Nine nights of live music in York raise thousands for hospice care

Live For St Leonard’s music festival has helped raise £5,551.51 for hospice care during its nine-day event (Image: York BID)

A music festival has helped raise thousands for hospice care during nine days of live performances.

Live For St Leonard’s returned to York city centre for its sixth year, filling Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square with nine evenings of free music and raising £5,551.51 for St Leonard’s Hospice.

Organised by York BID in partnership with the York Food & Drink Festival, the event has now raised around £31,700 for the hospice since it began in 2021.

Chris Bush, business manager at York BID, said: "Each evening, people gathered around the stages, discovered new performers and enjoyed some of the brilliant musical talent we have here in York.

"The atmosphere across Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square was fantastic."

More than 70 performances took place from bands, solo artists and emerging talent, including The Y Street Band, Jess Gardham, Melting Pot, and York College students.

James Wainwright, director of income generation at St Leonard’s, said: "On behalf of all our patients and their families and carers, thank you so much to York BID and all the artists who performed.

"This really is York looking after our own.

"It’s a privilege to be part of such a wonderful community event."