As summer approaches, live music will return to York Museum Gardens from 9 to 12 July, transforming the historic site into a four-day open-air venue.
For one weekend, the gardens will shift from a quiet retreat to a lively event space. Usually known for its quiet walks, riverside views and picnic spots, the space will instead be filled with stage lighting, sound systems and thousands of visitors, as live music echoes through the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey.
This year’s programme opens on 9 July with Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark headlining, joined by synth-pop pioneers Heaven 17 and China Crisis, alongside rising songwriter Andrew Cushin, setting the tone for a night of iconic and contemporary sounds.
The following evening, Self Esteem takes top billing, supported by indie favourites The Big Moon, genre-blending South African artist Moonchild Sanelly and spoken-word musician Joshua Idehen, bringing a bold and eclectic mix.
On 11 July, Super Furry Animals headline a strong indie lineup, joined by Baxter Dury, Los Campesinos!, Divorce and Pys Melyn, bringing a mix of energetic and alternative sounds to the gardens.
The weekend then concludes on 12 July with the York Comedy Festival, featuring a standout comedy lineup including Russell Howard, Ross Noble, Russell Kane and Joanne McNally, with additional acts still to be announced, promising a full day of live stand-up to round off the event.
Rachel Hill, project manager at Futuresound Group, said the team was excited to bring the concerts back to York, describing last year’s event as “our biggest to date, with a series of incredible shows.” She added that the team hopes to build on that success this year, continuing to grow the event while maintaining its unique setting and atmosphere.
Located close to York railway station and within walking distance of the city centre, the gardens provide an accessible venue for both residents and visitors travelling in for the event.
The series, organised by Futuresound Group in partnership with York Museums Trust, has quickly become a major part of York’s summer events calendar, attracting visitors from across the region.
