Programme
Events that run more than once
FRIDAY 8 and SATURDAY 9 May
Friday and Saturday 7:45–9:05pm
Saturday Matinee 2:00–3:20
Departure
A music and dance performance by movement artist Masumi Saito and composer/musician An-Ting that explores the themes of death, ritual, and the spirit. Through the intertwining of movement and live music, the performance creates an emotionally resonant experience – breaking the silence around death. Why do cultures across the world uphold long-standing funeral traditions? What can these rituals teach us about both death and life?
In Departure, Masumi Saito and An-Ting reimagine a funeral ceremony inspired by their East Asian heritages as a performance and invite the audience to join in a contemplative space.
Each performance is followed by a Post Show Discussion on death and ritual. Inspired by the ethos of Death Cafe, this conversation offers space for audiences and artists to share experiences, stories, and perspectives, exploring how traditions and collective rituals can shape the way we grieve.
Venue: Studio, York Theatre Royal
Tickets available at York Theatre Royal
MONDAY 11 to SUNDAY 17 May
Daily 9:00–5:00
Victorian Lives: Churchyard History Trail
St Stephen’s Churchyard will host a week-long, self-guided trail bringing key Victorian graves gently to life. Thoughtfully designed cardboard cut-out illustrations and short, engaging biographies will introduce the people behind the headstones: a meticulous jeweller, a beloved bookseller, a seasoned navy captain, and other everyday Victorians whose stories illuminate how communities remember, grieve, and carry on. While the event will be available for you to explore in your own time, St Stephen’s Church will be also open at key points throughout the week [TBC]. The event will be suitable for all ages and will focus primarily on the upper, old part of the churchyard to allow step-free routes. When the church is open, you may wish to light a candle inside the church or leave a note of remembrance.
Venue: St Stephen's Churchyard, Acomb YO26 5LR
Free. No steps but there is a long path from York Road lychgate
MONDAY 11 and THURSDAY 14 May
Monday 10:00–11:30 and 2:00–3:30
Thursday 2:00–3:30
Hand Blessings Workshop
Join Francesca King for this unique workshop with clay as meditation and grounding time Clay Soul Space is where it all happens. With Feet in Clay meditation and Hand Blessings workshops are fantastic for families and friends to make time for creativity. 💠💙If you have any textures of jewellery plants or anything you would like to impress into the clay please bring these with you.Water and tea are provided.This is a unique workshop located in Francesca's studio so places are limited to 4 people per session at £36 eachAll materials are provided.
Venue: Francesca King Ceramics, 144 Albemarle road York YO23 1HB
To book, please phone 07533475929 or email greenfrancesca@hotmail.com
£36 per person for one hand in clay fired twice and returned to client. Postage and packing is extra on request.
Not accessible.
MONDAY 11, THURSDAY 14, SUNDAY 17 May
11:00–noon
A Working Pet Crematorium
A behind the scenes look at the whole pet crematorium, including a talk on the history of pet cremation, looking at the cremation room process, followed by open question & answers. Book via text 07925218372or email millcottagepetcrematorium@gmail.com
Venue: Mill Cottage Pet Crematorium, Windmill Ln, York YO10 3LG
Free. All ground floor, ground floor toilet available, normal door width access , lots of spacious parking available.
One-off events
SATURDAY 9 May – A Dead Good Day at Homestead Park
9:15–9:45
Meditation in the Park
All welcome. No experience required. Just come and enjoy some inner stillness and quiet at the beginning of your day.
Venue: The Pavilion, Homestead Park, 40 Water End, York, YO30 6WP
Free. Accessible.
10:00–11:00
Dummies’ guide to palliative care
Hermine van Zuijlen explains the aims and practicalities of palliative care, based on her experience as a palliative care nurse in hospice, hospital and community.
Venue: The Pavilion, Homestead Park, 40 Water End, York, YO30 6WP
Free. Accessible.
11:15–12:45
Homestead Park Death Cafe
At Homestead Park Death Cafe, we gather for cake, a hot drink, and a conversation about death. It’s a comfortable space to discuss something that unites us all but is too often ignored.
Note: Everyone 18 or older is welcome. A death cafe is not a counselling session or bereavement support group – it’s just a conversation.
Space is limited, so please book on Eventbrite.
Venue: The Pavilion, Homestead Park, 40 Water End, York, YO30 6WP
Free. Accessible.
1:00–1:45
A Talk with Age UK York
Details to come.
Venue: The Pavilion, Homestead Park, 40 Water End, York, YO30 6WP
Free. Accessible.
2:00–4:00
Glimpses into the Beyond
What can research into the near-death experience tell us about the process of dying, and life beyond death? Martin Nathanael will share his own experience and link it to current research, as well as explore what the world's wisdom teachings can contribute.
Venue: The Pavilion, Homestead Park, 40 Water End, York, YO30 6WP
Free. Accessible.
Memorial sticks workshop
An invitation to create your own memorial stick originated by artist Lee Sass. A binding of a stick with your memories using coloured thread and natural materials. With Lee Sass.
Venue: The Glasshouse, Homestead Park, 40 Water End, York, YO30 6WP
Free. Accessible.
SUNDAY 10 May – Another Dead Good Day at Homestead Park
9:30–10:00
A guided walk in the park: life cycles
What can nature teach us about the seasons of life? About change, growth, and death? We’ll look at examples of natural cycles of growth and decay and how every ending is also a new beginning.
Venue: Meet outside The Pavilion, Homestead Park, 40 Water End, York, YO30 6WP
Free. Accessible.
10:15–11:45
Natural memorials in the park
Thinking about memorialising someone important to you in Homestead Park? Come and explore a different approach to memorials. We will think about how we can use natural materials and objects in the park to reflect a person, memory or feeling. This will be a gentle, creative session with time to make, reflect, and connect. With Rachel Hawthorne.
Venue: The Glasshouse, Homestead Park, 40 Water End, York, YO30 6WP
Free. Accessible.
12:15–1:45
The Luddenden Shroud film and Q & A
The Luddenden Shroud follows artist Rachel Hawthorn as she creates a hand-felted woollen burial shroud and cradle woven from foraged materials collected in the beautiful Luddenden Valley. The journey that Rachel and her friend Janet take offers a death-positive meditation on friendship and the healing powers of nature and creativity. At this screening the shroud and cradle will be present and there will be an opportunity for questions and discussion with Rachel after the film.
Venue: The Pavilion, Homestead Park, 40 Water End, York, YO30 6WP
Free. Accessible.
2:00–4:00
The Dead Sleuth – Ancestral Inheritance and Healing
In celebration of York's Dead Good Festival – SoQuietus Tee as The Dead Sleuth presents LIGHT & LINEAGE – HEALING ANCESTRAL INHERITANCE.
Join Tee for a unique afternoon on SUNDAY MAY 10 2026 as she chronicles the poignant and challenging discoveries of her own family history research.
Tee will also share her professional understanding of ancestral inheritance through an exploration of 'ancestral baggage' and historical family trauma.
Blending presentation, storytelling and workshops – LIGHT & LINEAGE will seek to renew our connection with our ancestors as souls in spirit and celebrate the path to healing through acceptance, meditation and ceremony.
Price £5.00 per person. Please book and pay at tickettailor.com.
Venue: The Pavilion, Homestead Park, 40 Water End, York, YO30 6WP
WEDNESDAY 13 May
10:15–11:15
The Role of the End-of-Life Doula
York End-of-Life Doulas will share how they work with individuals and the community and offer a Q&A panel.
Venue: York Explore Marriott Room, Museum St, York, YO1 7DS
Free. Accessible.
THURSDAY 14 May
4:00–5:00
Behind the scenes at York Crematorium
Your chance to visit York Crematorium and look around our chapels and ask any questions about the day-to-day running of the crematorium.
From start to finish from what forms are needed to be able to do a service and cremation, what we offer from tributes to music, different celebrants, humanists ministers, etc.
Then a tour of our cremator room where the cremation process takes place.
Venue: York Crematorium, Bishopthorpe Road, York YO23 2QD
To book, please email crematorium@york.gov.uk
Free. Accessible.
FRIDAY 15 May – St Leonard’s Hospice Open Afternoon (1:00–5:00)
About the afternoon
Join us for a welcoming open afternoon at St Leonard’s Hospice, featuring a range of creative workshops and activities.
You’ll have the opportunity to:
Meet our staff and volunteers
Learn more about how we support people in our community to live and die well
Take part in creative sessions
We hope to offer guided hospice tours during the afternoon, depending on the needs of those in our care on the day.
If you are looking for support from the hospice, we also run a weekly drop-in every Thursday, 10:00am – 12:30pm.
What’s on
Here’s what you can enjoy during the afternoon:
1:00–3:00
You don’t have to grieve alone – a creative writing drop-in
Sharing words and pictures to explore the bumpy and messy grieving process and gently challenge rigidly defined stages of grief.
Encouraging patience, kindness and self-care on a journey that can neither be rushed or controlled.
Free. Accessible.
1:00–5:00
Memory Leaves – Drop In & Create
Drop in and get creative at our relaxed Memory Tree craft session. Decorate a paper leaf with a name, memory, or design that feels meaningful to you, then add it to our growing Memory Tree.
There’s no right or wrong way to take part, just come along and create something special.
Free. Accessible.
Sound Bath (30-minute sessions)
A gentle seated listening experience that creates peace and calm using a variety of instruments such as crystal bowls, chimes and strings.
Sessions are first come, first served.
Time slots:
1:30pm – 2:00pm
4:00pm – 4:30pm
Free. Accessible.
2:30pm – 3:30pm (TBC)
Swan Song Project
The Swan Song Project is a charity giving people facing end of life and bereavement the opportunity to write and record their own original song. Hear samples of recent songs written to celebrate lives and make memories, as well as live music from one of The Swan Song Project's songwriters Holly Taymar.
Free. Accessible.
Venue: St Leonard's Hospice, The Sunflower Centre, 185 Tadcaster Road, York, YO24 1GL
This event is on the ground floor or St Leonard's hospice. Blue badge parking on site. Level access throughout, with automatic doors on all entrances. Multiple, accessible toilet facilities available (no RADAR key required). All toilets are gender neutral. We expect this event to be busy and potentially loud. If you are considering your end of life options and would like a tour on a quieter day, please get in touch via wellbeing@stleonardshospice.org.uk or 01904 708553.
FRIDAY 15 May – Evening event
7:30–9:00pm
Consciousness post death
David and Linda Fryer hope to be able to give a reasoned description of the phases we may encounter, after our physical deaths, and it's relevance to our lives. Hopefully, this will stimulate meaningful conversation.
Venue: Around a bonfire at Menagerie Glade, Escrick Park Estate, YO19 6EH. For further information, phone 01904 208 485 or email davyfryer04@gmail.com.
Free. Donations accepted for Menagerie Glade. May be a bit muddy.
SATURDAY 16 May – A Dead Good Day at York Library
9:00–12:00
Dead Good Information Fair
The following people and organizations will be on hand for informal conversations and Q and A:
• York End of Life Doulas. End of life doulas are trained, non-medical companions who provide support to people approaching the end of life and those around them. Working alongside — but outside of — healthcare services, we complement medical care by focusing on emotional, practical, and spiritual needs. Our independence allows us to be flexible, community-based, and responsive, helping individuals and families maintain wellbeing, identity, and dignity throughout the end of life journey.
• St Leonard’s Hospice. The hospice provides care and support for terminally ill people, and people with life limiting illnesses. But that’s only the beginning. Come along and find out more about the many resources we provide.
• Sabine Horner, Grief Nutritionist. Find out more about how how food can be a powerful ally in your grief journey.
• Ageing Without Children. Sue Lister will be on hand to answer questions about planning and preparing for later life, different models of living and housing, the changing social structure of our ageing population and what that means for individuals.
• Sandi Poston, celebrant. An opportunity to meet with a celebrant to discuss how to mark the end of a loved one's life: there are many ways and choices to create unique ceremonies brimming with love. I am here to support you and help create a memorable and fitting occasion especially for you and your friends and family to remember.
• York Bereavement Alliance. Find out about the many resources available in York for dealing with grief.
• Francesca King Ceramics. With Feet in Clay meditation and Hand Blessings workshops are fantastic for families and friends to make time for creativity. Find out more here!
• Roche Legal – Specialist Private Client Solicitors Supporting Individuals and Families with Clarity and Care. Award-winning private client solicitors and legal professionals specialising in probate, estate administration, Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Trusts and inheritance planning and court of protection, providing clear, compassionate legal guidance.
• Age UK York. Find out how the organisation supports older residents in practical way, enhancing quality of life, independence and dignity.
Venue: York Explore Marriott Room, Museum St, York, YO1 7DS
Free. Accessible.
12:00–12:45
Why do we fear death?
Join Bereavement Practitioner and Trainer Stef Bricklebank for an interactive and reflective workshop to engage in group discussions and pair work around death and dying. Together, we will explore cultural perspectives, death anxiety and the fears often linked with these conversations. Personal stories are NOT required, this is a supportive space to listen, reflect and share ideas.
Venue: York Explore Marriott Room, Museum St, York, YO1 7DS
Free. Accessible.
1:00–1:45
Don’t want a traditional funeral?
Chris Dudzinska of Last Wishes Funerals, York, will talk about simple but effective ways to make funerals much more personal.
Venue: York Explore Marriott Room, Museum St, York, YO1 7DS
Free. Accessible.
2:00–3:30
York Death Café
A Death Café is an open conversation about death, with no agenda. It's a comfortable space to discuss something that unites us all but is too often ignored. Everyone 18 or older is welcome. A Death Café not a counselling session or bereavement support group – it's just a conversation.
Please book by phone 07999 880 163 or email yorkdeathcafe@gmail.com
Venue: York Explore Marriott Room, Museum St, York, YO1 7DS
Free. Accessible.
3:45–5:00
Food for Thought and Healing: The Gut-Grief Connection
Discover how grief impacts your gut and digestion—and how simple food and routine changes can support your body and mind through loss, by Sabine Horner.
Please book on Eventbrite.
Venue: York Explore Marriott Room, Museum St, York, YO1 7DS
Free. Accessible.
SUNDAY 17 May – Songs and Sounds at Pritchett Chapel
10:00–11:00
The Swan Song Project
The Swan Song Project is a charity giving people facing end of life and bereavement the opportunity to write and record their own original song. Hear samples of recent songs written to celebrate lives and make memories, as well as live music from one of The Swan Song Project's songwriters Holly Taymar.
Venue: The Pritchett Chapel, York Cemetery, Cemetery Road YO10 5AJ
Free. Accessible.
11:15–11:45
Therapeutic harp music
Join Emma Yates for a session that will feed your soul. Emma is a performer, harp therapist and teacher.
Venue: The Pritchett Chapel, York Cemetery, Cemetery Road YO10 5AJ
Free. Accessible.
12:00–12:45
Sound Bath with Sounds of Divinity
An immersive sound experience using live instruments such as crystal bowls, chimes and percussion to create soundscapes and harmonies designed to gently support and soothe listeners. Considerations: not recommended for the first trimester pregnancy, unmanaged conditions such as epilepsy, complex trauma and PTSD. This is a seated sound bath concert held in a gentle, open format, you are welcome to come and go quietly and listen for as long or as little as you wish.
Venue: The Pritchett Chapel, York Cemetery, Cemetery Road YO10 5AJ
Free. Accessible.
1:00–1:45
Scarborough Threshold Soft Singers
This session is an opportunity to rest: to sit or lie down; to listen or hum or sing along with simple lullabies. Threshold singing is not a performance, it is typically two to four singers at bedside when someone is receiving care or in palliative care. Today the simple lullabies will be non-religious and restorative, offering you the opportunity to rest and be refreshed.
Venue: The Pritchett Chapel, York Cemetery, Cemetery Road YO10 5AJ
Free. Accessible.
3:15–4:15
Songs of Love and Death
Acoustic folk trio Steam Pigeon bring early 20th Century American music to the York Cemetery Chapel, showcasing tunes that explore the universal themes of love, loss and death that run through so much popular music. The gig is free, but please book on Eventbrite as space is limited. We will be accepting donations for End of Life Doula UK.
Please book on Eventbrite.
Venue: The Pritchett Chapel, York Cemetery, Cemetery Road YO10 5AJ
Free. Accessible.
SUNDAY 17 May – Other events in York Cemetery
11:00–4:00
Love, Loss and the Afterlife
Love, Loss and the Afterlife is an event dedicated to helping people explore grief, connection, and meaning with compassion and curiosity. It brings together science, storytelling, and community for reflection, remembrance, and hope. Our event invites people to talk about experiences, ask big questions, and feel supported as they navigate life after loss.
Come and meet the people who help us navigate life after the loss of a loved one.
The Celebrant - brings your loved one’s story to life, creating a ceremony that feels personal, supportive, and true to who they were.
The Stone Mason - A stonemason doesn’t just make headstones — they get to know the person being remembered. They listen, learn what mattered most, and craft a memorial that feels personal, meaningful, and built to last.
The Medium - offers more than messages — they bring comfort. By helping you feel connected to the love that’s still there, they can make grief a little lighter and peace a little closer.
The Afterlife Expert - using research, observation, and technology to explore what may continue beyond physical life, proving that our loved ones stay with with us.
Venue: Mindful Memorials, 49 Cemetery Road, York YO10 5AJ
2:00–3:00
Poetry in the Cemetery
Taking a walk in the cemetery with poetry readings by Clive Dawson but please bring your own special poem to read.
Venue: York Cemetery, Cemetery Road YO10 5AJ – Meet at the Harriet Centre
SUNDAY 17 May – Other events around town
11:00–12:30
Drumming Circle
One of two sessions offered today, celebrating rituals of the journey from conception to death through drumming and guided meditation with Elaine the humble drummer and Ayşë, End of Life Doula and Therapist.
£15. Please book on Eventbrite.
Venue: The Rays’, 2 Scarcroft Lane York, YO23 1AD
2:00–3:30
Drumming Circle
The second of two sessions offered today, celebrating rituals of the journey from conception to death through drumming and guided meditation with Elaine the humble drummer and Ayşë, End of Life Doula and Therapist.
£15. Please book on Eventbrite.
Venue: The Rays’, 2 Scarcroft Lane York, YO23 1AD