York Spring Fair & Food Festival opens Friday
The festival will have Beacon lighting, a Big Jubilee Lunch and 10 days of funfair, food and live entertainment
York Spring Fair & Food Festival will take place this Friday (27th May) at York Racecourse for the May half term and Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday.
The festival will take place in the Clocktower Enclosure on York’s Knavesmire from Friday 27th May to Sunday 5th June, opening at 10am daily.
It will be opened by the newly elected Civic Party. Rt Hon Lord Mayor of York, Councillor David Carr and Sheriff of York, Suzie Mercer.
There will be many celebrating the Platinum Jubilee at the festival, with Beacon lighting, a Big Jubilee Lunch and 10 days of funfair, food and live entertainment.
The event brings together one of the largest vintage funfairs seen in North Yorkshire, and a food festival with more than 40 traders showcasing the very best artisan produce, crafts and gifts from Yorkshire and beyond.
What to expect
This year’s event promises to be even bigger and better, with a stage hosting live music and family entertainment.
Popular York entertainer Josh Benson will be performing his high-energy show ‘Just Josh’ four times during the day, combining magic, juggling, balloonology, disco and laughs for all ages.
On weekend evenings well-loved local bands Huge, Y Street Band, Hyde Family Jam and the New York Brass Band will ensure a fun time for all and on midweek evenings a DJ will take to the stage from 5pm-7pm playing favourite hits to create a party ambience.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Organisers have also confirmed plans to light a Beacon for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on the evening of Thursday 2nd June.
Heralded by York’s Town Crier Ben Fry, it will be one of over 2,022 beacons lit by charities, communities and faith groups all over the UK at 9.45pm as part of the official programme announced by Buckingham Palace for the Jubilee Weekend.
The Beacon lighting in the Clocktower Enclosure at York Racecourse will be preceded by live music from the nationally-acclaimed Old Time Sailors – a flashmob musical show designed to take the audience back in time on a trip to the 19th century.
Adding to the Platinum Jubilee festivities, on Sunday 5th June there will be plenty of tables, benches and bunting for the Big Jubilee Lunch, while the array of food and drink stalls can provide a picnic fit for royalty and to suit all tastes!
The party continues in the evening with favourites The New York Brass Band taking to the stage with a playlist of greatest hits to bring York Spring Fair & Food Festival to a fun finale.
The festival is back for a second year
Johnny Cooper of York Spring Fair & Food Festival said: “We are very excited to be back for a second year at the iconic Clocktower Enclosure of York Racecourse. It makes for a wonderful vintage fairground with the spectacular backdrop of the Grandstands, and a spacious arena for the wide variety of traders we have this year – you can browse cheeses and chutneys, soaps and sweets, candles and cakes, and even handbags and dog food! There’s something for everyone.”
Co-organiser James Cundall said: “This year we are going to have quite a party, with some of the best bands from the region. To have live music and a DJ on stage in the evenings will bring a fantastic new element to York Spring Fair. Then during the day our lively family show ‘Just Josh’ will keep everyone entertained. Visitors can enjoy all the fun of a vintage fair then sit back with a drink and some food and soak up the entertainment and atmosphere – or get up and party!”