WATCH - 'We’ve having a wonderful day' - popular York event brings hundreds to city
The main space at Thin Ice Press (Image: Alice Kavanagh)
AN annual festival opened the doors on some of York’s most historic, unique, and mysterious buildings over the weekend.
York Unlocked, an annual free and volunteer run festival, took place across the city on Saturday and Sunday (October 3 and 4) - opening the doors on properties that are normally ‘unseen' or 'hidden' by the public.
Speaking prior to the start of the festival, a spokesperson said: “This is the weekend we have all been working towards, and we cannot wait to welcome people into some of York’s most remarkable buildings and spaces.
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“York Unlocked is about giving people the chance to indulge their curiosity, step through doors they may normally walk past and experience the city in a different way.
"Come and explore, discover, and enjoy York with us this weekend. Whether you have planned a full weekend, want to explore a particular part of the city, or simply have a couple of hours to spare, there is plenty to discover."
This year's line-up included a variety of old and new locations including Bishopthorpe Palace, Holgate Windmill, Fishergate Postern Tower, and two locations in St Anthony’s Garden, off Peasholme Green – Thin Ice Press and St Anthony's Hall.
In Thin Ice Press, more than 350 visitors attended on the first day of the event with hands-on practical demonstrations allowing visitors to make their own prints, bookmarks, and learn more about the history of printing in York with machines that date back to the 1800s.
Director Professor Helen Smith said: “We had a lovely first day of York Unlocked, with more than 350 visitors joining us at Thin Ice Press: the York Centre for Print. It was wonderful to meet so many new people and introduce them to our space and activities.
“We're very confident lots of them will be making a return visit to join us for future events and workshops, and as members. York Unlocked is an amazing opportunity to showcase Thin Ice Press -- thanks to them, and thanks especially to our wonderful volunteers and the York Unlocked volunteers who have been incredible!”
Thin Ice Press (Image: Alice Kavanagh)
Centre manager Lizzy added that the event had been fantastic to bring new people to the Press who may not have been aware that it was there and open to the public before visiting for York Unlocked
Among the visitors to Thin Ice was Tony Dewes, who had chosen to visit York from Cumbria this weekend to make the most of the York Unlocked events.
He said: “We were aware of York Unlocked, but when we tried to get tickets for some of the buildings, we weren’t able to get them so we kind of forgot about it. When we checked again and realised it was this weekend, we knew we had to get to York.
Tony has travelled from Cumbria for York Unlocked (Image: Alice Kavanagh)
“So far, we’ve been to the Masonic Lodge – which was interesting, but a bit spooky. I came to the event last year, but we’ve got a limited amount of time today so we just want to see everything. We’ve having a wonderful day.”
In nearby St Anthony’s Hall, the grade I listed building had also seen a good turnout with hundreds of people visiting and learning about the history of the building on signs placed around the main hall.
The roof of St Anthony's Hall (Image: Alice Kavanagh)
Trainee minister Matt Morgan said that the reception from the public had been ‘great’ – with around 200 people visiting on the Saturday and visitors engaging with the church as well as the building itself.
He said: “We’re usually open on Sunday for our services, but we had a lot of people come in to see the building and join us. We have a great church family here and it’s great to share that with more people.
Matt Morgan of Trinity Church in St Anthony's Hall (Image: Alice Kavanagh)
“It’s also really lovely to share our building and we’re so lucky that the Conversation Trust let us use this beautiful hall.”