York Georgian Festival

Our fourth annual festival celebrating 18th Century life in York runs from Thursday 6 August to Monday 10 August.

Find detail of bookable events here, including talks, tours, performances and workshops at attractions across the city, including another visit by Horrible Histories author Terry Deary.

The event of the season will of course be our York Georgian Ball at the Grand Assembly Rooms, which this year is a Masquerade Ball!

Many events are free and you're invited to join our Promenade through the city (please book), and to watch Georgian dancing and military drills and displays in St Helen’s Square over the weekend.

Thank you to all our brilliant partners for supporting this year’s festival.

If you would like to host an event, please contact us on email: [email protected].

Programme of events

Thursday 6 August

10.00am to 5.00pm (last entry at 4.00pm) - Self-led Georgian Festival Tour, Bar Convent - free with admission
10.30am - Georgian Dancing for little Lords and Ladies, York Mansion House - book online in advance
11.00am - Curator Tour: Fashion in Focus, Fairfax House - book online in advance
11.30am - Georgian Lemon Cream cooking demo, York Mansion House - free with York Mansion House general admission
2.30pm - Georgian fan language workshop, York Mansion House - free with York Mansion House general admission
5.30pm - Terry Deary presents: Murder in the Georgian Theatre, York Mansion House - book online in advance

Friday 7 August

10.00am to 5.00pm (last entry at 4.00pm) - Self-led Georgian Festival Tour, Bar Convent - free with admission
10.30am - bookable guided Georgian Festival Tour, Bar Convent - book online in advance
11.00am - Georgian Dance Lesson at The Guildhall - book online in advance
11.30am - Georgian Lemon Cream cooking demo, York Mansion House - free with York Mansion House general admission
Midday - Midday Mass in the Georgian Chapel, Bar Convent, all faiths and none are welcome
2.00pm - Miniature Georgian House papercraft workshop by Viscount Folly, The Guildhall - book online in advance
2.30pm - Georgian fan language workshop, York Mansion House - free with York Mansion House general admission
2.30pm - bookable guided Georgian Festival Tour, Bar Convent - book online in advance
3.00pm - Curator’s talk: Georgian Dress and Textiles, York Castle Museum - free with admission
6.30pm - Convict Women in York and Beyond - talk at Barley Hall - book online in advance

Special offers

Georgian Festival discount at The Cumberland

Step back in time at The Cumberland - join us for an elegant dining experience in our beautiful Grade I listed setting, overlooking the River Ouse.

We're offering all York Georgian Festival participants an exclusive 15% discount when dining with us.

Offer valid from 6 August to10 August 2026. Quote "GEORGIANFESTIVAL" when booking. Offer not available in riverside café.