caribou, Four Tet and Junior Boys, OPL make indie-infused electronica that “sits equally at home on the dance floor and the journey home”. Their debut release earned support from BBC Introducing and a placement on Apple Music’s New In Dance playlist.
Roe, 8.20pm to 8.50pm
DERRY songwriter Roe describes herself as “an emotional car crash with free will and an impulse to write”. Roe’s influences span Irish singer-songwriters such as Orla Gartland to American artists Medium Build and Rainbow Kitten Surprise.
Through live performances at Reeperbahn, SXSW and a UK arena run supporting Snow Patrol, she has connected with audiences all over the world. Her 2022 debut album That’s When The Panic Sets Inwas called “an exceptionally sophisticated succession of confessional songs” byThe Irish Times. Everything since has been made without a label or publisher on her own terms and with a small, dedicated team around her.
ALONGSIDE the day of live music, the programme features a talk by Jess Iszatt, presenter of BBC Introducing on BBC Radio 1, an industry panel featuring Futuresound and Beggars Group and networking opportunities with Universal Music, Rough Trade Recordsand Domino Recording Company. For the full festival programme and tickets, go to: asff.co.uk.
Jess Iszatt: BBC Introducing presenter giving a talk at Aesthetica Film Festival
The poster for Aesthetica Film Festival 2026: five days of film and much more in York
FESTIVAL director Cherie Federico provides her guide to five days of film and much more besides in York.
Film screenings
EXPERIENCE more than 300 shorts, features, documentaries, animations and experimental films from across the globe. Many of these titles are Oscar and BAFTA-qualifying, giving audiences a first look at the filmmakers of the future. Genres include Advertising, Artists’s Film, Comedy, Dance, Drama, Family Friendly, Thriller, Fashion and Thriller.
Attend the Makers’ Forum at York Theatre Royal from November 5 to 8 to hear from directors and producers, discover new cinematic voices and celebrate bold, thought-provoking storytelling that pushes boundaries and challenges perspectives.
VR and Games Labs
STEP into the future of storytelling. The VR (Virtual Reality) and Games Labs at the National Centre for Early Music, St Margaret’s Church, Walmgate, invite audiences to explore cutting-edge works in virtual, augmented and mixed reality, plus innovative indie games. Engage with immersive environments, interactive narratives and demonstrations from the frontier of creative technology. Learn how artists are merging code, design and emotion to reinvent what it means to experience a story.
Enjoying the full virtual reality experience in Aesthetica’s VR Lab
Masterclasses and panels
AESTHETICA’S industry sessions feature icons and innovators from Ridley Scott Associates, Aardman, BBC, Film4 and Framestore. Gain insight into the craft and business of filmmaking, from production design and cinematography to pitching, funding and post-production. Ideal for anyone serious about their creative career.
Workshops and roundtables
BE hands-on with practical sessions designed for filmmakers, producers and writers. From screenwriting labs and pitching clinics to discussions on funding, diversity and distribution, these workshops provide actionable advice from professionals.
The roundtable format encourages open dialogue and peer learning: an ideal space to test ideas, ask questions and gain valuable mentorship.
Venues for masterclasses and workshops range from York Theatre Royal, the Yorkshire Museum and York St John University Creative Centre to Spark: York and the De Grey Rooms.
A still from Owen Richards’s Elsewhere, one of 300 films showing at Aesthetica Film Festival 2026
Networking and pitching
MEET producers, commissioners and collaborators at Aesthetica’s networking events and UK Film Production Summit, featuring more than 150 companies, at The Grand, Station Rise, on November 5. Socials and informal meet-ups give you a chance to share your ideas, find partners and make connections that could propel your next project forward. This is where creative relationships and future deals are born.
Parties and socials
WHEN the lights go down, the city comes alive. Aesthetica’s parties are legendary: relaxed and welcoming spaces where creatives from film, music, gaming and art collide.
Whether you are winding down after a screening or celebrating a new collaboration, the festival’s social scene is where friendships form, ideas spark and stories continue long into the night.
Going behind the camera at Aesthetica Film Festival
Listening Pitch premieres
NOW in its sixth year, the Listening Pitch at City Screen Picturehouse from November 5 to 8 shines a spotlight on the future of audio documentary. Aesthetica has commissioned 13 original documentaries through this pioneering programme, and this year marks the premiere of three new projects.
Previous commissions have gone on to screen at SXSW (South By South West) and Sundance and have been acquired by the Guardian. This is the place to discover bold new documentary talent with live presentations, audience Q&As and an atmosphere that celebrates the art of sound and story.
New Music Stage
FEATURING a line-up of some of the UK and Ireland’s most exciting emerging artists, the New Music Stage blends film and sound in thrilling ways. This year’s acts at York Theatre Royal on November 7 from 1pm to 8.50pm include LFay, Katherine Aly, Lepani, Chisara, Circe, Pavey Ark, PH, Winemom, Other People’s Leisure and Roe –the headliners of tomorrow.
In addition, hear from the keynote speaker, BBC Introducing/BBC Radio 1 presenter Jess Iszatt, plusUniversal Music, Rough Trade, Domino Records and more. This event is included in all valid festival passes. Alternatively, a New Music Stage ticket can be bought from York Theatre Royal at https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/aesthetica-new-music-stage/.
New Music Stage: Showcasing British and Irish emerging artists at York Theatre Royal
Immersive Media Arts Trail
CREATED in partnership with Audible, the Radical Listening Immersive Media Trail will bring three new installation-based artworks to York from November 4 to 8. Works by Squidsoup, Steve Messam and Being Now Here will use light, sound and interactive technology to transform public spaces in a free art trail that will run from Exhibition Square and York Theatre Royal and towards King’s Square.
Podcast Lounge
AESTHETICA is the first UK film festival to offer a dedicated Podcasting Lounge, a space where audio is at the centre of storytelling. Curated to spotlight dynamic voices in independent podcasting, the lounge offers the opportunity to pause and take a moment to truly listen. Here is a chance to sit down, discover new voices and listen to bold new stories in The Basement at City Screen Picturehouse, open daily from10am to 9.30pm throughout the festival.
Now in its 16th year, Aesthetica Film Festival will run in myriad York locations from November 4 to 8. For full details and to book festival passes and tickets, go to asff.co.uk.
Look out too for UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO featuring games, films, VFX and design, showcased by 40 exhibiting organisations at the De Grey Rooms, Exhibition Square, York, on November 5 and 6 from 9am to 9pm. Admission is free, For more details, go to mediacityexpo.com. This will be complemented by UNESCO Expo Workshops, presented by York Business School.
DILETTANTE is the real thing! She has won the inaugural New Music Stage showcase for the UK’s most exciting emerging musical talent at York’s Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025.
At last Saturday’s event, part of the festival’s debut Beyond the Frame strand at York Theatre Royal, Dilettante delivered a set that captivated audience and jury alike with emotive vocals, layered textures and commanding stage presence.
Reflecting on her victory, she said: “What a massive honour to win this inaugural award. I’m a massive film nerd and I’m really excited to see both film and music festivals starting to work together to support artists across forms. Especially great to win in my home county of Yorkshire and in such a beautiful theatre!”
Signed to EMI North, praised by Mojo and Uncut magazines and featured at SXSW(South By Southwest) and The Great Escape, Dilettante – the inventive art-pop project of Francesca Pidgeon – has risen from Manchester basements to now embarking on festival appearances and cross-disciplinary collaborations across music, film and XR (Extended Reality).
Daisy Gill: From The Voice UK to New Music Stage at Aesthetica Short Film Festival
Last Saturday’s 2pm to 11pm curated line-up of breakthrough talent featured acts championed by tastemakers such as BBC Radio 1, BBC 6Music, RTÉ Radio 1 and Mojo and Rolling Stone magazines.
Taking part were winner Dilettante; BLÁNID, an Irish singer-songwriter with one million Spotify streams; Crazy James, lauded by BBC Introducing for his high-energy rap; Daisy Gill, alumna of The Voice UK with Glastonbury and Royal Albert Hall appearances to her name, and Ewan Sim, featured on Spotify Fresh Finds.
Participating too were Isabel Maria, BBC Introducing One-to-Watch and North East Culture Award winner; Emma Johnson, an alt-pop artist featured on BBC Radio 1 and Radio X; Kengo, BBC Introducing-supported hip-hop talent; Messy Eater, immersive art-rock innovator, and Tarian, a Welsh artist who blends hip-hop with emotive pop and classical roots.
The New Music Stage jury brought together leading industry representatives including James Matthew, from Universal Music Group; Rachel Hill, of Futuresound Group, Leeds; Pablo Ettinger, Caffè Nero co-founder; Emma Stakes, of Production Park; Rob Clark, head of media at Imagesound, plus plus musical artists such as Jack Savoretti, The Dunwells, Fauzia Habib, Kat Day (The KVB) and singer-songwriter Rachel Croft, formerly of York, now based in London.
Messy Eater: Replaced Scarborough’s Pleasure Centre in the New Music Stage line-up at York Theatre Royal
The New Music Stage aims to be about “more than performance”, connecting artists with the broader cultural ecosystem being built through such festivals as ASFF.
The showcase combines collaborations with Universal Music A&R and Imagesound with opportunities for national airplay across Caffè Nero as the festival creates a pipeline to connect grassroots talent with national and international audiences.
“Dilettante’s win demonstrates the extraordinary potential of the next generation of musicians,” said festival director Cherie Federico.
Caffe Nero founder Pablo Ettinger highlighted the industry opportunities for emerging talent: “Supporting emerging talent at this level is vital,” he said. “These stages give artists the chance to reach audiences and figures they might not meet otherwise.”
“The New Music Stage promises to grow into a landmark event for UK and global music, reaffirming the vital role of live discovery in the cultural ecosystem,” says ASFF director Cherie Federico
The New Music Stage was set up against the backdrop of the culture of discovering new music live being in decline. Between 2022 and 2023, the UK lost roughly 13 per cent of grassroots music venues, compounded by more than 15 per cent closing or ceasing live music activity last year alone, while audience numbers for live shows have fallen by nearly 17 cent since 2019.
“The New Music Stage addresses this gap, giving audiences the thrill of experiencing music at its moment of emergence, just as grassroots venues once did,” said Cherie.
“By integrating the New Music Stage with film, games and XR, Aesthetica fosters a multidisciplinary creative community. Audiences can witness performances in context with broader creative innovation, and artists gain exposure to delegates from more than 60 countries, industry leaders and tastemakers, helping to launch careers on a global scale.
Rachel Croft: York singer-songwriter on the New Music Stage jury
Running from November 5 to 9, the 15th BAFTA-qualifying ASFF brought together together 300 films, music, games, podcasting, the UNESCO City Of Media Arts EXPO, masterclasses, workshops, the VR Lab, the first Aesthetica Fringe and Beyond the Frame in one immersive environment in York, providing a platform for collaboration, discovery and cultural exchange.
Across five days, York became a hub for creativity, where tomorrow’s stars in film, music, VR, games, and podcasts were discovered first. The festival’s international reach and multidisciplinary programming ensure it is not only a British event but also a meeting point for the most exciting voices in global screen and creative media.
Summarising the festival’s vision, Cherie said: “We’re building a festival where creativity meets opportunity. It’s not just about performances; it’s about creating connections, sparking collaborations and nurturing the next generation of artists across multiple disciplines.
“With this international scale, the New Music Stage promises to grow into a landmark event for UK and global music, reaffirming the vital role of live discovery in the cultural ecosystem.”
AS part of Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025, ten breakthrough music acts will be competing live at York Theatre Royal on Saturday as the city becomes the epicentre of British music discovery.
This inaugural line-up will be a showcase of breadth and originality, featuring artists who have performed at SXSW, Glastonbury and Kendal Calling, appeared on The Voice and received plays from BBC Introducing, BBC Radio 1 and Radio X.
The Aesthetica New Music Stage is a bold, innovative platform like nothing else in the country, billed as the UK’s version of SXSW (South By Southwest, in Austin, Texas) and a first-of-its-kind national music competition embedded within a film festival.
DaisyGill
What’s more, New Music Stage involves collaborations with Universal Music A&R and Imagesound and opportunities for national airplay across Caffè Nero, as the festival creates a pipeline to connect grassroots talent with national and international audiences.
As Pablo Ettinger, founder of Caffe Nero and owner of Talentbanq, says: “There is nothing like this anywhere else in the UK. By working with Aesthetica, we are creating a national stage for discovery and giving artists the support they need to take their careers forward.
“It’s about creating pathways, reaching audiences in new ways and shining a spotlight on talent that deserves to be heard, Aesthetica is the perfect home for this kind of innovation.”
Isabel Maria
Spotlighting fresh music across genres, the event will give audiences the opportunity to hear new voices, discover tomorrow’s stars and be part of shaping the future of UK music.
“Aesthetica has always been about discovery – about bringing new voices, stories and ideas to audiences,” says festival director Cherie Federico. “This is the only event of its kind in the UK: a film festival that also platforms the future of music. The New music Stage gives audiences the opportunity to discover tomorrow’s stars right here in York.
“It’s about creating a cultural hub where film and music collide, ensuring that artists have the chance to be heard on both a national and international scale.”
Jemma Johnson
BLANID
The line-up comprises:
BLÁNID: With a rich, storytelling voice that has graced BBC Radio 1 and RTÉ, BLÁNID has earned more than one million streams and toured the UK with folk legend Judy Collins. Her music blends grief, ecstasy and everything in between, marking her as a star in the making.
Jemma Johnson: This self-taught multi-instrumentalist is taking alternative pop to new heights, buoyed by BBC Radio 1 airplay, festival slots from Tramlines to MiCannes, and collaborations with major UK artists. Her live presence is nothing short of magnetic.
Crazy James: A rapper forging his own path through craft and consistency. Known for blistering flows and commanding live sets, he has turned grassroots energy into headline moments across London and beyond.
Kengo
Ewan Sim: Blending indie, pop, rock, and soul into songs of intimacy and power, Ewan Sim has sold out shows in Manchester and impressed audiences at SXSW London.
Daisy Gill: Liverpool’s retro-pop sensation brings powerhouse vocals and modern production. Her rare four-chair turn on The Voice UK and 10 million TikTok views testify that she is a rising star.
Dilettante: Francesca Pidgeon’s art-pop project delivers dazzling, groove-laden sets that have taken her from Manchester basements to SXSW and NXNE. Signed to EMI North and praised by Mojo and Uncut magazines, her sound is as inventive as it is infectious.
Tarian
Ewan Sim
Kengo: Songwriter and vocalist who channels honesty and lived experience into songs that bridge emotion and spirit, marked by lyrical depth and melodic sensitivity and addressing connection, healing and resilience.
Tarian: Welsh artist blending hip-hop with emotive pop and classical roots. Notching two million streams and a loyal TikTok following, Tarian is a genre-defying talent to watch.
Isabel Maria: At 19, Isabel Maria already has won major cultural awards and been celebrated by Rolling Stone magazine for her raw, alternative pop songwriting.
Pleasure Centre, from Scarborough
Pleasure Centre: Alt/art rock quintet from North Yorkshire coast conjures delicate melodies and euphoric walls of sound, inspired by shoegaze and Radiohead.
The New Music Pass (£21) gives audiences full access to all ten acts in one day. Enjoy free flow in and out of the York Theatre Royal: drop in for a set or immerse yourself from start to finish.
Audience members will have the chance to vote for their favourite act, playing a direct role in launching the UK’s next big star.
Dilettante
“This is more than a music stage,” says Cherie. “It’s an innovation in live music and festival programming, giving artists a national platform and audiences a front-row seat to the future of UK music. Don’t miss this chance to experience a festival within a festival, where creativity, performance and discovery collide.”
Universal Music A&R will be in attendance and Anglo-Italian singer songwriter Jack Savoretti will be on the jury.
Tickets and New Music Passes are available from York Theatre Royal on 01904 623568 or at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk. Hear more from the acts at https://www.asff.co.uk/music/
Jack Savoretti: On the New Music Stage judging panel. Picture: Paul Rhodes, Futuresound’s Live At York Museum Gardens , 2024
York actress Constance Peel in Service Please at Micklegate Social on November 9
IN its 15th year, York’s Aesthetica Short Film Festival introduces its debut Aesthetica Fringe in a celebration of emerging talent across music, comedy, exhibitions, installations, and performance.
These artist-led events are part of a citywide cultural programme, transforming York into a creative playground throughout November.
“York is a UNESCO City of Media Arts, and our Fringe embodies this status by activating galleries, venues and public spaces with diverse work,” says festival director Cherie Federico. “Together, we bring art, performance and audiences into a shared, inspiring moment.”
Pilot Theatre presents A Guide To Now For Those In The Future, York Explore, Library Square, York, November 5 to 9
YORK company Pilot Theatre’s unique installation, A Guide To Now For Those In The Future, is a bold and immersive experience remixing interviews and footage into a vibrant explosion of sight and sound. Capturing the emotions, dreams and perspectives of young people, it acts as a digital time capsule, reflecting life, culture, and concerns in 2025. Supported by Portakabin Community Support Fund and York Common Good Trust.Age rating: PG.
Wonkystuff and The Sounen Project’s Change Of Phase
Change Of Phase, National Centre for Early Music, Walmgate, York, November 5 to 9, 6-8pm
ICE into water, liquid into solid, sound into light, noise into music, soundscapes into stories, digital into analogue: Change Of Phase is a series of sound and light installations with performances, all set around a single, illuminated table. Wonkystuff and The Sounen Project provide the experimental audio landscape guiding the audience through moods. Age rating: PG.
Celebrating Creativity in Creative Ways, York Explore, November 5 to 9
CREATIVE Ways showcases powerful artworks inspired by York’s rich stained-glass heritage. Created by participants exploring creativity for both wellbeing and belonging, the exhibition celebrates connection, confidence and community and reflects the impact of art in a testament to how art can illuminate lives, provide hope and foster inclusion. Age rating: PG.
Bard At The Bar, Cat In The Wall, The Stonebow, York, November 5, 7.30pm
HAVE you always fancied yourself taking to the stage to try out one of Shakespeare’s great soliloquies? Bard At The Bar is a raucous, no-holds-barred night of “karaoke” Shakespeare. This is your opportunity to grab a drink, take a script and climb onto the stage to perform your favourite scenes. No experience necessary, just bring passion. Age rating: 18+.
Erler and Pilot in Crossroads, York Explore, Library Lawn, York, November 5, 5pm and 6pm; November 6, 6pm and 7pm; November 7,12 noon, 1pm, 4pm and 5pm
STEP inside and take the journey to the crossroads in a spooky immersive experience for teenagers and the young-at-heart by Erler and Pilot on Library Lawn, where you will meet your guide beside her trailer of truth. There she will drive you to the place where dreams come true. Age rating: 12+.
Griffonage Theatre’s poster for Kafka By Candlelight at The House of Trembling Madness
Griffonage Theatre presents Kafka By Candlelight, The House Of Trembling Madness, Lendal, York, November 5 to 7, 6.30pm & 8.30pm
DEEP in the cavernous belly of The House Of Trembling Madness, Griffonage Theatre, York purveyors of the madcap and the macabre, present Kafka By Candlelight, an unsettling adaptation of five of Franz Kafka’s strangest short stories, told in the dark, where each piece invites you to confront the bizarre with no guarantee of resolution or escape. Will you be able to stomach it? Audiences will be invited to wear theatrical masks (optional). Age rating: 18+.
Letterpress and Film, Thin Ice Press, York Centre for Print, A Celebration of Silence, Peasholme Green, York, November 5, 2pm to 5pm
EXPLORE the intersection of film and print in hands-on workshops that invite you to experiment with letterpress printing and create title cards inspired by the artistry of silent film. Bring your phone or camera to capture the process and discover the tactile beauty of print while celebrating the visual language of cinema. Age Rating: 12+.
Letterpress Film Night: Helvetica Screening, Thin Ice Press, York Centre for Print, Peasholme Green, York November 5, 7pm to 9pm
ENJOY a screening of Helvetica, a celebration of silent film, and the chance to try letterpress printing. Design and print title cards with the team, capture the process and explore the endangered craft of letterpress printing while embracing the timeless aesthetics of ink. This experience is a chance to explore how film and print intersect. Age rating: 13+.
Black Sheep Theatre Productions in The Inner Selves, The White Horse, Bootham, York, November 5 to 8, 10:30am, 1pm, 3pm
A VIEW into a dying marriage, wherein Henry and Nora represent the end of a marriage torn apart by the loss of their child, alcoholism and depression. They are joined by their Inner Selves (Henry’s Self and Nora’s Self) who torment them about what their lives could have been. Every interaction is heavy with the things left unsaid. Age Rating: 16+.
Dan Poppitt in Black Sheep Theatre Productions’ Inner Selves
The Bluffs present Unwritten, Rise@Bluebird Bakery, Acomb Road, Acomb, York, November 5, 8pm
IMPROV based on your literary suggestion, wherein York group The Bluffs take classic short-form improv games and infuse them with storytelling flair. Every show is unique, shaped by audience suggestions and spontaneous creativity. “Who knows where this evening will take us but it will be entertaining, inventive, and entirely in the moment,” they promise. Age rating: 12+.
York Fire Walk, York Minster, November 5, 2pm to 3pm; November 9, 12.30pm to 1.30pm
JOIN York Fire Walk to embark on a journey through the city’s fiery history, meeting by the Roman Column in Minster Yard, and finishing at City Screen Picturehouse. In the company of expert guides, discover how York Minster popped up in the Land of Fire – and then there’s some guy called Fawkes. There’s bound to be fireworks! Age rating: 8+.
Compulsive Light Art Show, Fabrication Store, Stonegate, York, November 6 to 8, 6pm to 8pm
THE inside of the Fabrication shop front is transformed into a living light installation in an exploration of the coexistence between art and inspiration. The window becomes a canvas where the very act of making becomes a performance of dancing light. Passers-by are invited to pause, watch and reflect on the journey from idea to creation. Age rating: PG.
Alice May in Sweet Pea & The Beech Tree, Patch@Bonding Warehouse, Terry Avenue, York, November 6, 7pm to 9pm
JOIN York actress Alice May for a script-in-hand performance of a new one-woman play, then offer feedback to help develop it for stage and screen. Sweet Pea & The Beech Tree is a comic tale of a granddaughter caring for her terminally ill grandmother that asks what caring for someone facing death can teach us. This opportunity invites you to engage with the work in progress. Age rating: 14+.
The Compulsive Light Art Show asks “Why Make Art?”
City Folk & York Creatives, Patch@Bonding Warehouse, Terry Avenue, York, November 7, 6.30pm
DROP into Patch for an all-vinyl DJ set by Mat Lazenby and Jono spinning a curated mix. Meet York creatives. Grab a drink, discuss ideas, find out how to be involved with City Folk magazine, a new publication made in the heart of the city, and be in with a chance to win a print by illustrator Tony Allen. This event is the perfect way to connect. Age rating: 14+.
Kids Just Wanna Fly, Ben Porter photobook launch, Patch@Bonding Warehouse, Terry Avenue, York, November 7, 6pm to 7pm |
LEAP into the unknown, through disposable cameras, polaroids and early iPhones. This is a tale of youthful ambition and the quest to craft an identity through the tumultuous years of young adulthood, comprising an exhibition, a photobook launch and short performances. Audiences are invited to reflect on who they are amidst their youth. Age rating: 16+.
Lara McClure in Oral Tradition, Amnesty Bookshop, Micklegate, York, November 7, 7pm
IN Iron Age Ulster, stories travelled from the mouths of bards into the ears of everyone else, with nothing written down. Storyteller, hypnotherapist and medieval historian Dr Lara McClure’s Edinburgh Fringe show offers a gnarly earful of ancient Ulsterwomen who used sex as a weapon – or, at least, so said the bards. The performance unpacks these bold yet provocative tales. Age rating: 16+.
Transmute- Live, Micklegate Social, Micklegate York, November 7, 8pm to 9.30pm
A SEMI-GENERATIVE particle system moves to an evocative mix of electronica, ambient, orchestral and techno sound. Immersive visuals and rich soundscapes merge, creating a mesmerising, cinematic experience that seamlessly blurs the boundaries between sight, sound and emotion in this exploration of movement, transformation, and connectivity. Agerating: PG.
Dr Lara McClure: Presenting Oral Tradition at Amnesty Bookshop
Rock Soil Scrape, West Park Bowling Club, November 8, 1.30pm to 4pm
AN installation inspired by the earth’s sediments, bringing together interviews with York workers and video projections, as well as food and drink to connect us to our physical environment, cultural histories and deep time. Presented in what was once a bakery, then a bottle shop and bar, the installation highlights the change of the site. Age rating: 12+.
In Limbo, De Grey Rooms, York, November 8, 4pm to 6.30pm
SOPHIE is dead. Probably. She thinks. Maybe. How could the happiest time of her life turn to this? Welcome to a rehearsed reading of In Limbo, Judi Amato’s new play about the realities of early parenthood and postpartum depression. A feedback session will follow the performance to help shape and deepen the development of the show. Age rating: 12+.
Constance Peel in Service Please, Micklegate Social, Micklegate, York, November 9, 2pm & 8pm
ALL Lara wanted was an easy job as she started to write her novel, but she is confronted with the sexist, stressful and chaotic reality of the service industry. This one-woman show by York-born, University of York-educated actress, writer, director (and waitress) Constance Peel plays the Aesthetica Fringe after a four-star debut run at this summer’s Edinburgh Fringe, and is marked by bright humour, artistic ambition and raw honesty. Age rating: 16+.
More, Spark:York, Piccadilly,York, November 9, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
MORE is a raw performance blending dance, visuals and music to explore the restless pulse of addiction – the craving for sensation, escape and wholeness. Through movement and image, it unravels cycles of desire and release in an intimate, sensory journey through the body’s aching longing to feel more and be enough.
The Storytelling Ensemble, Patch@Bonding Warehouse, Terry Avenue, York, November 9, 7.30pm
JOIN The Storytelling Ensemble for tales brought vividly to life with improvised music and original composition. Led by storyteller and composer Joe Allen, the ensemble breathes new life into fascinating fables and yearnful yarns, contributing to the magic of stories told aloud, inviting listeners to lose themselves in worlds ancient and new. Age rating: 12+.
For tickets, go to: asff.co.uk/fringe.
Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025: Filmmaking In Schools
AESTHETICA Short Film Festival is putting young people at the heart of the festival run from November 5 to 9.
More than 150 students from seven York high schools – Huntington, Joseph Rowntree, Milthorpe, York High, All Saints, Fulford and Archbishop Holgate – will take part in the Filmmaking in Schools initiative, now in its second year.
The programme gives students the chance to develop practical filmmaking skills across storytelling, directing, writing, cinematography, editing and technical production, while also nurturing teamwork, creative collaboration and problem- solving. These skills are highly transferable, helping young people build confidence and abilities that extend far beyond the classroom.
York’s status as a UNESCO City of Media Arts provides a unique backdrop for creativity and innovation. In a city celebrated for its thriving digital media and creative industries, it is vital that students are offered hands-on, practical opportunities to bring their ideas to life.
Councillor Pete Kilbane, deputy leader of City of York Council and executive member for Economy and Culture, says: “It’s fantastic to see so many York youngsters getting hands-on experience in filmmaking. Through initiatives like this, students discover their creativity, learn new skills and get to see the wide range of exciting job opportunities that the film industry has to offer.
The Filmmaking in Schools programme puts this philosophy into practice, enabling students to write, direct and produce their own short films, while applying problem-solving and technical skills in a real-world environment.
Festival director Cherie Federico adds: “Our aim is to give young people a real chance to explore their creativity and find their voice. Filmmaking is a powerful tool for learning, teamwork, and self-expression – and by putting it in the hands of students, we are investing in the next generation of storytellers and innovators.”
Through mentorship, collaboration and the festival environment, students gain practical skills and inspiration that link directly to potential careers in media arts.
Stuart Campbell, head of communications at LNER, highlights the impact of industry partnerships: “The Railway 200 programme is all about supporting and fostering new talent,” he says. “It starts with young people, and here in York, we have the chance to do something truly different, giving students real-world opportunities to explore creativity and storytelling through film.”
The Filmmaking in Schools initiative sits within the context of the BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Short Film Festival, giving students exposure to the professional world of film and insight into the wider creative industries. By combining mentorship, hands-on experience and festival immersion, the programme nurtures the next generation of screen innovators.
While young people are at the centre of this initiative, Aesthetica 2025 also provides opportunities for families to engage with creativity. From specially curated U and PG film screenings to VR and games workshops, interactive art, live music and city-wide Fringe events, the festival offers experiences that encourage children and adults to explore, learn and play together.
By blending professional insight, imaginative activities, and cultural exploration, Aesthetica ensures that creativity is accessible to all ages, inspiring the next generation while bringing the wider York community together.
Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2025: Launching Beyond the Frame programme at York Theatre Royal, November 5 to 8
Comedian Sophie Duker
Sophie Duker & Friends, Wednesday, 7.30m
TASKMASTER champion Sophie Duker, from Mock The Week and Frankie Boyle’s New World Order, tops the bill featuring Eleanor Tiernan and Bella Hull.
Silent Cinema & Live Score with The Dodge Brothers, Thursday, 7.30pm
IN a dazzling collision of classic cinema and live music, The Dodge Brothers bring their live score to Beggars Of Life, the 1928 landmark American silent film starring Louise Brooks.
The Dodge Brothers
Film critic and BBC presenter Mark Kermode, on double bass and harmonica, is joined Neil Brand, celebrated silent film accompanist and star of BBC Four’s Sound Of Cinema, on piano, as this electrifying ensemble transforms a black-and-white masterpiece into a full-blooded cinematic event.
Mark Kermode: In Conversation with Jenny Nelson, Friday, 7pm
HEAR from the co-authors of Mark Kermode’s Surround Sound about the magic of film music. Join film critic Mark Kermode and award-winning radio producer Jenny Nelson for an evening of cinematic insight, sharp wit and passionate debate.
Together, they explore the power of film music, inspired by their new book. From cult classics to blockbuster scores, expect passionate discussion, revealing stories and plenty of chances to ask questions and join the debate. Expect honest, humorous and informed film talk.
Mark Kermode: Discussing his new book, Mark Kermode’s Surround Sound, with co-author Jenny Nelson at York Theatre Royal. Picture: Julie Edwards Visuals
Aesthetica New Music Stage, Saturday, 2pm to 11pm
IN the UK’s first national New Music Stage, BLANID, Jemma Johnson, Crazy Mark, Kengo, Ewan Sim, Daisy Gill, Dilettante, Tarian, Isabel Maria and North Yorkshire band Pleasure Centre will compete in a showcase supported by Universal Music A&R, Imagesound and Caffe Nero. Anglo-Italian singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti will be on the judging panel.
Tickets (and New Stage Passes for the New Music Stage) are available from the York Theatre Royal box office, 01904 623568, or online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.
York Theatre Royal is a venue for the ASFF 2025 line-up of film screenings and masterclasses too. More details on booking festival passes can be found at asff.co.uk/tickets/.
Daisy Gill: Taking part in the Aesthetica New Music Stage event
