What’s on in York: A city wide programme of events to mark Holocaust Memorial Day in York

York will host multiple events throughout the city to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day.

Holocaust Memorial Day is remembered each year on 27 January, when Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was liberated in 1945.
York’s official programme for ‘Stand Together’ has now been published and is available online at www.york.gov.uk/HolocaustMemorialDay.

The city-wide programme explores how genocide throughout history has fractured societies by marginalising certain groups, and how these tactics can be challenged by individuals standing together with their neighbours, to speak out against oppression.

Residents and visitors are invited to attend a number of talks, tailored events, community projects and commemorations taking place in various venues throughout York.

On Thursday 23 January, York Minster will host the powerful 600 Candles event, a candle lit ceremony of commemoration and reflection from 6:15pm till 7:30pm.

This will be followed by the annual Civic event, which will be held on Monday 27 January at Temple Hall, York St John University, hosted by the Lord Mayor of York and Civic Party.

The diverse programme of events also includes a Time for Reflection at St Martin’s Church, on Holocaust Memorial Day and Clifford’s Tower Commemoration, on Thursday 16 March, to honour the 1190 massacre of York’s Jewish population; in addition to several events throughout January at the University of York and York St John University.

For more information about Holocaust Memorial Day and national events, visit: www.hmd.org.uk

Local rugby team gets home fixture in Cup

YORK Acorn have been drawn at home to Barrow Island in round two of the Coral Challenge Cup.

The tie will be played at the Thanet Road ground.

Acorn beat Hammersmith Hills Hoists in the first round.

National Conference League premier division side Acorn will take on a Barrow outfit who finished fifth in division two last year on the weekend of January 25-26.

What’s on in York: Launch of Carole Bromley’s pamphlet, ‘Sodium 136’

York Explore
Thursday January 16th 
6:15 pm – 7:45 pm 
Free
Book tickets »
Three great readers for the price of one. Better still, it’s free! Join us for the launch of Carole Bromley’s new Calder Valley Press pamphlet, Sodium 136.  Carole will be joined by Emma Storr and Stuart Pickford.

Carole Bromley is well known on the York poetry scene. She has three full length collections with Smith/Doorstop and her new pamphlet, from Calder Valley Press, concerns her recent experience of brain surgery.

‘This is not just a record of physical suffering – it is a powerful and profoundly intelligent exploration of grief, gratitude, fear, love, and joy. Poetry at its best’ (Clare Shaw)

 ‘These are remarkable, extraordinary poems’ (Peter Sansom)

Stuart Pickford is a keen runner and will be reading about his hobby. His latest book is Swimming with Jellyfish from smith/doorstop.

Emma Storr’s background is medical. She lives in Leeds and is a member of the Leeds Writers Circle and the Wharfedale Poets. Her work has appeared in the Hippocrates Anthologies 2016 and 2018 and Strix magazine. Her debut pamphlet Heart Murmur was published in May 2019 by Calder Valley Poetry. It features poems based on her experience working as a GP and explores the workings of the body and mind in varied and humorous ways.

Admission is free, but booking is strongly advised as we expect this event to be very popular.

Lord Mayor’s Christmas Eve carols from 7:00pm

The Lord Mayor and Civic Party are inviting residents and visitors to join their annual Christmas Carol concert in St Helen’s Square on Christmas Eve.

Mansion House Christmas

The audience are encouraged get involved and form the choir for a range of Christmas Carols, with support from the Salvation Army band.

The service starts at 7pm on Tuesday 24 December and is expected to finish approximately an hour later.

The Rt Hon the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Janet Looker said: “What a great way to spread festive cheer in the city! I can’t wait to start the celebrations on Christmas Eve with everyone who will be attendance at St Helen’s Square. If you’re in the area, make sure you pop along for a good old sing-a-long with friends, family, neighbours and visitors!”

What’s on in York: Nine Lessons and Carols at York Minster at 4:00pm

CHRISTMAS EVE – TUESDAY 24th DECEMBER

4:00pm  – Nine Lessons and Carols
Our most-popular service of the season consisting of nine special readings, carols sung by the York Minster Choir, and hymns for everyone to join in. A traditional Christmas celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
(Approx running time: 75 minutes)

Capacity is expected to be reached for this service so please arrive in good time.

West doors open from 2pm and will close at 3.45pm.

Admission after this time is not guaranteed. Please note that all seats are on a first come, first served basis and reservations cannot be made for those not in the building.

Other Services

12noon – Crib Service
Traditional and popular family service. All welcome to attending; dressing up encouraged! West doors open from 9am; facilities for prams etc will be provided. (Approx running time: 75 minutes)

11.30pm  – First Eucharist of Christmas (West doors open at 10.45pm)
Traditional ‘Midnight Mass’ with music from the St William’s Singers and York Young Soloists.
Preacher: The Revd Canon Dr Christopher Collingwood
(Approx running time: 90 minutes)

All services are free to attend and tickets are not required.