Programme: Wednesday 1 July 2026
The opening day of the Festival includes a talk by special guest Johnny Ball, artistic workshops, sports tournaments and much more. The opening ceremony is at 10.30am with activities starting at 11am and running into the evening.
Please keep a note of the things you book as the u3a organising team will not have your individual programme when you arrive.
The below activities are available to Festival Ticket Holders only. Please only book if you have a Festival ticket for Wednesday.
Morning events
Opening ceremony with Johnny Ball
10.30am
Join our special guest Johnny Ball who will officially open Festival 26.
No need to book
AI is here: prepare yourself, talk and panel discussion
11 - 12.30pm
In this two-part talk and discussion learn about how AI is transforming society. This includes discussion and a Q&A session.
No need to book
Astronomy, what's out there?
11 - 12.30pm
An introduction to the Solar System, with a Q&A. The presentation is for people with no prior knowledge.
No need to book
Music performance: flutes galore
11.00 - 11.30am
Playing piccolo, concert, alto and bass flutes, we will be offering a mixture of popular, jazz and classical music to show off the artistry and musicianship of the group.
No need to book
Laughter yoga
11.15 - 12.15pm
Join us for this gentle aerobic exercise which benefits your health and makes you feel good.
Sold out
Let's Talk Tech special: the technology built in to modern cars and trucks
11.30 - 1pm
John Butler will be delivering a video assisted talk about the software embedded in modern vehicles.
Afternoon events
Growing our minds
12 - 1pm
The talk is about how our minds develop over our lifespan as our brain adapts itself to the specific environment it finds itself in.
Make a dragonfly macrame keyring
12 - 2pm
Make a colourful macrame dragonfly that can double as a key ring.
Sold out
Rusty voices
12.30 - 1.30pm
Have you been told that you can’t sing? Can’t hold a tune in a bucket? Well, you will easily enjoy singing in this session. No music, just words and wonderful sounds which you will make and listen to.
No need to book
The King's Nephews - life after death
12.30 - 1.30pm
This talk examines the new evidence for the survival of the 'Princes in the Tower' after the death of their uncle King Richard III.
No need to book
Making music workshop
12.30 - 2.30pm
Aimed at band, orchestral and recorder players to join us for relaxed workshops playing a wide range of music.
Sold out
An audience with Johnny
1 - 2pm
Enjoy an hour in the company of TV star Johnny Ball, renowned for making mathematics and science fun and accessible for children.
No need to book
Rock cut tombs in the Valley of the Kings
1 - 2.30pm
In this talk we will explore the design and construction of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings.
No need to book
Draw a portrait in charcoal
1 - 3pm
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
Duplicate Bridge - taster session
1 - 3pm
Come along to this relaxed taster session where you will get to play some cards and get a glimpse of the game.
Sold out
Amateur radio tabletop showcase
1.15 - 2.45pm
Discover the fascinating world of amateur radio – a global hobby enjoyed by over 500,000 enthusiasts.
Jewellery making
1.30 - 3.30pm
A workshop to learn how to use basic jewellery making tools to create various decorative and wearable items.
Sold out
Introduction to Improv
1.30 - 3.30pm
Two or more people act out a short scene, making up the dialogue entirely on the spot. Great fun!
Sold out
Kurling 1
1.30 - 2.30pm
The first of three Kurling demonstrations with the opportunity to come and try and social games.
Sold out
Petanque 1
1.30 - 3.30pm
Pétanque is a popular French boules sport. Please come and join us for a try at this fun session! There are more sessions on Thursday and Friday.
Sold out
Short Lawn Bowls 1
1.30 - 2.30pm
The first of eight short lawn bowls sessions across the Festival.
Sold out
The Snickleways of York
1.30 - 3pm
Discover the delights of Mad Alice Lane, Coffee Yard and Three Cranes Lane among many other alleyways.
Sold out
W B Yeats and Irish history
1.30 - 2.30pm
Explore the key events in Irish History, featuring poems by WB Yeats. This is an informal session with questions and brief comments encouraged.
Sold out
Badminton 1
2 - 3pm
Come and try this badminton session. It is primarily social play where members arrange themselves into games, doubles or singles.
There is another badminton session on Wednesday afternoon, and two on Friday.
Pickleball 1
2 - 3pm
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping‑pong.
Sold out
Tennis 1
2 - 3pm
Join the tennis sessions which will be primarly doubles and could include singles dependent on numbers.
Walking Cricket 1
2 - 4pm
Try walking cricket in this two hour session. There is another session on Friday, plus a tournament on Thursday that you can watch without booking.
Walks - Scoundrel
2 - 4pm
Discover the truth behind the legend of the notorious highwayman Dick Turpin, executed at York.
Sold out
Programming the BBC Micro:Bit - session 1
2.15 - 4.15pm
Learn how to program the BBC micro:bit, an example of the devices that act as the mind of your microwave and washing machine.
Session 2 takes place on Thursday at 11.45am. Participants must book for both sessions.
Learn about the Lords
2.30 - 3.30pm
Lively talk and discussion about how laws are made, the work of peers and how decisions impact communities.
No need to book
Ozukes
2.30 -3.30pm
Our ukulele band, with cajon and bass, brings a lively mix of tunes for everyone to enjoy.
No need to book
The Tapestry's Whisper
2.45 - 4.15pm
Step into the captivating world of the Bayeux Tapestry, a masterpiece of medieval art that intertwines artistry and history.
No need to book
Dance exercise
2.45 - 3.45pm
Look and feel younger! Improve your posture, strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and movement memory.
Sold out
Slow stitching: beside the sea
2.45 - 4.45pm
A practical introduction to the mindful craft of slow stitching. Use fabric and simple handstitching to create a seaside inspired fabric collage. Beginners welcome.
Sold out
Badminton 2
3 - 4pm
Come and try this badminton session. It is primarily social play where members arrange themselves into games, doubles or singles.
There are two more badminton sessions on Friday.
Sold out
Kurling 2
3 - 4pm
The second of three Kurling demonstrations with the opportunity to come and try.
Sold out
Your deeper self
3 - 5pm
This session will explore meditation techniques to enrich body, mind and spirit.
Sold out
Pickleball 2
3 - 4pm
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping‑pong.
Sold out
Short Lawn Bowls 2
3 - 4pm
The second of eight short lawn bowls sessions across the Festival.
Sold out
Tennis 2
3 - 4pm
Join the tennis sessions which will be primarly doubles, singles dependent on numbers.
Script reading
3.15- 5.15pm
We will sight read some short scripts, many of them amusing, others more dramatic. Please bring your specs if you need them.
Sold out
Mathematical puzzling for all
3.30 - 5pm
Come along to this fun session for both the rusty and the polished in mathematics to solve together a range of maths problems.
Open mic session
3.30 - 5.30pm
Come along and watch a range of u3a performers. If you would like to take part (you can sing, read a poem, tell or story or play your own instrument) email
No need to book
Town twinning - what's that all about?
3.45 - 5.15pm
An informative and entertaining look at the history of town twinning and the practical aspects of creating and maintaining twinning links with our European partners today.
Being There - getting started as a writer
3.45 - 5.45pm
This workshop introduces participants to the foundations of storytelling and the writing process through discussion, reflection, and hands-on activities.
Sold out
Pickleball 3
4 - 5pm
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping‑pong.
Sold out
Guided Walk: Meet our Campus West Trees
4 - 5pm
Take part in a guided walk celebrating the launch of the reactivated University of York Campus Tree Trail.
This is not a long walk. It would be advisable to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for the weather. Meet at the exit from the Exhibition Centre towards Central Hall.
Zumba gold
4 - 5pm
A total workout, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility.
Sold out
A history of shoes
4.30 - 5.30pm
Step into the fascinating world of footwear and discover how shoes have shaped fashion through the ages.
No need to book
Board Drop-in
4.30 - 5.30pm
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.
Kurling 3
4.30 - 5.30pm
The last of three Kurling demonstrations with the opportunity to try it yourself.
Sold out
Mahjong for beginners
4.30 - 6.30pm
Have a go at Mahjong, which originated in China in the 19th century and is played with 144 ornate, engraved tiles. The basic play is not unlike rummy.
Sold out
Running 1
4.30 - 5.30pm
An outdoor running session. Running is a great way to improve your mental and physical wellbeing.
Flower and garden photography
4.30 - 6pm
This talk will explain how to choose a lens, aperture, shutter speed and ISO for great images.
No need to book
Evening events
Music performance: Cluster of nuts
5 - 6pm
A lively performance featuring guitars, vocals, and percussion playing hits of the '60s, '70s and '80s.
No need to book
Mindful movement and stretch
5.15 - 6.45pm
This session adapts the movements to be more accessible to older partcipants.
Sold out
Music performance: Music and magic
6 - 8pm
Enjoy an evening of relaxing piano music along with some fabulous magic tricks with Bob Pullen.
No need to book
Rummikub
7.30 - 9pm
Rummikub is often described as a cross between Rummy and Mahjong. Each game can be played by 2 - 4 players.
Games evening
7.30 - 9.30pm
A fun evening of board and card games where you can meet other u3a members and perhaps learn something new.
Sold out
Music performance: A little jazzy
8 - 9pm
Saxophone, clarinet and other instruments take you on a musical journey from Acker Bilk to George Michael.
No need to book
Juke Box Jury
8 - 9.30pm
The jury will vote on whether songs from the 1970s are a HIT or a MISS.
No need to book
Ceilidh band
8 - 10pm
Come and join us for the first night Festival Ceilidh. No previous experience necessary. Everyone welcome.
No need to book
The Big Big Music Quiz 2026
8 - 10pm
An all things musical quiz, with fun, laughs, prizes, a bit of singing, dancing, drinks, celebrities and great music.
No need to book