Looking for a joyful family day out in York this summer? You’re warmly invited to Homestead Park Festival: Here is Hope – a free, family-friendly festival packed with music, creativity and connection, all set in the beautiful grounds of Homestead Park. It’s taking place on 5th and 6th July 2025, and it’s completely free.
Whether you’re bringing a blanket and picnic for the day, or just popping in for a play or a performance, there’s something here for everyone and it won’t cost you a penny to take part.
What’s Happening at the Festival?
Homestead Park Festival: Here is Hope is a weekend celebration bursting with playful performances, hands-on activities and moments of inspiration for all ages. You can enjoy:
🎵 Live music in the meadows
🎭 Theatre, storytelling and performance in natural settings
🎨 Creative workshops for all ages
🌿 Nature-based crafts and activities
🔥 Campfire conversations and inspiring talks
🍓 Delicious food and drink stalls, plus picnic spots galore
🧩 Free play zones, giant marble runs and imaginative spaces
💬 Space to connect, reflect and dream together
We’re teaming up with the brilliant Wild Rumpus to create a truly magical experience across different themed areas of the park:
- Here is Play – for climbing, making and running wild in nature among the trees
- Here is Music – a stage surrounded by wildflowers in the Lower Meadow
- Here is Action – creative, crafty spaces in the glasshouses
- Here is Conversation – thoughtful storytelling among the birch trees in the Upper Meadow
- Here is the Future – immersive storytelling and visioning
- Here is Hope – a vibrant gathering space on the Main Lawn for shared inspiration
A Festival with Heart
Homestead Park was gifted to the people of York over 100 years ago and this festival honours that legacy of community, generosity and imagination. In fact, Homestead Park used to host much-loved family carnivals in the past and we’re bringing that tradition back to life in a new, exciting way!
As we mark the centenary year of Joseph Rowntree, this weekend will also be a moment to explore new beginnings, how we care for each other, our communities and the future.
Family Friendly Info
This is a family-friendly festival where all ages are welcome. You’ll find:
- Baby changing facilities in the toilet block by the main lawn
- Lost person point & first aid at the Information Tent
- Free activities suitable for a wide range of ages
- Workshops and activities for the whole family
- Breastfeeding welcome anywhere on site
- Well-behaved dogs are welcome at the festival. Please keep them on a lead everywhere, and steer clear of the children’s playground unless you have a trained assistance dog.
Food and drink
You’re welcome to bring a picnic for an entirely free day, or treat yourselves to something tasty from one of our fantastic food vendors (offering options for all dietary needs).
Please note: there’s no alcohol on sale but you’re welcome to bring your own (no glass, please).
Getting to the Festival
🚫 No general parking available – accessible parking only. We encourage walking, cycling or public transport to the event
🏙️ The park is close to the centre of York, about a 30-minute walk (1.5 miles/2km) from the city centre and about a 20-minute walk (1 mile/1.5km) from the train station.
🚶♀️ The pedestrian entrances on Water End, Shipton Road and River Ouse path will be open for pedestrians and cyclists
🚌 Closest bus stop: Ouse Lea, approximately 200m from the entrance. Buses 30, 30x, 31x, 74, 80, 825, 875, m31, and the 2A Park and Ride all stop here.
🚲 Cycle parking available onsite – please dismount at the gate
📍 Homestead Park, Clifton, York YO30 6WP
🌐 More travel info and access details available on the festival website
Access & Inclusion
Homestead Park Festival is for everyone. There’s:
- Step-free access across much of the site
- A Mobiloo accessible toilet with hoist and changing bench
- BSL interpreters across the weekend
- A quiet space onsite
- Access support and contact info available in the full Access Pack
Be Part of Homestead Park Festival: Here is Hope
We’re also on the lookout for volunteers and York-based creatives to help make the weekend shine. Whether you want to help with workshops, welcome guests or support access needs – we’d love to hear from you.
Get involved: www.homesteadparkfest.org/volunteer
Come for an hour or stay all day – we can’t wait to welcome you! Together, let’s celebrate community, creativity, the joy of being in nature and a future full of hope.
Homestead Park Festival, York – 5th and 6th July 2025 – Free
This is a sponsored feature in partnership with our friends at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation
