Entertainment

There is something quite magical about York, once visited, never forgotten. York maybe a relatively small city but it has much to offer the visitor in the way of entertainment. Experience it all; everything from cinemas to art galleries; from ghost walks to themed cruises.

STAGE & SCREEN

Theatre and Opera—Why not start with a performance at the Theatre Royal, which is the venue for regular productions of plays by Shakespeare and other popular classics. The Joseph Rowntree Theatre hosts performances by York's own Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, and for the full range of concerts, comedy, theatre and dance visit the Grand Opera House.

Cinema—York has an excellent art-house cinema in City Screen that, unique to its genre, boasts three screens and luxury seating. Here you can catch screenings of independent, mainstream and world cinema as well as educational events, talks and previews. To see the blockbusters visit the Odeon in the city centre, or the giant and modern Vue Cinema north of the city in Clifton Moor Retail Park, where the choice is much greater.

RACING

Fancy a flutter? York's racecourse is affectionately known as the Ascot of the north. This sterling venue hosts many of Britain's top meetings on the racing calendar. Its proximity to the city centre is ideal. THE MUSIC SCENE

Classical Music—If you just want to close your eyes and listen to sweet music, York is the perfect place to experience classical concerts in the most tranquil of settings. Lunchtime recitals are held at York Minster and include performances by the York Musical Society Chorus & Orchestra. Similar religious and historical venues for classical events include the St. Michael le Belfry Church, just opposite the Minster, home to the Yorkshire Bach Choir, the Central Methodist Church and the Guildhall. Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, located in the University of York in nearby Heslington, holds many unique musical events with performers such as the Hilliard Ensemble.

Live Pub Music—If you want to stay local then all is redeemed by the dynamism of York's live music scene. Venues such as Fibbers have been host to some top names through the years and continue to promote local talent alongside popular gigs. York pubs often provide space for evenings of live music, spanning the taste spectrum from folk to rock, punk and pop. For years the Northern Wall, the Black Swan and the First Hussar have attracted punters wishing to make more of their time down the boozer.

Jazz—Jazz lovers can catch regular gigs at The Maltings and Borders Books, while the Red House cafe and antiques centre has a resident pianist providing a swing to Thursday evenings.

Nightclubs—Those caught with the desire to move those feet and swing those hips are probably wondering why there's been no mention of nightclubs so far. The simple fact is York is not blessed with the crop of the clubbing scene. Of the city's few clubs, Toffs, Ziggys and Ikon & Diva (the names give them away somewhat) and the Gallery appeal to mainstream and student tastes. Most serious boppers head off to Leeds, not far by train, but they may wish to sample one of York's many pre-club venues first to get them started.

CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT

York hosts a variety of cultural events from the Mystery Plays to the York Carnival. There are always buskers about in York, particularly in the summer along Parliament Street and in the squares. So if you just fancy wandering and taking in the evening in this most intriguing, historical city, York's narrow streets, packed with restaurants, bars and cafes will do more than to suffice. You could even take in a Ghost Hunt on your evening travels, a novel and humorous experience of the city's dramatic past.