Click on the image below for further updates on the 50+ Festival 2026!

York Older People’s Assembly and Age UK York
present the 21st annual 50+ festival 2026

York hosts festival dedicated to connection, creativity and ageing well in later life

The 2026 50+ Festival is a unique, two-week event featuring an exciting mix of talks, performances and social activities. The only festival in York dedicated to people over 50, offering free or low-cost activities while creating a space to challenge ageism and celebrate the energy, creativity and contributions of older people. 

Bring your friends and family along to enjoy a wide range of events designed to inspire, entertain and connect. 

Let's celebrate ageing, challenge stereotypes and show what's possible at every stage of life from all parts of the community.  

Check out last year's festival  

Last year's festival brought together around 1,500 people across 100 vibrant, inclusive events, earning praise for its organisation and clear communications. Its impact stretched beyond the programme too, with strong media coverage, radio interviews, standout films and over 22,000 Facebook views. 

Catch up on last year's festival here  

What's happening? 

The 50+ Festival will run from Thursday 1 October to Sunday 18 October 2026 with our eagerly awaited parade taking place on Saturday 3 October for residents and visitors alike.  

Why is it important?  

Celebrating our older community 

Founded in 2005, the festival celebrates the invaluable contribution of York's older residents and the important role they play in community life. 

Ageism is a significant and widespread issue with nearly half of people over 50 in England experiencing age discrimination. 

Our programme promotes healthy living, wellbeing and positive ageing while challenging ageism and outdated stereotypes. We work alongside local organisations to encourage older people to take part in social, cultural and community activities, creating opportunities to make new connections, build confidence and reduce loneliness and isolation. 

Together, we're helping to create a more inclusive community where people can stay active, engaged and connected at every stage of life. 

Watch our video with Sue Lister who founded the YOPA 50+ Festival in 2005 

"I turned 80 last year. I can do what I want. It's an empowering thing, you can be as curious as you like, have an open mind and never get stuck in a rut. Life happens, now deal with it. It's about knowing you are of value, you are the only person who is you in this world. Don't waste the opportunity." Sue Lister. 

Get involved  

There are still plenty of ways to get involved – put on an event, volunteer or explore sponsorship opportunities to help make this year's event a success. 

Run an event 

Although the deadline for inclusion in our printed programme has now passed you can feature your event in our online programme.  

See application form link below. 

Volunteering  

• Help distribute the 50+ festival programmes to local organisations and venues 

• Admin support, helping behind the scenes, marketing, fundraising and more  

• Saturday 3 October is our 50+ Day of Celebration – we especially need help with stewarding, joining the parade, or handing out leaflets in the city 

• Event space, hospitality, equipment, animations, donating a raffle prize or service 

Sponsorship 

A great opportunity to demonstrate your organisation's community engagement and goodwill to increase your brand awareness, and strengthen relationships with attendees.  See pack of options available via the link below. 

“I feel truly uplifted by the experience, especially in St Helens Square, seeing people’s curiosity turn to delight as our grand parade stopped them in their tracks. It was a joyful tribute and a wonderful reminder of the fun and spirit that older people bring to their community.” Professor Dianne Willcocks, vice chair of York Older People’s Assembly. 

Contact 

Have a question – Call us on 07965 246193 or email us yorkfiftyplus@gmail.com 

For latest updates, follow us on;   

https://www.instagram.com/york50plus 

https://www.facebook.com/YOPAyork50festival  

Click on the image above for more details about Sponsorship for the 2026 50+ Festival!

Click on the image above for more details about Events Participation for the 2026 50+ Festival!

York Older People's Assembly and Age UK York
present the 21st annual 50+ festival

50+ festival 2026

Planning has already commenced for the 2026 50+ Festival - a unique, two week event featuring an exciting mix of talks, performances and social activities. The only festival in York dedicated to people over 50, offering free or low-cost activities while creating a space to challenge ageism and celebrate the energy, creativity and contributions of older people.

It will run from Thursday 1 October to Sunday 18 October 2026 with our eagerly awaited parade taking place on Saturday 3 October.

Watch this space for more details on how to get involved.

Catch up on last year’s festival here.

Have a question - Call us on 07965 246193 or email us yorkfiftyplus@gmail.com

Click on the image above for more details about Sponsorship for the 2026 50+ Festival!

Click on the image above for more details about Events Participation for the 2026 50+ Festival!

Click on the image above for more details about the 50+ Festival 2026!