Lyndsey GormleyWhat an exciting year it’s been for ol’ Blighty so far; with the 2012 Olympics just around the corner and Queen Lizzie’s Diamond Jubilee upon us Britain is hanging out the bunting and polishing off its tea sets ready for street parties galore.
York too has had a regal year, with 2012 marking the 800 year anniversary since the city was granted its Royal Charter by King John in 1212 as well as this year’s Maundy Thursday visit from Her Majesty Herself the city centre has been lined with Royalists and their Union Jack’s come rain or shine (not to mention the “Regal” edition of our magazine).
To celebrate such an exciting year the City of York a pulling out all the stops to make sure that there’s something for everyone. The Lord Mayor himself will light the Diamond Jubilee Beacon at Bachelor Hill at 10:15pm on Monday 4th June encouraging everyone to join in this simple ceremony where local residents can bring a picnic to toast the Queen on her Jubilee.
York is also playing host to Britain’s biggest Railfest at the National Railway Museum where, from 2-10 June everyone will have the chance to see speed legends Flying Scotsman, Class 395, East Coast 91110, Tornado and many more, across a mind-blowing space the size of 11 football pitches.
And whilst this year is about celebrating tradition York has got a few firsts up its sleeve with the introduction of the Buskival Festival, York’s very first fiesta dedicated to celebrating street performance. Taking place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd June between 11am and 4pm York will be showcasing this wonderful tradition with over 50 buskers including entertainer and magicians as well as musicians and artists.
York is certainly living up to its title as the City of Festivals as from 30 May to 31 August 2012 the city will be celebrating the phenomenal achievements in Science and Innovation.
‘York has made huge contributions across all areas of science and innovation from astronomy and the science of flight to geology and, more recently, biology and information technology.’-YS&I Grand Tour
60 large-scale, science and innovation themed images and messages are to be displayed in prime locations across the city centre highlighting the remarkable strength and reputation in science, technology and innovation, which continues to transform the economy in and around York.
York is certainly an exciting place to be this summer and with a four day weekend approaching there’s no excuse to miss it.
