2004 Season of Concerts, The University of York: 21 January – 17 March, 28 April – 23 June, 15 Oct – 10 Dec every Wednesday.
The University of York hosts one of the most varied and compelling musical programmes in the country. The University has launched its new season of orchestral and chamber concerts. Regular visiting orchestras include the BBC Philharmonic, Northern Sinfonia and Opera North. Contact: Tel 01904 432439

Jorvik Viking Festival Jolablot: 13 – 22 February 2004
York’s main event calendar gets underway at this time every year with the hugely popular Jorvik Viking Festival. For a whole weekend you’re likely to encounter grown men in chain mail and fierce-looking helmets wandering the streets. (Don’t worry! They’re not as fierce as they look – rather like the real thing.) Then there are the banquets and special events at JORVIK, York’s Viking visitor attraction, even mock battles and longboat races on the river Ouse - all celebrating York’s unique Viking heritage. Contact: Tel 01904 543403

York Late Music Festival: 5 – 21 March 2004
The 2004 York late Music Festival opens with a 'Mellers weekend': three concerts and a talk celebrating the life and music of Wilfred Mellers who will be 90. Other highlights will include Ensemble Bash, the jazz Homemade Orchestra, Fitzwilliam String Quartet and Black Hair's tribute to Luciano Berio and Bernard Rands. Keyboard virtuoso Ian Pace will be making a return visit as will sitarist Dharambir Singh in a concert of classical indian music. Contact: www.latemusicfestival.org.uk

Festival of Discovery: 9 – 21 March 2004
As part of National Science Week, Science City York will be co-ordinating a high profile series of events under the title of Festival of Discovery 2004. Throughout the Festival, Science City York, the University of York and partners from across the city will be staging hands-on and educational events celebrating the amazing science, technology, maths, and innovation that takes place in York. The Festival, which aims to promote the public understanding of science, technology and other related activities, will present a wide range of events catered for all audiences. Events range from Discovery Days aimed at promoting science to children, to the Lecture Series for in-depth studies of scientific advances. Please search the Discovery site to find events in the festival which suit you, and feel free to contact Science City York if you require any further information. Public Contact: Tel 01904 554433 Website: www.sciencecityyork.org.uk/discovery

York Music Live, incorporating International Jazz Festival: 22 – 30 May 2004
Throughout the month of May York Live celebrates the vast and diverse live music life of the city. A stunning line-up of local, regional, national and international artists will take to the major venues, bars, stages and streets of York. You’ll be able to hear folk, jazz, rock, blues, classical, digital and world music proving for the fifth year that York really is live. Contact: Tel 01904 551068

60th Anniversary of Liberating Europe
In 2004 the Yorkshire Air Museum will host a series of major events in commemoration of the 60th anniversaries of events leading to the Liberation of Europe, culminating in May 2005 with a Victory in Europe Celebration. May 12th 2004 will see the unveiling of a Halifax, to celebrate the arrival of the French Squadrons and the contribution of the Commonwealth nations. A representative ‘international’ Halifax crew is to be assembled for the occasion. May15/16th Battlegroup Neptune. A two day event commemorating the forthcoming 60th Anniversary of the operational phase of the Normandy Landings. The event will feature a themed Wargames Convention, Military Vehicles, Living History Re-enactments, Historic Aircraft Flypasts and Regimental Displays. A traditional 1940s NAAFI function will take place on the Saturday evening. Contact: Tel: 01904 608595 email: museum@yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk

Horse Racing: May – October 2004
Summer brings the racing season, and on each race day York has a frivolous, excited air about it as everyone heads for the Knavesmire racecourse to cheer on their hot tip. Even if your horse fails to come up with the goods, it’s a fabulous day out in a beautiful location, a chance to dress up, and jolly good fun into the bargain. 2004 Dates: 11-13May/11&12June/9,10 & 24July/17-19 August/1 & 5 September/8 & 9 October. Contact: Tel 01904 620911

Railfest 29 May – 6 June 2004
This nine day rail festival will celebrate the past, present and future of rail transport – the technology that changed the world. 2004 marks the bicentenary of the running of the worlds first steam locomotive, Richard Trevithick’s Penydarren, as well as the 100th anniversary of City of Truros 100mph (162km/h) run. It will also be 400 years since the first recorded tramway in Britain. The event will be a vibrant, dynamic and unique show, featuring rides, demonstrations, examples of the latest rail vehicles, access to cabs and footplates, a vintage fair, other vintage machinery, theatre, music, film, model engineering and sales of memorabilia in the Great Railway Bazaar. Contact: Tel 01904 621261 Email: nrm@nmsi.ac.uk

York Comedy Festival: 5 – 12 June 2004
For the second year running York will be vying with Edinburgh to attract the best big names and best unknowns in the world of comedy. In addition to stand up there will be script workshops, film screenings, art exhibitions. The festival will have a strong emphasis on street performance, celebrating the freshest new talent on the comedy scene. York Comedy Festival is becoming known for comedians to preview their Edinburgh shows. Contact: list server on www.yorkcomedy.com

York Early Music Festival: 2-10 July 2004
Britain's premier festival of early music, attracts visitors from all over the world to enjoy a mix of medieval architecture and world class musicians - concerts take place in unique venues including York Minster and the National Centre for Early Music – an award-winning restoration of a medieval church creating a national resource for performance of early music. Guest artists include Ensemble 415, the Gabrieli Consort & Players, The Dufay Collective and The Binchois Consort.

What is early music - not early morning, nor for early years - rather music written in medieval times through to the 18th century - perfect match for York - mix of old, historic and best of the new. Contact: Tel 01904 632220 Box Office 01904 658338

York Roman Festival: 23, 24, 25 July 2004
Following on from the inaugural Roman Festival last year the York Eboracum Annual Roman Spectacular group is now looking to develop this highly colourful, cultural and enjoyable event in 2004 and future years. The Festival will include: The ceremonial crowning of Emperor Constantine, breathtaking displays of Roman military, the skills of the Roman potter and baker, and demonstrations of dancing. Public Contact: Email info@eboracumromanfestival.co.uk

The largest UK Festival of Food and Drink: 10 – 19 September 2004
The York annual Festival of Food and Drink is the largest event of its kind in the UK, and a massive showcase for the restaurants, hotels, shops and food manufacturing companies, which are so much a part of the city, its history and its economy. For ten days food simply takes over as the city hosts an extravaganza of specialist markets, celebrity chef demonstrations, themed dinners, product launches and any number of special events. UK celebrities such as Jamie Martin, Anthony Worrall Thompson and Valentina Harris support the festival, and it’s growing every year. Public Contact: Email info@yorkfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

Sightsonic – York’s International Festival of Digital Arts: 14th - 17th October 2004
Following from last year’s highly acclaimed festival, Sightsonic returns – challenging the boundaries of our new digital world. A diverse mix of events will include interactive computer workshops, exhibitions, installations, music, video, performance, debate and a revolutionary new on-line festival. Public Contact: list server on www.sightsonic.com

St Nicholas Fayre – Christmas: 25 Nov-28th Nov 2004
The run-up to Christmas finds York in truly festive spirit with the St Nicholas Fayre. This is when the city becomes a sparkling, enticing concoction of decorations, lights, Christmas trees and old-fashioned Victorian street stalls, all helping to create the kind of cheerful, authentic Christmas atmosphere you thought had gone for ever. In magical York, however, it’s still very much alive and well!
Contact: Tel 01904 554430.

York Early Music Christmas Festival: 11-13 December 2004
Organised by the National Centre for Early Music, York’s Early Music Christmas Festival takes place in a wide variety of uniquely attractive venues including the Chapter House of York Minster, the stunningly simple beauty of St Mary’s Church, Bishophill and the National Centre for Early Music, Walmgate. Guest artists include the European Baroque Orchestra and Emma Kirkby. Public Contact: Tel 01904 658338.

For full details of visiting York. see http://www.visityork.org/