Summer of fun for families at York Minster
From helmets inspired by the Romans who once billeted on the site, to colourful sun catchers reflecting light like the 128 medieval windows in the building, families visiting York Minster this summer can enjoy a host of activities to engage and enthuse parents and young visitors alike.
Craft workshops will take place each Wednesday from 23 July until 27 August, with different themed activities each week taking inspiration from a different aspect of the Minster’s 2000 year heritage. The first session on 23 July will see young artists creating their own Roman helmets to take home, with subsequent sessions featuring 3d illuminated letters on 30 July, making a Viking longship on 6 August, sparkling sun catchers on 13 August and medieval shields on 20 August. The summer programme concludes on 27 August, looking at how the Blue Peter ceiling bosses were made nearly 30 years ago, before participants get messy creating their own versions out of clay.
“When you’ve got 2000 years of history from which to draw your inspiration, it wasn’t too difficult to come up with some fantastic ideas for summer workshops, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming younger visitors in to get crafty,” comments learning manager, Kate Whitworth. “All of these activities are suitable for those aged five and up, with parents invited to join them and help out as part of the family fun.”
For families visiting at other times of the week, York Minster offers a series of family-friendly trails and quizzes which can be downloaded free of charge from the website (www.yorkminster.org) with challenges including hunting for dragons, exploring the Minster with the help of Monty the Monkey, and exploring a pilgrim’s trail around the cathedral. Visitors can also pick up an Explorer Backpack from the admissions desk, which includes essential tools for any explorer including a torch and mirror, compass, magnifying glass and a host of pencils and paper to help record their discoveries!
Even younger visitors will not be left over the summer, with a special story chest installed in the Children’s Chapel, full of books and puppets to enjoy and play with.
The family trails and Explorer Backpacks are available every day in York Minster, and best of all, children go free with a paying adult! Ticket prices are £10.00 for adults (each ticket is valid for a full year) or £9.00 for concessions and students. York Minster is open daily from 9.00am – 5.00pm (Monday to Saturday) and 12.45pm to 5.00pm on Sundays.
For more information, please visit www.yorkminster.org
ENDS
For further media information or photographs, please contact:
Jay Commins
Pyper York Limited
Tel: 01904 500698
Email: jay@pyperyork.co.uk
