York’s beloved Live for St Leonard’s festival is back, bringing nine days of live music to the city in support of St Leonard’s Hospice. Running from Friday 20th to Saturday 28th September, this community event blends local talent, charitable giving, and the city’s rich food culture.
Held alongside the York Food & Drinks Festival, the event promises vibrant entertainment with performances taking place in Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square.
Live music for a good cause
Organised by York BID in partnership with YorkMix, and sponsored by City Cruises, this festival is a major charity event. Every evening from 5pm to 9pm, visitors can enjoy free live performances, with all proceeds going to support St Leonard’s Hospice. Event staff and volunteers will be collecting donations, encouraging visitors to contribute generously to this significant cause.
Since its inception in 2021, the festival has raised almost £14,000 for St Leonard’s Hospice, with last year alone generating more than £5,000. The hospice provides free care for people with life-limiting illnesses in the York area, making community fundraising events like these crucial for its operations.
A stellar lineup of local talent
The 2024 festival will feature performances from a variety of talented local acts, offering something for every musical taste. This year’s lineup includes:
- The Supermodels
- Jess Gardham
- Attention Freaks
- Gary Stewart
- Bang Bang Bang
- The Echoes
- Miles & The Chain Gang
- In Pictures
- Harry Arnison Band
- Tri-Starrs
- Paisley Flames
- The Rusty Pegs
- Embers
- Accidently Acoustic
- …and many more!
For those interested in exploring the full lineup, the complete schedule is available here.
Supporting local causes
The festival not only brings fantastic music to York’s city centre but also highlights the importance of community support for local charities like St Leonard’s Hospice. For over 35 years, the hospice has offered care to patients with serious illnesses, relying on donations to continue providing this invaluable service.
Annie Keogh, Community Development Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, expressed her gratitude for the continued support:
“We’re delighted that yet again the York Food & Drink Festival and York BID have chosen to support St Leonard’s. It’s a brilliant line-up every night, and we’re grateful to all the bands for supporting us.”
With a lively atmosphere, excellent music, and a great cause at the heart of it, Live for St Leonard’s promises to be a highlight of the York cultural calendar. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, it’s the perfect opportunity to soak up the city’s vibrant arts scene while supporting a worthy cause.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic event—head into York, enjoy the live performances, and help raise much-needed funds for St Leonard’s Hospice.
