u3a Festival 2026 Programme for Friday

9 - 10am

We invite u3a members to join the Trust CEO and representatives from the Board and Council for an informal chat to share your views, help inform future plans, and strengthen the connection between the Trust and u3as. 

9 - 10am

Practising yoga breathing and adapted postures whilst seated/using chair (standing) to aid balance strenghtening movements. 

9 - 11.30am

Want to find out more about Shinrin Yoku? Then join me in a ‘nature immersive experience’ in which you will learn some of the health benefits of this practice. 

9 - 11am

This is an activity for musicians who can read music but may not have improvised before. 

9 - 10.30am

We tend to live at a fast pace these days and we all get stressed out at times. Being in a state of stress for too long can affect your health and stop you being joyful and having fun. De-stressing your life and letting the sun shine in, is achieved by introducing into your daily life a few simple but extremely powerful techniques. 

9 - 11am

Following on from our foraging we will be making a simple flower arrangement without floral foam for you to take away as a reminder of the festival.

9 - 11.30am

For those who think they can't paint, come and surprise yourself, you can when you are shown how.

9 - 10am

Come and join this outdoor running session on the university running track.

9.15 -10.45am

The Dance Choreography session will engage participants in co-creation. In other words, in response to a theme, participants will be guided to generate relevant and interesting movement material that evolves into an excerpt of dance choreography. 

9.30 - 10.30am

Each of us is responsible for the emission of about 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year on average.   This is called our carbon footprint, and I would like to know how I can reduce mine.   

No need to book

9.30 - 10.30am

Come and try the table tennis session and book in for the two hour session.

9.45 - 11.45am

This session is for those who have some experience playing Mahjong and would like to learn scoring using a score sheet (not tallies, which are fun but need more time to learn). 

10 - 11.30am

A 90 minute tour of some of the historical sites of York. Walkers will be introduced to many York characters ranging from Constantine the Great to the chocolate makers of the 20th century. 

10 - 11am

Third of four badminton sessions. It is primarily social play where members arrange themselves into games, doubles or singles.

10am - 12pm

Pétanque is a popular French boules sport. Please come and join us for a try at this fun session! There are more sessions on Wednesday and Thursday.

10 - 11am

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping‑pong.

10 - 11am

The seventh of eight short green bowls sessions across the Festival.

10am - 12pm

Try walking cricket in this two hour session. There is another session on Friday, plus a tournament on Thursday that you don't need to book.

10.15am - 12.15pm

Come and join in with Ceilidh Dancing. If you have an instrument and would like to join in with the Band, or if you have experience of Calling and would like to Call a dance.

No need to book

10.15am - 1pm

A group visit to the Railway Museum to immerse yourself in the home of iconic locomotives and an unrivalled collection of engineering brilliance.

10.30 - 11.30am

This talk will focus on the role of Woodland and Trees as key features in a biodiverse landscape. It will be illustrated with examples, mainly from Yorkshire and the North.

10.45am - 12.15pm

Dancing is proven to be the best form of exercise for body, mind and spirit. Making it full of FUN and laughter makes it even better. Anyone can join in. 

11am - 12pm

Last of four badminton sessions. It is primarily social play where members arrange themselves into games, doubles or singles.

11am - 12pm

The last of eight short green bowls sessions across the Festival.

11am -  12pm

Thrills and Spills of my Life in TV. A rollercoaster ride through my career behind the screen.

No need to book

11am - 1pm

This lecture will compare 23 science fiction dystopias which were first published in the 20th century, 20 of which have been adapted as films. 

11 - 1pm

Want to improve your drawing of faces? Join a group all working from the same B&W photo, using willow charcoal on A3 paper.

11.15am -1.15pm

An invitation to peel away the layers which hide the full brilliance of our nature. We are multi-layered beings. Do we only live on the surface of life? Discover meditation practices which can enrich body, mind and spirit.

11.30am - 1.30pm

Explore one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals. Experience our vast spaces and breathtaking medieval architecture, discover our Roman roots and learn about the Minster’s role in Viking York. Please note there is a charge of £17 per person for this event.

11.45am - 12.45pm

Discover how to use a smart device (a mobile phone or a tablet) to scan real-life objects and load them into a virtual environment, before applying animations to make them move.

11.45am - 12.45pm

A workshop for anyone who would like to understand more about how to solve cryptic crosswords, such as those from the Guardian, Times and Daily Telegraph. 

12.00 - 1pm

This workshop is a “have a go” taster session for complete beginners. 

12.30 - 1.30pm

A gentle way to enhance one’s lymphatic system, improve health, work on the old grey matter while enjoying music and fun with like minded pals.

12.30 - 2pm

Patrick Forsyth takes a light-hearted look at public speaking — the pitfalls, the possibilities, and plenty of stories along the way.

No need to book

1 - 2pm

See v Saw is a talk inspired by Geoff Dyer's book on close images to better understand visual art and our own photograhy.

No need to book

1 - 2pm

Discover how to use a smart device (a mobile phone or a tablet) to scan real-life objects and load them into a virtual environment, before applying animations to make them move.

1 - 2pm

A thrilling true adventure story from the 19th Century.

No need to book

1.15 -2.45pm

A discussion session for leaders thinking of having AI content in their u3as.

1.30 -2.30pm

Pin to your lapel, or personalise your u3a Festival bag. This workshop involves a small amount of handstitching but is beginner friendly.

1.30 - 3pm

A 90 minute walk exploring the hidden pathways of York. Discover the delights of Mad Alice Lane, Coffee Yard and Three Cranes Lane among many other alleyways, snickets and ginnels that lie behind the beter known sites of York. 

2 - 3pm

Modern Board Games - also known as tabletop games - include games such as Carcassonne, Ticket to Ride, Catan, Rebirth, etc.

2 -3pm

Zumba® - perfect for everybody and every body! Once the Latin and World rhythms take over, you'll see why Zumba® is often called exercise in disguise.

2 - 4pm

BRAVE the hubbub, filth, dangers and din of York’s ancient markets, fairs and street performers in the company of the History Man.

2.15 - 3.15pm

Originally created by Alan's Gelotology (Laughter) Group in Barnsley u3a this is a look at everyday things that happen, are written or are said that are not intended to be humorous but with the passage of time can be seen as comedic.

No need to book

2.15 - 3.30pm

This workshop will look at ways we can prevent male violence towards women, and what men are doing to challenge the misogyny.

2.45 - 3.45pm

Whether you’re an optimist or pessimist, everyone can be happier,. The world is full of wellness gurus telling us what to do… so join us for a talk that takes a whistle-stop review of some of their best tips.