Ignite Festival 2025 - An Explosion Of Colour!
Ignite Festival: Accessible Arts Festival in York
Join us this summer for a colourful explosion of performances, workshops, activities and sensory experiences for children and adults in York – join us at The National Centre For Early Music on Friday the 22nd of August, 12pm – 4pm!
Experience walkabout acts, puppets, crafting workshops, sensory tents, bubble artists, live music and more – all for free this summer 2025!
FREE ICE CREAMS AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST 30 TICKETS BOOKED!
Festival Acts and Food Stalls
From live music and theatre to sensory play and bubble art – we have something for everyone to enjoy! All our activities operate on a drop in basis, which means you don’t need to book anything in advance and you’re welcome to move on from an activity when you’re ready. Some of the acts will be roaming around the venue, some will be indoors and some will be outdoors. We suggest you explore the venue when you arrive to see what takes your fancy!
Food Offer
We have ice creams from Velo Ice Cream and homemade cakes available for purchase on the day, we also have picnic pack ups from Clifton Catering available for purchase in advance (by the 19th of August), at the cost of £6.00 (+£1.21 booking fee). If you would like to purchase a picnic pack up, please remember to add this your ticket order. These will not be available for purchase on the day.
All proceeds from the cake sales will go to Toolbox Drama CIC to help provide more accessible creative experiences in York and its surrounding areas.
As an early bird incentive, Velo Ice Cream is offering the first 30 bookers a free ice cream on the day!
Performances and Walkabout Acts
Community Platform: Singers and Musicians
Toolbox Drama: Dandy & The Gardener Act
Storm In A Teacup Circus: Bubble Artist
Concrete Youth: Walkabout Puppets
Workshops and Crafts
Tengu Taiko: Japanese Drumming
Toolbox Drama: Sensory Play Workshop
Hayley Mills-Styles: Rainbow Headdresses
Musical Connections:
Music Workshop
Food and Stalls
Cake, Bakes and Tote Bag Stall
Clifton Catering: Picnic Pack Ups
Velo Trike: Ice Cream Stall
The Wilberforce Trust: Sensory Craft Stall
Pop Up Activities
Face Paint York: Festival Glitter & Face Painting
The Musical Greenhouse
Pop-up Photo Booth
Chill-out Space
About The Venue and Parking
Allergy Statement
While efforts are made to prevent cross-contamination, all products in our cake and bake sale have been made in kitchens where allergens are present and that the stall cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment. Customers with allergies should speak to a member of staff about ingredients before purchasing. By purchasing and/or consuming our products, you agree to hold us harmless for any allergic reactions.
For allergen and dietary information relating to the Picnic Pack Ups, please contact the supplier Clifton Catering.
For allergen information relating to the Ice Cream Stall, please contact Velo Ice Cream directly. Please note that the ice cream stall will offer dairy ice creams and sorbet alternatives. The ice cream is locally produced in Yorkshire by family owned Beacon Farm of Whitby. They use fresh whole milk, double cream and no artificial flavours or colours.
Accessibility
This event has been designed with accessibility in mind. All of the activities on offer are drop in based, which means there’s no need to book specific acts and if you need a breather, you’re welcome to leave any activity at any time or make use of our quiet breakout space. All children under the age of 18 will be required to attend the festival alongside a responsible adult. We encourage all family members, support workers and PA’s to take part in the activities alongside their companions.
Please note that there is an accessible toilet onsite, however there is no changing place.
Booking Tickets
Booking is essential. Please click the button below to book your free tickets. If you would like to purchase a picnic pack up for the day, please ensure you add this to your ticket booking. Picnic pack ups must be booked before the 20th of August.
Don’t forget, the first 30 tickets booked come with a free ice cream!
Please book tickets for everyone in attendance, including all companions.