21-03-2025
First wizard festival set to cast a magical spell over York in May
York is set to stage its first-ever Wizard festival later in the spring.
The wizard idea came from Dan Wood, aka Phoenix the Red, owner of the award-winning The Wizard Walk of York.
WizardFest will take place during Saturday May 24 to Monday the 26th and has the support of Visit York, Make it York, and many local businesses.
Dan said: 'Since announcing WizardFest I've had lots of exciting companies come forward, for an event that will appeal to wizard fans of all ages.
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"We're flying the flag for all things magical in this enchanting city, and of course we'll be running plenty of extra Wizard Walks to meet demand!'
The Little Vikings guide will also promote the event.
Polly Bennett from Little Vikings said: 'This magical event is the perfect opportunity for families to explore the enchanting experiences York has to offer. We're thrilled to be supporting it!'
Fancy dress time! (Image: Pic supplied)
Some events are still to be confirmed, but so far there are extra Wizard Walks, Harry Potter films at City Screen, Lego workshops with The Brick Box, A Kind of Magic sessions from Story Craft Theatre, Witch and Wizard crafts with Avocado Events, bird of prey experiences, dragon meet-and-greets and more.
The Cat Gallery is running a competition to add to their regular Cat Trail, to which will be added a permanent Wizard of York cat. A competition will be held to name the magical mog.
A Magical Night Market will take place on the evening of Monday the 26th. Interested traders can email York-markets@ to book a stall.
The free Owl Trail returns to Shambles Market, and a Wizard Activity Area will appear on Parliament Street. Promised are majestic birds of prey to meet, face painting, wizard props and more.
Themed food and drink specials are also planned including Wizard Afternoon Teas at Plush Café, Beastly Burgers from Baby Boys Burgers at Spark:York and Phoenix cocktails and mocktails at Ate O' Clock too.
In addition, Florion Poirot, Monk Bar Chocolatiers and the Church Street ice cream parlour also has wizard related specials.
Save the date! (Image: Pic supplied)
Many local shops will offer discounts to visitors dressed as wizards.
The Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring has a new quest to lift the curse of dark wizard Mortius Darktrix.
Renowned artist Lincoln Lightfoot is also creating an exclusive Wizard of York print.
The festival will culminate in a fancy dress parade on Monday 26th May at 3pm from St. Helen's Square, with a contest for Best Dressed Witch or Wizard. Prizes include a Phoenix Lego set and family Wizard Walk tickets, dragon hatchlings from The Society of Alchemists and magical goody bags from The Shop That Must Not Be Named.
Details can be found at Wizard fans are advised to check that closer to the event, as the programme is subject to change.
Fans cans also follow for WizardFest updates and booking links, as many activities are bookable, with tickets expected to if by magic!
