u3a - u3a Festival 2026

Book your place at u3a Festival 26

Join us for u3a Festival 26, taking place at the University of York between 1-3 July, for a celebration of fun, learning and the community that makes u3a so special.

Explore an existing interest or take the leap and try something completely new in member-led workshops and sessions. Surrounded by other members, you will have opportunities to move your body, be creative and explore new ideas.

The University of York has a beautiful campus with green spaces and a lake, fantastic sports facilities, lecture halls, and workshop rooms – the perfect backdrop for three days of inspiration and learning. Accommodation on campus is now fully booked, but the City of York offers plenty of places to stay.

Tickets cost £18 a day, or £50 for a three-day ticket. The festival starts at 11am on Wednesday 1 July and ends at 3pm on Friday 3 July.

Tickets are sold out. Join the waiting list for returns.

We’ll be sharing the full programme soon but here’s a taste of what’s in store.

Festival events preview

Please note, as sessions are volunteer-led, activities may be subject to change.

Music and entertainment

Kelfolk (folk music)
An evening jazz session
Ozukes ukelele band
Popular music with the guitar group
Juke Box Jury
An evening ceilidh
The great big music quiz

Sport and exercise

Laughter yoga
Petanque
Badminton
Croquet
Tennis
Pickleball
Dance Exercise
Mindful music and stretch

Talks and walks

Egyptology
Astronomy
The Tapestry’s Whisper – explore how the medieval masterpiece that is the Bayeux Tapestry speaks volumes
The King’s Nephews, Life after Death? – Examining new evidence for the survival of the Princes in the Tower
The fascinating history of shoes
The Snickleways of York; Scoundrels and tales of highwaymen…

Workshops and hands on sessions

Make a macrame keyring
Beginners’ jewellery making
Creative writing
Play reading
Mathematical puzzling
Try out improv
Drawing a charcoal portrait
Duplicate bridge
Programming the BBC: microbit
Ham radio demonstration
Making music
Rusty voices – for those who used to sing or have never sung, a chance to get the vocal chords tuned up!

Tickets waiting list

Join the University of York accommodation waiting list

We can’t wait to welcome you.

If you’d like to be involved in volunteering at the Festival by leading a workshop or being a steward, please get in touch by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Festival FAQs

Festival exhibitors

Alfa Holidays

Bespoke holidays to suit any Group. With a portfolio of 25 Alfa Hotels, as well as an extensive array of Partner hotels, Alfa Travel can help you create the perfect group holiday all year round. Choose from carefully curated holiday programmes, or let them tailor the ideal itinerary for your group.

Medical Research Foundation

The Medical Research Foundation is an independent charitable foundation formed by the Medical Research Council, focused on funding the most impactful medical research into rare, often overlooked, and underfunded health challenges, such as tackling drug-resistant infections. This important work is only possible through the generous donations from supporters.

RHS

With five world class RHS gardens around the country, every visit offers a unique and inspiring experience. Alongside their gardens, you can also visit one of their unforgettable Flower Shows and Festivals throughout the summer.

Riviera Travel

Explore award-winning European and worldwide tours, choose to luxuriate in five-star river cruises, journey by rail through spectacular landscapes, or set sail on ocean and yacht voyages. There are great group offers available and, if you mention your u3a when booking, you can get 10% back after travel!

Wendy Wu Tours

Wendy Wu Tours, the UK’s No. 1 Japan and China Specialist, are an award-winning tour operator offering escorted group tours throughout Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Europe and Africa. Renowned for their fully inclusive touring programme, every tour includes return flights, hotels, meals, expert guiding, sightseeing and entrance fees.

Celebrate Britain’s rich heritage at the u3a Festival

Meet representatives from the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral and hear about their new exhibition, A Dangerous Calling: 500 Years of William Tyndale’s New Testament. Imagine together and explore the transformational impact of Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Globe. Discover Royal Museums Greenwich and its four landmark attractions, set within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience history where it happened at the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and beyond with Historic Royal Palaces. Learn about group visits, tailored experiences, and inspiring days out across heritage sites, creating memorable moments that bring Britain’s history vividly to life for u3a groups.

u3a Festival 26