Welcome to Yorkshire
Inspiration • May 20th, 2026
|Families in York are in for a treat this June as a life-sized animatronic elephant named Jumbo makes a special appearance on Coney Street. This exciting event is part of the Family Friendly Saturday series organised by York BID, which aims to create fun and engaging experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Jumbo the Elephant
Jumbo, who will be 2 metres tall, is set to enchant children and adults with his lifelike features. He will be making his grand debut on Saturday, 6th June, with three scheduled appearances at 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm. Positioned near St Martin’s Clock, Jumbo will not only look impressive but will also interact with the crowd, making realistic elephant sounds and moving in a way that mimics a real elephant. This is a fantastic opportunity for families to experience a little bit of jungle magic right in the heart of York.
Family Friendly Saturdays
This event marks the eleventh Family Friendly Saturday hosted by York BID, an initiative that has successfully welcomed thousands of families to the city centre.
Carl Alsop, Operations Manager at York BID, expressed excitement about Jumbo's arrival:
“We’re so excited to bring Jumbo the Elephant to Coney Street this June. This is our eleventh Family Friendly Saturday, and we’re incredibly proud to have welcomed thousands of families into the city centre through these playful, memorable experiences.”
The Family Friendly Saturdays are designed to transform public spaces in York, making them more inviting and enjoyable for everyone. These events often feature large-scale installations and performances that capture the imagination and provide a break from the daily routine.
Event Details
Here are the key details for the Jumbo the Elephant event:
Where: Area around St Martin’s Clock on Coney Street
When: Saturday, 6th June
Showtimes: 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm
