York Environment Festival comes to York St John 

York St John University is proudly supporting and hosting events for York Environment Festival (YEFest) 2026 this autumn. 

YEFest is a city-wide festival that showcases and celebrates the work of environment groups active in York. With over 100 events this year, the focus is on future generations and how we can take action towards more sustainable and resilient ways of living and working. 

Students and staff at York St John are involved in the festival in a number of ways, with events across our Lord Mayor’s Walk campus as well as our latest venue, the beautiful and historic Kings Manor. 

Sustainability is a key objective in our University for Social Impact Strategy with sector-leading sustainability work and projects on our campuses. Festival visitors will be able to engage with our multi-award-winning Living Lab programme and see how it’s supporting students with the Friendly Living Fund scheme.  Visitors are also invited to explore our green campus and see Biodiversity schemes in action through the lens of philosophy and traditional healing.  

Sarah Williams, York St John University’s Sustainability team manager said: 

“We’re delighted to be playing our part in York Environment Festival this year. 2026 has seen the climate crisis in the spotlight more than ever with a summer of record-breaking temperatures locally and devastating earth events further afield.  

“The festival is a powerful and timely way to hear about inspiring, local sustainability work here in York and hopefully learn more about how our own actions can have a positive impact.” 

York St John is hosting the following as part of YEFest 2026: 

• What happens when the food system breaks down? - Monday October 5  (Lord Mayor’s Walk Campus). YSJ Sustainability team is hosting an informal people’s assembly focused on young people in the food system and resiliency in face of a changing climate; there will be a focus on local action and how a new wave of farmers and producers are shaping the future.YEFest 2026 - What happens when the food system breaks down? Tickets, Monday, October 5  •  6 PM - 8 PM | Eventbrite  

• Exploring Environmental Philosophy through the Magic of Plants - Wednesday 7 and Wednesday 21 October (Lord Mayor’s Walk Campus). A guided walk and talk exploring the folklore and magic of native and naturalised plants growing in Britain today. Upcoming : Exploring Environmental Philosophy through the Magic of Plants | York St John University 

• STEWdent and Song - Friday 9 October (Kings Manor). The YSJ Living Lab is collaborating with York Together and Singing Resistance York to bring you a feast for your ears, voice, belly and mind. Upcoming : STEWdent and Song | York St John University 

• National Emergency Briefing and panel (Lord Mayor’s Walk Campus, Creative Centre). Join us for a screening of the National Emergency Briefing and a panel on the climate and nature crisis facing us all and how we can move to a better future together.  YEFest 2026 - National Emergency Briefing with panel Tickets, Thursday, October 22  •  6 PM - 8 PM | Eventbrite 

View the full programme for York Environment Festival 2026 Events from October 3 – October 7 – York Environment Festival