EVENTS
Guide to THE BEST events in August
EVENT
Hacienda Classical
Fancy a bit of a rave-up once the gee-gees have done their thing at Doncaster? Then put your hands in the air like you just don’t care at this live orchestral clubbing series, featuring DJ Graeme Park, the Manchester Camerata orchestra, musicians, singers and guests performing well-known favourites and new versions of club classics all mixed continuously into one non-stop set.
August 19, Doncaster Racecourse, 01302 304200; doncaster-racecourse.co.uk
FESTIVAL
Freedom Festival
At the time of writing, the line-up of this year’s five-day Freedom Festival was still to be announced; but it is – as its website notes – ‘Hull’s longrunning arts festival (which) has flooded the city with thoughtprovoking and entertaining arts and culture for 16 years.’ Check out the site for the full run-down. August 30-September 3 Hull, freedomfestival.co.uk
ART
Bloom
This special exhibition, now flowering at York Art Gallery, features more flora than Monty Don’s allotment. Just the thing for summer, its theme is flowers, plants and gardens, and it includes works by artists Henri Fantin-Latour, Charles Ginner and Jan van Os, plus an installation by York-based artist, Jade Blood. Until October 8, York Art Gallery, 01904 687687; yorkartgallery.org.uk
ART
Cat Scott: Inner Horizons
Have you ever wondered: ‘What would it sound and feel like to be inside a bubble?’ If you have, you may have too much time on your hands. That said, and all cynicism aside, this interactive exhibit at the YSP Boathouse (presented as part of the YSP’s Curiosity and Wonder events, see next page) looks magical. Designed by Bradford-based artist Cat Scott, it’s described as ‘a deceptive, inner landscape of a scale that we, as humans, cannot usually physically experience ourselves.’ August 26-September 10, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, ysp.org.uk
COMEDY
Peter Kay
The genial Bolton comic’s first stand-up tour in 12 years, which is presumably why he’s christened it Better Late Than Never. How popular is he? Put it like this: he already played Sheffield back in February — but this is an extra date due to popular demand. ‘If there’s ever a time people need a laugh it’s now,’ explains Kay. He can say that again..
August 11&12, Utilita Arena, Sheffield utilitaarenasheffield.co.uk
CHILDREN
Winnie the Pooh: the Musical
Pooh, Christopher Robin, Piglet – and Tigger too – feature in a sweet-as-honey stage musical based on AA Milne’s stories which played in New (rather than old) York in 2021 to stellar reviews. Featuring life-size puppetry and an original score by Nate Edmondson, plus some of
