Ignite Festival 2025:
Colour Explosion!
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, as part of the Ignite Festival 2025!
Experience walkabout acts, puppets, crafting workshops, sensory tents, bubble artists, music and more – all for free this summer!
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!
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. 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.
If you’d like any more information about the acts or the food options, please refer to our brochure (which will be available on this page to download soon) or contact us for more information.
Tengu Taiko: Japanese Drumming
Toolbox Drama: Dandy & The Gardener
Toolbox Drama: Dandy & The Gardener
Concrete Youth: Walkabout Puppets
Community Platform: Singers and Musicians
Sensory Play Workshops
Hayley Mills-Styles: Rainbow Headdresses
Toolbox Drama: Musical Greenhouse
Cake Stall
Clifton Catering: Picnic Pack Ups
Velo Ice Cream Trike
Photo Booth
About The Venue and Parking
The National Centre For Early Music is based in the medieval, Grade I listed, converted church of St Margaret’s which stands in the heart of the City of York in an attractive and spacious church garden. The venue is accessible to wheelchairs and walking aids, there is also an accessible toilet on site and a quiet breakout space. There is no changing place on site. There is a small car park at the venue, if you need to reserve a parking spot for the day please let us know as soon as possible and we will do out best to accommodate. The nearest pay and display car parks are located on Peel Street and Coppergate – both car parks are a short walk away from the venue. The venue is also close to multiple bus routes in and out of York. Please speak with us if you need assistance planning your journey. To find out more about the venue please click here.
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. Don’t forget, the first 30 tickets booked come with a free ice cream!
Please book tickets for everyone in attendance, including companions.