School of the Arts Festival

Thursday 5 June
5.30pm

Creative Centre Auditorium, Phoenix, McGregor, Quad South Foyer

Join us for a showcase of work from our Fine Art, Illustration and Photography students. The lives, stories, conceptual thinking, methods, approaches and techniques of our graduating students are realised in this final group exhibition. The event begins with a drinks reception, followed by a chance to explore the exhibition.

Private invite only.

_{Artwork credit: Emily Ashbrook}

Friday 6 June to Thursday 12 June
12.00pm to 6.00pm

Creative Centre Auditorium, Phoenix, McGregor, Quad South Foyer

You are warmly invited to view the work of our Fine Art, Illustration and Photography students at our student degree show exhibition. The exhibition takes place across our York campus and is open daily.

No booking necessary.

_{Artwork credit: Ethan Goodrich}

Friday 6 June
6.00pm to 9.00pm

Temple Hall

Reignite IX celebrates York’s emerging talent and reinforces the city’s commitment to shaping the future of the creative industries.

Hear from a panel including emerging talent, academics, industry professionals and more. Our keynote speaker, Joanne Coates, is an award winning visual artist and photographer whose work explores rural life, hidden histories and inequality. Meet 150 artists and designers, see new work, network and connect. There will be a series of talks and panels, alongside tours of all the artwork, DJ and networking. 

Book your free Reignite IX place

Wednesday 11 June
Exhibition opens 5.00pm, Awards Ceremony 6.00pm

Creative Centre Auditorium

Family and friends are invited to join us for the final evening of the Art Degree Show. Awards will be given out for each of our course areas: Fine Art, Illustration, and Photography.

Friends and family only.

_{Artwork credit: Molly McNeany}

Friday 6 June
6.00pm

Creative Centre Atrium

Join us for the launch of the Design Degree Show. The exhibition showcases work from our Animation, Games Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, and Product Design students. Celebrate the breadth, diversity, creativity, and dedication of all our third year students.

Friends and family only.

Friday 6 June
7.00pm

Creative Centre Atrium and Auditorium

Join us for a special screening celebrating the creativity and talent of our animation students! This event will showcase a selection of their recent course work offering a glimpse into their unique visual storytelling, technical skills, and imaginative worlds.

Friends and family only.

Friday 6 June
6.00pm to 9.00pm

Temple Hall

Reignite IX celebrates York’s emerging talent and reinforces the city’s commitment to shaping the future of the creative industries.

Hear from a panel including emerging talent, academics, industry professionals and more. Our keynote speaker, Joanne Coates, is an award winning visual artist and photographer whose work explores rural life, hidden histories and inequality. Meet 150 artists and designers, see new work, network and connect. There will be a series of talks and panels, alongside tours of all the artwork, DJ and networking. 

Book your free Reignite IX place

Monday 9 June to Thursday 12 June
10.00am to 4.30pm

Design Building, Dance Studio, Quad South Hall

The Design Degree Show exhibition will be open on each day from 10.00am to 4.30pm. There will be students and staff available who will be happy to provide a guided tour of student work.

Thursday 12 June
7.00pm

Creative Centre Auditorium

Family and friends are invited to join us for the closing night and awards of the Design Degree Show. This is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our students at the culmination of their creative journey at York St John University.

Friends and family only.

Thursday 15 May and Friday 16 May
7.30pm

Creative Centre Auditorium

Join our Musical Theatre students for their production of the Rocky Horror Show, Richard O'Brien's rock 'n' roll musical. The show follows the story of Janet and Brad, two college kids whose car breaks down outside a creepy mansion, and features classic musical theatre songs including The Time Warp.

Book Rocky Horror Show tickets

Monday 27 May to Saturday 31 May

York Theatre Royal

Get ready for an electrifying week as a team of York St John students present an unforgettable takeover festival.

Takeover is a week-long festival with lots of fun creative activities for the whole family! As part of Takeover, the students of musical theatre, drama and acting at York St John University take part creating performances within their theatre company. Each show varies so every day of the week is a different experience.

This year the theme for takeover 2025 is disco, celebrating vibrant colours and funky beats. The festival promises to be a celebration of music, movement and talented performers. Audience members are encouraged to join in on all these dazzling disco events, so bring out the sequins and platform shoes. Don’t miss out on this chance to relive the magic of disco in the heart of York!

Takeover Festival

• Takeover 2025 Instagram
• Takeover 2025 TikTok

Wednesday 4 June
7.30pm

Creative Centre Auditorium

The York St John music department are putting on a performance to celebrate the joy of making music together. This concert features bands, choirs, drumming groups, and more, and showcases the wide range of music found in our community.

Book Music Showcase tickets

Friday 13 June
6.00pm

Creative Centre Auditorium

Students, industry guests and limited other guests are invited to join us for the Media Production Awards.

By invitation or ticket only.

Date and time to be confirmed

The Crescent

Students, industry guests and limited other guests are invited to join us for the Music Production Awards.

By invitation or ticket only.