York Older People’s Assembly and Age UK York present
YORK 50+ FESTIVAL 2025
Celebrate life, connections and creativity at York’s only festival dedicated to the over 50s
York Older People’s Assembly (YOPA) and Age UK York are collaborating to host the York 50+ Festival – a unique, 10-day event featuring an exciting mix of talks, performances and social activities. The only festival in York dedicated to those over 50, it’s a fun social event where individuals, along with their friends and families, can explore available resources and enjoy free or low-cost activities.
What’s happening?
Embracing the UN designated International Day of Older People (IDOP) on 1 October, festival activities are taking place from Saturday 20 September to Wednesday 1 October with a Day of Celebration and Central Parade in York on Saturday 27 September.
This unique event brings together a fantastic mix of talks, performances and social events tailored to inspire, entertain, and connect. Activities are spread out across the city, delivered by local groups, businesses and organisations and are accessible to all.
As part of the celebration, eco-friendly leaves will be created to symbolise growth, connection and wisdom. These will be paraded through the city on Saturday 27 September culminating in a civic welcome, bringing the community together in a vibrant display of unity and recognition.
Save the dates
• Saturday 20 September – Festival opening event
• Saturday 27 September – York 50+ day of celebration
• Wednesday 1 October – International Day of Older People and recognition to all those who have supported
Our full programme of events will be released soon.
Why is it important?
With 77,030 residents aged over 50 in York, our goal is to highlight the evolving and diverse experience of growing older.
Since YOPA’s inception in 2001, views around ageing have changed significantly – people are living longer, spanning multiple generations and diverse communities, and redefining what it means to be 50+.
Twenty years ago, no one was playing walking football or pickleball. Expectations of later life are shifting drastically.
This festival is an invitation to actively participate in York’s vibrant community and offers a space to challenge ageism and celebrate the energy, creativity, and contributions of older people.
Get involved
Get involved
- Either as a volunteer, sponsor or putting on activities
- Be part of parade, prepare materials for shop windows to show off what older people contribute, displays, posters, installations, storyboards
Complete our event application form A below:
Calling Sponsors
Sponsoring the 50+ festival can be a great opportunity for local businesses and organisations. From volunteering your time, to placing an advert in the programme (from £100) to being a headline sponsor, we would love to hear from you.
See our sponsorship pack below with all the details:
Complete our business sponsorship and advertisements form B below:
Contact us
Call us on 07850 111299
Email us yorkfiftyplus@gmail.com
YOPA website
Age UK York website
Resources
Link to PR below
York Older People’s Assembly, St Sampson’s Centre, Church Street, YORK YO1 8BE
Tel: 07965 246193
We aim to:
- Represent the views of older people in York to decision makers locally and nationally
- Inform older people about services that are available
- Identify where needs are not being met
- Work with the local authority and others to make York an age-friendly city