Crafty family fun this summer at York Minster
Kids can get crafty at York Minster this summer with arty activities inspired by northern Europe’s largest medieval gothic cathedral.
From making your own Minster to decorating a precious treasure box, there’s a different craft activity each Wednesday during the summer holidays to help children get creative and discover what makes York Minster a record breaker.
The sessions, which are suitable for children aged five and above, run from 22 July to 2 September and take inspiration from the cathedral’s treasures, history and architecture.
In addition to the Wednesday workshops, families can enjoy a range of activities while exploring the Minster every day of the holidays.
The Revealing York Minster in the Undercroft attraction offers young adventurers the chance to explore 2000 years of history through a labyrinth of interactive chambers beneath the Minster. Follow in the footsteps of Roman soldiers, see the 1000-year-old Horn of Ulf gifted by a Viking lord or try on robes like those used by the Archbishop and other clergy.
Back at ground level, young explorers can pick-up a backpack filled with gadgets to help them explore the Minster, including binoculars, a magnifying glass and torch.
Youngsters can follow Monty the Monkey’s discovery trails to find things to see, hear, and touch around the Minster, including hunting dragons, spotting Monty among the faces in the Chapter House and finding the Minster’s regal creatures.
After a few hours exploring, families can relax by reading books from our Story Chest, or if you visit on a Wednesday morning, enjoying cake and refreshments at the pop-up cafe run by the York Minster Community every Wednesday between 10am and 1pm.
Kate Whitworth, Learning Manager at York Minster, said: “There’s a lot happening at York Minster this summer for children of all ages to enjoy. Our Wednesday craft activities give kids the chance to get creative while discovering what makes York Minster a record breaker, while the explorer backpacks and Monty trails provide an added element of fun for youngsters exploring this magnificent cathedral.”
The Wednesday craft sessions are part of a city-wide partnership offering children the chance to gain an Arts Award Discover. The introductory award is aimed at five to nine year olds and is being run in partnership with Explore York Libraries, York Museums Trust, York Theatre Royal and York Family Learning.
Children can gain the award by taking part in any three creative activities offered by the partner organisations, finding out about artists and crafts people and collecting a stamp or sticker at each session. Children will be able to apply for their award at Explore York Library on Sunday 20 September between 1.30pm and 3.30pm.
Full details for the craft sessions taking place at York Minster are below:
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Wednesday 22nd July: Make your own Minster. Become a master mason by creating a mini version of the largest Gothic Medieval Cathedral in northern Europe. (Please note: Messy activity! Please wear suitable clothing).
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Wednesday 29th July: Marvellous Manuscripts! Create your own intricate keepsake inspired by the largest library of any cathedral in England!
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Wednesday 5th August: Create a Bishop’s crosier. Celebrate centuries of Christian worship on this site by creating and decorating your own crosier.
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Wednesday 12th August: Crazy Kaleidoscopes! Make a rose window effect to celebrate the largest collection of medieval stained glass in the country!
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Wednesday 19th August: Design your own tealight holder. Let your light shine with an illuminated decoration inspired the tallest building in York.
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Wednesday 26th August: Make an Archbishop’s mitre. Explore the seat of one of only two Archbishops in the country by making your own mitre.
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Wednesday 2nd September: Decorate a precious treasure box. Bejewel and bedazzle a beautiful box, inspired by our unique Chapter House ceiling.
Children can drop-in to take part in the craft workshops between 10am-3pm and the cost is £2.50 per participant. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Regular admission charges apply. Your admission ticket to York Minster is valid for 12 months. Admission is free to York residents on production of a valid York Card.
Photographs are available by following the links at the bottom of this email.
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact:
Leanne Woodhurst – Communications Manager – t: 01904 559545m: 07557 110718
Sharon Atkinson – Director of Communications – t: 01904 557248 m: 07785 615457
