It’s the York Residents’ Festival today and tomorrow, a chance to see for free some of the attractions we normally have to pay for, and to see the inside of buildings we may normally only view from outside.
I recommend a visit to the chapels of St Saviourgate, Unitarian and Methodist.
I visited both last autumn, when they were open for the Heritage Open Days. The Unitarian Chapel had a display including print-outs of pages from this very website you’re reading, which was a nice surprise and made me feel momentarily famous, in a suitably low-key and understated fashion. Just up the road I was moved to unexpected tears by the organ playing in the Methodist church and had to hide in a pew at the back until I recovered my composure.
If you’re up that way today (Saturday 26th) maybe pay a quick visit to these lovely buildings on St Saviourgate.
Apparently you need a York Card for many of the attractions, though I can’t see the chapels turning you away if you don’t have one.
The new council HQ, West Offices, is also open, giving residents a chance to look around this interesting new/part historic building.
More details on the York Festivals website, and in the festival brochure (PDF).
