WA’s oldest inland town springs to life as York Festival returns
York Festival is set to return this spring, bringing a vibrant program of music, theatre, family activities and workshops to the historic Wheatbelt town from Friday, September 20 to Sunday, September 29.
Now in its eighth year, York Festival is an annual celebration of cultural and community spirit for Western Australia’s oldest inland town. With Day and Weekend Passes available, attendees can enjoy access to all activities for a single fee, making it easy to experience everything the festival has to offer.
“We are thrilled to present the York Festival in 2024 and bring together our community and visitors for a memorable celebration of the arts once again,” said Festival Director Jenny Garroun. “We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful town and sharing the magic of the festival with you.”
The festival will kick off with West Australian Opera’s production of WUNDIG WER WILURA In Concert by Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse on Saturday, September 20. Music lovers can also look forward to performances by Melody Pool (NSW), showcasing tracks from her latest album Changes, as well as contemporary classical and spoken word work Visceral Fragments by poet John Kinsella and Simon Charles. Additionally, the Silver Sands Guitar Quartet will deliver dynamic classical repertoire at Holy Trinity Church.
The Perth International Jazz Festival is also making a return as part of the York Festival, curated by PIJF Artistic Director Dr Mace Francis. This popular jazz program will span both weekends, featuring delightful duos and small ensembles at The Imperial Homestead and the charming outdoor venue, The Rookery. The line-up includes performances by Lucy Iffla, Holli Scott, Dan Garner, Harry Mitchell, Allira Wilson and the Satchmo Trio.
Families can enjoy a range of free interactive activities, including Artybrellas Umbrella Painting, Floeur Alder’s dance work Djilba: A Moment in Time, and York’s GlowZone, which features a virtual gallery, silent disco, and a performance by the entertainer Ross Vegas.
Craft enthusiasts of all ages can participate in workshops that cover drawing, sculpture, dance, painting, poetry, and jewellry making, all included with Day & Weekend Passes.
In addition to these offerings, the festival will feature theatre and dance performances such as Astral Bodies, a collaboration between contemporary dancer Lynn Boon and poet Shey Marque, and the immersive play Scones With Nanna, which explores cultural identity and humour.
For those interested in exploring York’s history and wildlife, guided tours like the Heritage Quest: Family Fun Walk and the Riverside Night Safari will be available. Kids can join these tours for free with an accompanying adult holding a Day/Weekend pass.
York Festival returns from Friday, September 20 to Sunday, September 29, 2024. Day and Weekend passes, as well as individual tickets, are available now at www.yorkfestival.com.au