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, also known as 'forest bathing'? Join this nature immersive experience in which you will learn some of the health benefits of this practice. 

Sold out

9 - 11am

This is an activity for musicians who can read music to experiment with different forms of improvisation. All wind or stringed instruments are welcome. 

9 - 10.30am

This practical workshop introduces different styles of meditation and techniques you can bring into your daily life.

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.

Please make sure you are also booked onto Thursday's flower foraging as this is what will be used to make the flower arrangement.

Sold out

9 - 11.30am

For those who think they can't paint, come and surprise yourself in this workshop that will encourage you to embrace your creativity.

9 - 10am

Come and join this outdoor shakeout run round the campus.

9.15 -10.45am

Participants will be guided to create movement in response to a theme, that evolves into an excerpt of dance choreography. 

9.30 - 10.30am

Each of us is responsible for the emission of 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year on average (our carbon footprint.) This talk explores ways that we can all reduce ours. 

No need to book

9.30 - 12.30am

Come and try table tennis - you can play singles or doubles.

Sold out

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 York's historical sites. Walkers will be introduced to York characters ranging from Constantine the Great to the chocolate makers of the 20th century. 

Sold out

10 - 11am

This is primarily social play where members arrange themselves into doubles or singles games.

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.

Sold out

10 - 11am

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping‑pong. Come give it a go!

Sold out

10 - 11am

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

Sold out

10am - 12pm

Try walking cricket in this two hour session.

10.15am - 12.15pm

Come and join in with Ceilidh Dancing. We'd also love you to join 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

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

10.30 - 11.30am

This talk will focus on the role of woodland and trees as key features in a biodiverse landscape.

Sold out

10.45am - 12.15pm

The session will include a variety of dances. Anyone can join in - no partner is required, and all dances will be taught. 

Sold out

11am - 12pm

This is primarily social play where members arrange themselves into doubles or singles games.

11am - 12pm

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

Sold out

11am -  12pm

A rollercoaster ride through speaker Nicola's career behind the screen, including behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes.

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 black & white photo, using willow charcoal on A3 paper.

Sold out

11.15am -1.15pm

This session will explore meditation techniques to enrich body, mind and spirit.

11.30am - 1.30pm

Explore one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals while learning about York's Roman roots and the Minster’s role in Viking York.

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.

Sold out

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. 

Sold out

12.30 - 1.30pm

A gentle way to enhance one’s lymphatic system, improve health and 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 and the possibilities, while sharing his own stories along the way.

No need to book

1 - 2pm

This talk is inspired by Geoff Dyer's book and explores how to better understand visual art and our own photography.

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.

Sold out

1 - 2pm

A thrilling true adventure story from the 19th Century of the life of Joseph Russell Race, who began his life as a miner in Country Durham but went on a remarkable journey across oceans and continents to China.

No need to book

Sold out

1.15 -2.45pm

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

1.30 -2.30pm

Create a flower brooch that you can pin to your lapel or personalise your u3a Festival bag. This workshop involves a small amount of handstitching but is beginner friendly.

Sold out

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 better known sites of York. 

Sold out

2 - 3pm

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.

2 - 3pm

Come play tabletop games including Carcassonne, Ticket to Ride, Catan, Rebirth.

2 -3pm

A total workout, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility.

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.

Sold out

2.15 - 3.15pm

This is a look at everyday things - things that happen, are written or are said - that are not intended to be humorous but with the passage of time become funny.

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 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.