Outdoor Events to Book Across Yorkshire this Summer
Summer is here so get booking for the best al fresco cinema screenings and open-air theatre across Yorkshire
THE GO RACING IN YORKSHIRE SUMMER FESTIVAL
21ST–29TH JULY
Yorkshire’s Racecourses
goracing.co.uk
Enjoy a festival of racing across eight of Yorkshire’s nine racecourses in July. Sponsored by Sky Bet, the Go Racing In Yorkshire Summer Festival champions the sport in our region, giving racegoers the opportunity to visit each flat course. Starting at Pontefract’s music night on Friday 21st July the festival finishes with more music at York on Saturday 29th July. There’s evening and afternoon meetings plus family fun days.
OPEN AIR THEATRE: SENSE AND SENSIBILITY
22ND JULY
Raby, Staindrop
raby.co.uk
Heartbreak Productions invite you to this year’s Sense and Sensibility Matchmaker’s Ball. Dig out your best finery and don’t miss this open-air adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic romance. Pack a picnic, pop your chaise longue (or blanket) in the boot, dress for the weather and enjoy.
AS YOU LIKE IT
22ND JULY
Kiplin Hall and Gardens, near Scorton
kiplinhall.co.uk
The Three Inch Fools are back with an evening of light-hearted laughter. This time, they’re performing their take on Shakespeare’s classic As You Like It. Suitable for all ages, it’s a great excuse to bring the whole family together, but will these exhausted actors be able to pull off all the characters that make up this fantastic play?
BAD DAD BY DAVID WALLIAMS
4TH AUGUST
Swinton Bivouac, Ripon
swintonestate.com
A tragic accident put a stop to Gilbert’s track-racing days and he became a get-away driver for the local baddies. Join him and his son in the struggle to escape the clutches of the local crime lord and to clear Gilbert’s name. Heartbreak Productions are bringing to life this warmhearted tale following the highs and lows of a father-son relationship in this open-air adaptation of David Walliams’ Bad Dad.
TWELFTH NIGHT
11TH AUGUST
Gisborough Priory, Guisborough
english-heritage.org.uk
Award-winning outdoor theatre company Illyria are back, and this summer, everything is not as it seems. They’ll tell this tale of romance, revenge, and mistaken identities, which is always hilarious. Expect singing, sword fights and plenty of silliness.
MATILDA THE MUSICAL
12TH AUGUST
Castle Howard, York
adventurecinema.co.uk
The grounds of Castle Howard are being transformed into an outdoor cinema this summer for various screenings. We’ve got our eyes on the showing of Matilda the Musical, but tickets are selling fast. Starring Emma Thompson and Stephen Graham this is a fantastic take on the Roald Dahl tale which the whole family will enjoy.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
19TH AUGUST
Ripon Spa Gardens
visitripon.co.uk
Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents Oscar Wilde’s much-loved romantic comedy packed with larger than life characters in full period costume. Don’t miss this open-air performance of The Importance of Being Earnest – a hilarious tale of doubles lives and mistaken identities.
LIVING HISTORY WEEKEND
26TH–27TH AUGUST
Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton
01653 697777
edencamp.co.uk
Learn all about life on the Home Front and Front Line with uniforms, military equipment, memorabilia and vehicles as well as demonstrations, live music and military displays at Eden Camp this summer. Their brand-new play area will be open and all visitors are encouraged to get dressed up.
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX
30TH AUGUST
York Minster
thelunacinema.com
The Luna Cinema returns to York Minster promising a summer screening under the stars. You’re invited to visit Hogwarts for the first (really?!), or the 100th (yep!) time and you’ll be introduced to Umbridge before you want to join The Order of the Phoenix. Don’t forget the popcorn.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM & PETER PAN
THROUGHOUT SUMMER
Yorkshirewide
handlebards.com
slapstickpicnic.com
Cycling Shakespearean troupe the Handlebards are pedaling across Yorkshire setting the stage for a summer of outdoor theatre. They're stopping off at Yorkshire castles, gardens and open-air theatres to put on performances of Shakespeare’s most famous romantic comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream. Their first Yorkshire destination is the Richard Whiteley Theatre on 2nd August before they head to the Workhouse Museum in Ripon on 3rd August, Bolton Castle near Leyburn on 4th August and Kiplin Hall and Gardens in Richmond on 5th August. If you like that, you'll love this – bring your own feast and join the Handlebards' Slapstick Picnic for an al fresco production of Peter Pan at the Richard Whiteley Theatre on 30th August (also showing at various locations across Yorkshire throughout summer).
