Live & Love York | Creative Lifestyle Magazine

SUMMER EVENTS at the National Railway Museum

livelove — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:04:11 +0000

Summer is still very much in sight and can be enjoyed with the summer events currently happening at the National Railway Museum. Available throughout August and some continuing until early September, there are many unique happenings including Harry Potter themed events and a nostalgic treat.

Seaside Summer Fun
24 July – 5 September 2010
First up is Seaside Summer Fun, which is continuing until the 5th September. This 1930′s themed experience features steam rides on Rocket Replica or City of Truro and also gives you the chance to dress in traditional 1930′s dress and have your photos taken.

There is also a sizzling barbecue as well as the option to bring your own picnic. This Seaside experience definitely appeals to the kids, as there is an outdoor play area complete with games, science shows, theatre performances, and even a simulator.

Admission is free, but there will be a fee for the various activities on show.

Sand Sculpture
26 July – 5 September

The next event is for all of you who can’t make it to the beach this summer. The NRM has a giant sand sculpture currently on display in the South Yard, intricately created by sand sculptor Jamie Wardley who produces impressive sand (and ice) sculptures.

The sculpture is available to view until 5th September and admission is free!

Hogwarts Castle magic

Harry Potter fans will be delighted to know that you can climb aboard the Hogwarts Steam engine and explore the very model used in the Hollywood films. Make the most of the magic and mayhem with FREE cab access, which is a unique opportunity for the perfect photo souvenir.

Cab access is currently available from 11:00-13:00, 15:00-16:00.

Wizard Weekend
14 – 15 August
Continuing in the celebrations of the arrival of Hogwarts castle, there is plenty of magic happening, including mischievous wizards casting spells and the chance to get up close to some beautiful Owls. A very special treat comes courtesy of the actor Matthew Lewis, who plays the character of Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films, who will make a guest appearance on Sunday 15th August from 10am – 1pm.

If you’d like the chance to win a face-to-face interview with him, then make sure you enter the competition

Friends’ Second-hand Book Sale
13 – 14 August

If you fancy getting your hands on some great book bargains, then make sure you join The Friends of the National Railway Museum as they hold a second-hand book sale to raise money to restore Stirling Single’s tender to its former glory. Bargain books start at just 50p and there will also be amazing collector’s items including old timetables and official railway company literature. There’ll be something for everyone at this event and the admission is free.

Further details
If you’re not an early bird then don’t worry because The NRM is open until 7pm from 9 – 22 August 2010.

LOCAL ART EXHIBITION

livelove — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:35:06 +0000

As I’m sure you’re well aware, we at Live&Love York are always looking for the creative talent from our community, and the local artist, Steve Williams definitely fits the bill.

Having hailed from the North West, Steve found an incredible amount of inspiration once he moved to the City of York in 2002 and, shortly after, began painting. His love of York, coupled with immense creativity has been very well received, as he is currently exhibiting for the first time in the heart of the city centre.

Speaking of his work, and the excitement surrounding the exhibition, he explains:

‘I feel compelled to paint. My paintings are emotional and energetic. I use movement and light to express the diverse harmonies of the elements and their interaction with landscape; whether natural or man-made. I work spontaneously and with fluidity in an attempt to reflect the energy and movement of nature.’

If you want to see more of Steve’s work then head over to City Screen Bar & Cafe on Coney Street, where his exhibition will be running until the 23rd August.

OUR CITY: A SOUTHERNER’S ACCOUNT

livelove — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:41:35 +0000

Words by Ellie Wallis

Having been a hardy London girl all my life, born within the sounds of the Bow bells and therefore an authentic cockney, the decision to up sticks and leave the Big Smoke for the small Viking town of York sent shockwaves through my friends and family. Their gobsmacked expressions screamed who in their right mind would want to leave the vibrant, cultural hotpot that is one of Europe’s brightest capitals, paralleling New York in terms of style and home to the royals, the Prime Minister and, more importantly, Kate Moss and her Primrose Hill set? Well clearly I am not in my right mind.

The transformation from London to York seemed like an obvious one. Who would want to stay in a city where the mayor is a bumbling ex-Etonian who uses words such as “boondoggling” and “humbug” and the pollution levels do the same lung damage as a severe smoking habit?

So why York, I hear you ask? Heralded by both its founders, the Romans, and its conquerors, the Vikings, as the capital of the North, its vibrant history appeals to the budding David Starkey within, and as an undergraduate history student both my inner geek and my inner party-girl were drawn to a city in which historical monuments rub shoulders with 80s discos.

This juxtaposing hodgepodge of periods, styles, and people in such a small city can satisfy the two contrasting characters of your average student. By night, people are on the lookout for the cheapest triple vodka/red bull on the market and will find York’s 365 pubs, clubs and bars an answer to their prayers. In contrast, the daytime version of said student can find intellectual stimulation in the vast array of museums and ancient monuments which characterize the 21st century city. Or so the university would hope.

For the proud parents who make the traditional end of term trip up to York to congratulate their “hard-working” children, there is a choice of restaurants spanning every continent and serving every possible dish, whilst after a particularly drunken Wednesday night at Ziggy’s students can reward their “hard-work” on the dance floor with a wide choice of fast-food shops open until the wee hours of the morning. What more could a nineteen year old ask for?

Now of course such juxtapositions are found in London and to an even greater extent. But up in the peaceful environs of York these benefits can actually be appreciated, as the population is not too busy storming around the streets with a look that screams, “move out of my way or I’ll deck you one The Yorkshire inhabitants know how to enjoy what their city offers, and the pace of life allows them to mill gently from A to B, stopping along the way to chat to old friends or help an OAP to cross the road. In London, that very same OAP would be ruthlessly knocked off her walking frame by a suited, high-pressured businessman.

Now do you see why York seems so much more appealing?

The Star Inn, REVIEW

livelove — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:29:16 +0000

Review by Jane Bowers

With nine Michelin Stars in nine years and gushing recommendations from friends, The Star Inn at Harome sounded like the perfect place to celebrate our second wedding anniversary.

As we pulled in to the pretty village of Harome, the 15th Century Inn welcomes you with all the rustic thatched-roof charm you’d expect of a rural Yorkshire pub. Walking through the entrance you clock the very un-15th Century extension, its windows steaming with culinary delights from the state-of-the-art kitchens.

We started with a drink in the ridiculously cosy bar (still a favourite with the locals), its snugness beaten only by the warren of armchair-strewn nooks and crannies in the pub’s eaves. Moving through to the restaurant fast-forwards you a few centuries; quirky giant forks and spoons adorn the walls, arty black and white photos and crisp white table cloths create a seriously foodie atmosphere.

The Sunday Lunch menu was meaty and traditional but excellent value with starters averaging £12 and mains £22. My husband provoked a pang of food envy with his starter, risotto of local wild garlic and Hartlepool smoked haddock topped off with cumin foam. Our mains of wild Turbot and roast topside of locally sourced beef were delicious, generous portions and perfectly presented. Three courses with wine came to £115.

For a special, intimate get-away, which won’t break the bank, The Star is definitely the place to go.

Details
Telephone: 01439 770 397
Address: The Star Inn, Harome, Near Helmsley, North Yorkshire, YO62 5JE
Website

BEST OF ART THIS MONTH

livelove — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:56:54 +0000

If you’re feeling the spirit of the York races, then why not head over to The Liquid Amber Gallery where Melanie Wright, a local artist, is exhibiting her collection of vibrant equestrian art. Please click here for more information

The Artspace in Tower Street is featuring local artist Richard Barnes’ latest work. The exhibition, which runs until 5th September displays digitally enhanced portrayals of iconic York attractions, including the Minster. Click here if you’re interested

The Newgate Gallery is a great Art gallery in the centre of town with a varied line up of artists showcasing their work. For all you budding artists, it’s also a great place to get in touch with, as renting studio space starts from just £18 a week. Click here for more information

Others you don’t want to miss

Bohemia Galleries
If you want to keep a piece of summer with you after August has been and gone, then make sure you stop in at Bohemia Galleries on Gillygate where you can take a peak at their summer exhibition, which last until 5th September.

You still have a chance to catch the unique ‘China: Journey to the East’ exhibition at York City gallery. The major exhibition explores Chinese customs including food and drink and is available to visit until 5th September

If you fancy checking out up and coming local artists, then you’ll definitely want to catch York Open Summer Exhibition. Hosted by Bar Lane Studios and The New School House Gallery, this exhibition will see brand new artists who have competed to win a space in the galleries.

‘I Love York’ summer campaign

livelove — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:18:44 +0000

Visit York has launched ‘I Love York’; a summer campaign aimed at promoting the city’s attractions to those in the North of England. It is hoped that the campaign, which includes providing an itinerary of summer events, special offers and ideas for places to eat, will increase visits to York and also provide a boost in summer trade.

They also want to know what you love about the city, so if you’re interested in sending in your thoughts, then visit: http://www.visityork.org/iloveyork

Campaign for car-free city centre

livelove — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:13:16 +0000

A former Green council candidate has launched a Facebook campaign to ban cars within York’s Bar Walls and pedestrianise the city centre completely.

Jon Cossham who lives a green lifestyle has launched the campaign, hoping that a ban on cars within the city centre would reduce air and noise pollution as well as accidents. Despite going no further than Facebook at the moment, he has big plans for a public meeting with the intention of debating and trialling the car-free proposal.

New Boutique Hostel opens in York

livelove — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:10:49 +0000

The Fort, a new Boutique Hostel has opened right in the heart of the city centre and promises comfort and affordability for its guests.

Situated just off of Stonegate, The Fort has been created by the owner of Kennedy’s bar and restaurant, and is housed next door. It provides individually crafted rooms designed by up-and-coming local designers and prices start at just £20 per person per night.

A Stadium for York

livelove — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:02:54 +0000

Plans to build a new sports stadium for York’s football and rugby clubs is getting closer and closer after an official approval by the council took place. The city of York council meeting approved the bid, and agreed that the city should have a community stadium.

The official approval now means that significant funding and planning permission for the development needs to be found to start building the proposed 6,000 all-seater arena at Monks Cross.

It is thought that the earliest completion date for the stadium will be 2014 in the hopes of it housing York City FC and York City Knights.

Coquette Burlesque & Cabaret Club celebrates second birthday

livelove — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:13:34 +0000

If you’re looking for something a bit different to the usual clubs in York, then why not pop over to The Basement, City Screen on Friday 27th August at 7:30 pm where you can catch York’s only regular burlesque and cabaret club, Coquette.

Run by York based performers and promoters Daisy De Lux and Pandora Amour, the club celebrates its second birthday and the varied line up at The Basement guarantees festive celebrations.

There’s an exciting and varied line up including burlesque ballerina Dani California with her larger than life butterfly wings, and all the way from Glasgow, male burlesque performer Sparky Strange. These acts will be complemented by Coquette’s own Pandora, new performer Lolita Latex and live music from jazz singer and compere Em Brulee. There will also be a secret special guest, party games, prizes and vintage tunes from DJ Tripp Hazzard.

In anticipation of their 2nd birthday, and speaking of the success of the previous events held at The Basement, co-founder Daisy says that Coquette was set up ‘to offer something different through showcasing quirky and interesting performers and is a great excuse to enter a world of vintage glamour’.

Glamour can certainly be found at this event and it promises to be an entertaining Friday night for all involved. Don’t miss out on a unique line up of various different performers and pick up your ticket from City Screen Box Office for only £7.

In addition to regular bi-monthly shows, Coquette are now hosting bespoke events and one off parties for events such as birthdays and hen nights – in fact for any occasion where glamour and entertainment are required! They are also always on the look out for new performers; whether it be bands, dancers, circus performers or magicians, so if you fit the bill, why not get in touch with them.

For further information, please click here

Event Details:

Coquette – York’s most glamorous night out!

Burlesque, Cabaret and Live Music

Friday 27th August.

The Basement, City Screen, York

Doors 7.30pm

Tickets £7 from City Screen Box Office