Thirsk events – live music, theatre, workshops and community events in Thirsk

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Upcoming events in and around Thirsk

Today's Date - Friday 27th March 2026


Thursday, April 23rd 2026
Knights Templar of Westerlake
Thirkleby Village Hall

Join Thirkleby Local History Society for an engaging talk by Carol Wilson exploring the history of the Knights Templar of Westerlake. A fascinating afternoon for anyone interested in local heritage and history.
Time: 2pm
Cost: Annual subscription £15, Visitors £3.00
Tel: 01845 501365
Tickets: Contact A Stoney


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Friday, April 24th 2026
Textures in Watercolour
Helmsley Arts Centre, Meeting House Ct, Helmsley YO62 5DW

Explore the art of watercolour with a focus on creating rich and expressive textures in this inspiring workshop led by Ione Harrison. Learn techniques to add depth and character to your paintings and bring your artwork to life.
Time: 10am
Tel: 01439 771700
Website: Visit website


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Thursday, April 30th 2026
Spilman's Tulip Festival
Dates: Wed 1 Apr 2026 - Thu 30 Apr 2026
Venue: Church Farm Sessay, YO7 3NB
Details: Celebrate spring in the Yorkshire countryside with a spectacular display of 250,000 tulips across fifty stunning varieties. Wander through vibrant fields of colour and experience the true beauty of tulips in bloom at this popular seasonal festival.

Tickets: See website
Email: (mailto:hellospilmans@gmail.com)
Web: (http://www.spilmans.co.uk)

A perfect spring day out for families, photographers, and flower lovers alike.


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Saturday, May 2nd 2026
Thirsk Hunt Cup Day
Thirsk Racecourse, Station Rd, Thirsk YO7 1QL

Enjoy a fantastic day at Thirsk races with the highlight of the season - the prestigious Thirsk Hunt Cup. Watch top-class sprinters battle it out on the track, alongside a lively atmosphere featuring live music, bars and a variety of food vendors. Upgrade your experience with one of the hospitality packages and reserve a table for the day.
Offer: Saver Rate available when booked before midnight on Wednesday 29th April - prices increase after this date
Tickets: Book in advance to save


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Saturday, May 16th 2026
AND THEY'RE OFF at Thirsk Races - Irish Day - Get ready to go green and celebrate in true Irish style at our Irish Day! Enjoy a fantastic atmosphere with exhilarating races on the track, live Irish tunes from The Emerald Thieves, and an unforgettable day of entertainment.
Tickets available from Tuesday 2nd December. For advance dining or private hospitality bookings, please contact: info@thirskracecourse.net


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Sunday, May 31st 2026
Sky Bet Sunday Series
Thirsk Racecourse has been chosen to host a Sky Bet Sunday Series raceday - Expect an afternoon of top-class, competitive racing, broadcast live on ITV, with fantastic prize money drawing leading trainers and jockeys to the track. It's the ideal way to enjoy a Sunday with family and friends - an event you won't want to miss!
Tickets on sale from Tuesday 2nd December
For advance dining or private hospitality enquiries, please email info@thirskracecourse.net


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Friday, June 5th 2026
Afternoon Racing

Start the weekend off on a Friday with family and friends at Thirsk Races - an event you won't want to miss!
www.thirskracecourse.net/events/thirsk-races-2026-dates/
Tickets on sale from Tuesday 2nd December
For advance dining or private hospitality enquiries, please email info@thirskracecourse.net


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Tuesday, June 16th 2026
Afternoon Racing featuring Royal Ascot

Midweek Racing at Thirsk Races.
www.thirskracecourse.net/events/thirsk-races-2026-dates/


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Wednesday, July 1st 2026
Afternoon Racing

Mid summer Racing at Thirsk Races.
www.thirskracecourse.net/events/thirsk-races-2026-dates/


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Thursday, July 16th 2026
Afternoon Racing

Mid summer Racing at Thirsk Races.
www.thirskracecourse.net/events/thirsk-races-2026-dates/


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Keep checking back for new events

 

Make sure to visit Thirsk - A PERFECT LOCATION FOR ANY OCCASION...



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HOW TO GET TO THIRSK



By car - Thirsk is located just off the A19 and around 40 minutes from the historic city of York.

By train - LNER and Grand Central Trains run regularly to Thirsk train station.

ATTRACTIONS - Thirsk Cinema

Since 1995 the cinema has been run by a dedicated team, the cinema always aims to screen recent film releases to the town at affordable prices. A volunteer operated cinema in Thirsk.

Open seven days a week screening current films.
The Ritz doors open at 7pm each evening with the main film being shown at 7.30pm.

16 Westgate, Thirsk, YO7 1QS
Tel: 01845 524751

Visit site:

James Herriot Museum in Thirsk: A Tribute to the Beloved Veterinarian

worldofjamesherriot.com

museum
Thirsk is famously associated with Alf Wight, the vet-turned-author known as James Herriot.

Step inside to the multi award winning visitor attraction - for fans of the beloved veterinarian and author James Herriot, a visit to the James Herriot Museum in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, is a pilgrimage that offers a unique glimpse into the life and work of the man behind the heartwarming stories of country life and veterinary practice.

The museum, located in the very building where Herriot once practiced, provides a captivating experience for fans and anyone with an interest in rural life, animals, and the history of veterinary medicine.

The James Herriot Museum is housed in a beautifully preserved 1940s period house, reminiscent of the days when Herriot, whose real name was James Alfred Wight, tended to the animals of the Yorkshire Dales. The museum is a celebration of not only Herriot's literary achievements but also his dedication to the welfare of animals and the rural community of Thirsk. With its carefully curated exhibits, the museum offers visitors an intimate look at the world that inspired Herriot's iconic tales.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a treasure trove of personal memorabilia, including Herriot's writing desk, personal artifacts, and original veterinary instruments. These authentic items provide an immersive experience, transporting visitors back to the time when Herriot treated his quirky animal patients and forged enduring bonds with the local farmers and residents.

The museum also houses a recreation of his famous surgery, complete with the actual instruments and equipment he used during his practice.

One of the most charming features is its meticulously recreated 1940s-era living room, which offers an evocative portrayal of domestic life during Herriot's time. The attention to detail in this exhibit helps visitors understand the everyday life and challenges faced by Herriot and his colleagues, further enriching the experience of stepping into the world of "All Creatures Great and Small."

The museum doesn't just focus on the professional life of James Herriot; it also showcases his literary legacy. Visitors can explore an extensive collection of editions of his books, foreign translations, and rare manuscripts.

Additionally, the museum hosts temporary exhibits that delve into various aspects of Herriot's life and work, ensuring that each visit offers something new and engaging.

For fans of the "All Creatures Great and Small" television series, the museum offers a behind-the-scenes look at the show's production, featuring original props, photographs, and anecdotes from the cast and crew. This aspect of the museum serves as a delightful addition for those who have been charmed by the small-screen adaptation of Herriot's tales.

In conclusion, the James Herriot Museum stands as a fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of a man whose love for animals and the Yorkshire countryside captured the hearts of readers around the world.

Whether you're a die-hard fan of his literary works or simply have an appreciation for the art of storytelling, a visit to the museum in Thirsk promises an immersive and enriching experience that celebrates the life and work of James Herriot, the beloved veterinarian and author.

Tel: 01845 524234 - World of James Herriot Ltd, 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1PL

Shopping in Thirsk

places to visit in Thirsk

Once upon a time ... if my memory serves me well, there was the traditional half-day closing on a Wednesday in my hometown.

These days however, the shops (including the ones in Thirsk) are open mainly from 9am to 5.30pm - Monday to Saturday, including Sundays too, with restricted hours.


INDEPENDENT STORES
In Thirsk, you can shop in the smaller, more independent stores and there are plenty of them to choose from, along with the bigger traditional shops, like Tesco, Lidl, The Co-operative and Heron Foods.

Just one of the delightful things about shopping in Thirsk is the little alleyways tucked away, where you will discover tea shops, clothes shops and furniture sellers that you may not have known even existed.

Also, you will hear the sounds and the smells of bakers, butchers and flower shops spread out around this lovely historic place.


MARKET PLACE - GET YOUR FRESH FRUIT & VEG
Try not to miss the open-air market in the Medieval market square on a Monday or Saturday and a chance to buy your fresh produce - the regular weekly markets are operated in the town's historical cobbled Market Place - come along and enjoy the experience of the market, which is part of the local scene. Make sure to get down there nice and early if possible. Opens at 8.30am.


PARKING
Car parking is free for one hour in the market place.


BANKS
At the time of publishing this site - the Banks in the town include Barclays Bank, HSBC, Lloyds Bank and Nationwide Building Society, all situated in the Market Place.


CITY OF YORK
If you fancy visiting York for even more shopping - the city is just over 23 miles away from Thirsk Via the A19 (around 35 minutes).
There is also the train you can hop onto, whch takes around 16 minutes. Thirsk Railway Station, Station Road, Thirsk YO7 4LS

nationalrail.co.uk


Weather in Thirsk

weather
THIRSK WEATHER

The Ritz Cinema

ritz cinema
16 Westgate, Thirsk YO7 1QS

Whats On

Thirsk Hall

Thirsk Hall
A stunning Georgian-style country house. It was constructed in 1723 by John Bell. This timeless residence has been lovingly maintained by generations of the same family and holds the prestigious Grade II listing, symbolizing its historical and architectural significance.

Nestled within expansive, exquisitely landscaped grounds, Thirsk Hall boasts formal gardens, walled gardens and extensive parkland. In recent times, the addition of modern sculptures has beautifully blended traditional landscaping with contemporary art.

Having transformed into a vibrant cultural venue, the hall regularly hosts art exhibitions and events.

The sculpture garden proudly showcases works by contemporary artists, while the estate welcomes the public for open garden days and weddings, despite being a private residence.
Certain parts of the estate are also occasionally accessible to the public for special events or private tours, offering a captivating insight into its rich history and art collection.

Thirsk Hall's influence extends beyond its architectural grandeur, as it stands as a cultural focal point in North Yorkshire, seamlessly intertwining its heritage with modern artistic expression.

A Country Home to the Arts