Calling all community groups! Free days available at York Barbican

York-based groups, clubs and community organisations are invited to apply for a concessionary day’s hire of York Barbican in 2023 and 2024.

City of York Council is offering the concessionary days as part of its lease agreement with the Barbican’s operators, ASM Global. We’re interested in hearing from organisations which would like to take up available dates during 2023 and up until December 2024.

To be eligible to apply for a concessionary day, proposed events should:

• Provide activities or entertainment that appeal to the widest cross-section of the local community
• Be open and accessible to all with no restricted access 
• Promote the objectives of the City of York Council and, where possible, enhance campaigns or programmes being delivered by the council and its partners.

Priority will be given to events that:

• Have a high-quality programme
• Engage communities ie through participation opportunities for local residents.

The concessionary day covers rental fees as well as charges for backstage and front of house facilities, technical equipment, front of house management, and stewarding.

It will not, however, cover items such as box office and credit card commission, marketing and additional staff for duties such as loading and unloading production equipment.

Councillor Darryl Smalley, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Communities, said: “These concessionary days at the Barbican are a fantastic opportunity for community organisations to put on events to benefit local residents.

“The Barbican is York’s largest music and arts venue, a fantastic space and the successful applicants will enjoy a professional experience in a superb location. I’d encourage all interested organisations to get in touch!”

For further information about the Barbican concessionary days email andy.laslett@york.gov.uk by 31 May 2023. Events primarily designed to be fundraisers are not supported.