What's On
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TALK
FREE TOUR
The Uncomfortable York™ Tour
Sunday 7 June 2026: 11:00AM - 12:20AM
Join a free version of our signature Uncomfortable York™ Tour for the York Festival of Ideas 2026!
Enjoy an insightful walking tour of York, highlighting untold histories and diverse narratives. Go beyond the conventional stories of the city’s past as we explore the impact of women, people of colour and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
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The tour contains no stairs or curbs, but please note sometimes uneven pavement in the city centre and crowding on busy days.
TALK
Unlocking the Chains - Madness and Medicine across York’s History
Thursday 11 June 2026: 6:30PM - 7:30PM
Join us for an insightful public talk on the history of medicine and mental health in York during the York Festival of Ideas 2026.
What does York’s past reveal about how we have cared for bodies and minds? Paula Larsson, vaccine historian and co-director at Uncomfortable York traces the city’s evolving history of medicine and mental health, exploring how ideas of illness, treatment and control have shaped York and its people. Our event foregrounds the experiences and contributions of women, people of colour and LGBTQIA+ individuals whose stories are often overlooked in this narrative.
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We’ll ask thought-provoking questions about power and compassion, questioning who gets to tell the story of the city. Whether you’re a history lover or simply curious about York’s past, this event will bring you new stories about the city you thought you knew.
We encourage talk attendees to make a donation to support our work.
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Wheelchair Accessible.