Two weeks of Mystery Plays and Fringe events
Watch this space to see how these develop and find out how you can get involved, support or come along and watch.
Women in the Mysteries – Exhibition at the Bar Convent – 19th June to 15th August
Hosted at Bar Convent, this exhibition shines a light on the role of women in the Mystery Plays, past and present—revealing hidden stories, voices and contributions across the years.
‘The Deluge’ – an exhibition of art – Bedern Hall – 20th June to 3rd July
A celebration of creativity inspired by the Mystery Plays. Discover new works including the giant paintings of the777paradox. Curated by Megan Katherine Heywood.
The Watchers of York Sculpture Trail – 29th June 2026 to 31st August 2026.
Inspired by an idea by York Festival Trust, Make It York have created this trail in collaboration with York Minster. Stone carvings have been silently watching over York Minster for centuries. These guardians are full of character, humour, and mystery. Now, one of them is stepping off the stonework and making mischief across York. This brand new, city-wide sculpture trail launches alongside the York Mystery Plays. Don’t miss the Doomsday version in the plays!
The Original Stations Trail – 20th June to 4th July
Step back into the medieval city and trace the route of the original pageant wagons. This trail reveals where the plays once unfolded, bringing history vividly into the streets of today. Created by David Farrar for York Festival Trust this trail includes a beautiful souvenir map created by local artist Jo Rodwell.
Dates & Times:
- Sat 20 June 10.30
- Sun 21 10.30
- Mon 22 10.30
- Tues 23 2pm
- Thur 25 10.30 & 7pm: evening walk
- Fri 26 10.30 & 7pm
- Sat 27 10.30
- Mon 29 10.30
- Thurs 2 July 10.30 & 7pm
- Fri 3 10.30 & 7pm
- Sat 4 10.30
- Mon 6 10.30
- Tue 7 2pm
Sound and Memory in the York Mystery Plays – Free archive exhibition – 23rd June to 29th August – Holy Trinity Church, Micklegate
Using materials from the Archive at the National Centre for Early Music our curator, Molly Jervis, invites you to respond to an immersive exhibition exploring how sound and music evoke memory within the York Mystery Plays, past and present. Come along and share your memories. This Church is also the starting point for our Original Stations Trail and only a short walk from The Bar Convent and our Women in the Mysteries Exhibition.
Expert Talks
Join leading historians, artists and practitioners as they explore the Mystery Plays from new angles. These engaging talks offer insight, context and lively discussion. Delivered for York Festival Trust by Dr. Mike Tyler, Dr. Jeremy Goldberg, Dr. Alan Heaven, Paul Toy, Molly Jervis, Maurice Crichton and Roger Lee. booking required HERE
Podcasts – Voices of The York Mystery Plays now streaming online
Listen in as stories unfold beyond the stage. A series of podcasts brings together voices from the production, the city and beyond, offering reflection, insight and behind-the-scenes perspectives. You can listen online:
Spotify. and. Soundcloud
Audio Plays
Experience the drama through sound alone. These specially created audio plays retell the plays in full, inviting you to engage your imagination wherever you are. York Festival Trust has begun the task of recording all 48 original Plays over the next three years. If you’d like to take part, get in touch. You can listen via Spotify OR Soundcloud
Film
Students from York University have created a short film responding to the Noah plays. Watch for our launch on YouTube and in person.
Twilight Show – Shambles Market – 30th June and 1st July – 7.30pm
As dusk falls, the market is transformed. The Twilight Show is part of our Mysteries in the Market performances and offers a magical, shared experience—decorating stalls, stories and the spirit of the festival. BUY TICKETS HERE
Mistero Buffo – Riding Lights Theatre, Friargate. 27th June to 4th July
Details and tickets at www.ridinglights.org