National Centre for Early Music
Experience enchanting concerts in an 11th-century church, bathed in candlelight, featuring early music, jazz, folk, and popular tributes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical candlelight ambiance
National Centre for Early Music
Best Time
Magical candlelight ambiance
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience enchanting concerts in an 11th-century church, bathed in candlelight, featuring early music, jazz, folk, and popular tributes.
"The candlelight concerts are unreal, the atmosphere and music are amazing – a MUST visit in York!"
✨ Book Candlelight Concerts Early
These popular events sell out fast! Secure your tickets in advance for a magical musical experience.
🤫 Be Mindful During Performances
Avoid flash photography and noisy snacks to respect the artists and audience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Candlelight Concerts
Main performance space
Experience magical evenings with live music bathed in the glow of hundreds of electric candles.
Historic Medieval Church Venue
The entire building
Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of an 11th-century church, a stunning backdrop for any performance.
Diverse Music Festivals
Various performance spaces
Enjoy a rich program of early music, jazz, and folk festivals throughout the year.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Concerts
Respect Performance Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✨ Book Candlelight Concerts Early
These popular events sell out fast! Secure your tickets in advance for a magical musical experience.
🤫 Be Mindful During Performances
Avoid flash photography and noisy snacks to respect the artists and audience.
🥂 Enjoy the On-site Bar
A bar is available for refreshments before and during the performance.
🎶 Check Festival Lineups
Explore the diverse range of early music, jazz, and folk festivals hosted here.
Tips
from all over the internet
✨ Book Candlelight Concerts Early
These popular events sell out fast! Secure your tickets in advance for a magical musical experience.
🤫 Be Mindful During Performances
Avoid flash photography and noisy snacks to respect the artists and audience.
🥂 Enjoy the On-site Bar
A bar is available for refreshments before and during the performance.
🎶 Check Festival Lineups
Explore the diverse range of early music, jazz, and folk festivals hosted here.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the magical atmosphere of the Candlelight Concerts, praising the intimate setting within the historic 11th-century church. The diverse music festivals also receive positive mentions. However, some guests have been disappointed by disruptive audience behavior, such as flash photography and noisy snacks during performances, which staff did not always address.
"Lovely atmosphere and nice music selection. But unfortunately the performance wasn’t great. The most disappointing part is, there are many people using flashlights to take pictures while players still performing. It is allowed to take pictures and videos the last two songs, but it was very distracted when flash was coming on quite many times. Shockingly! There was even a woman keep eating a big bag of crisps while players were performing (not the last two songs). No staff came to stop her.
Can’t really enjoy the music for more than half of the time sadly."
Yuna Chen
"Wow
What can I say, my 4th candle light event, just can't get enough of how magical it all is, playing some of the greatest sound tracks ever writen, whats not to love, the atmosphere and music is amazing"
Luke Brailsford
"Wow. Just wow. The candlelight concert of Ed Sheeran and Coldplay was unreal. The atmosphere was great, quiet but you could tell that people were enjoying it. The staff were friendly and the facilities were very clean and up-to-date. I would give it 6 stars if I could. A MUST visit in York"
Noah Cooke
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Centre for Early Music is located in York. Visitors can typically reach it by public transport or car. Check local York transport guides for the most up-to-date bus routes and parking information near the venue.
Parking availability can vary in historic city centers. It's advisable to research nearby public car parks in York before your visit to ensure convenient access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can usually be purchased directly through the National Centre for Early Music's official website or authorized ticketing partners. It's recommended to book in advance, especially for popular candlelight concerts.
Ticket prices often vary depending on the event, artist, and seating. Check the specific event listing on their website for detailed pricing information.
Opening hours are typically tied to event schedules. The venue usually opens its doors about an hour before a performance begins, with a bar available.
Photography is generally permitted only during the last two songs of a performance. Using flash photography during the main part of the concert is discouraged and can be disruptive.
The venue aims to be accessible. It's best to contact the National Centre for Early Music directly to discuss specific accessibility needs and arrangements.
🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience
The candlelight concerts are described as magical and unreal, with hundreds of electric candles creating a serene and intimate atmosphere.
The center hosts a variety of music, including early music, jazz, and folk festivals, as well as popular tribute concerts like those for Ed Sheeran and Hans Zimmer.
Yes, the venue typically has a bar available for refreshments and multiple restrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for attendees.
Performances, particularly the candlelight concerts, are often around an hour in duration without an interval, making for a focused musical experience.
The venue is described as perfect in size, offering an intimate setting for performances.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While a bar is available for drinks, dedicated food service might be limited. It's advisable to dine before your event or check with the venue for any specific offerings.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the performance venue. This includes snacks like crisps, as they can be disruptive.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is usually allowed only during the final two songs of a performance.
No, flash photography is not allowed during performances as it is very distracting to the musicians and audience.
The entire venue offers a unique backdrop, especially with the candlelight setup. Capturing the ambiance of the historic church and the stage adorned with candles can make for striking photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to check the specific event details for age recommendations. For younger children, be mindful of the quiet etiquette required during performances, as disruptive behavior like rustling snack bags can detract from the experience for others.
🎶 Music Enthusiasts
Beyond the specialized festivals, the Candlelight Concerts offer a fresh perspective on popular music, reimagining well-known songs in a classical string quartet format. This provides an opportunity for music enthusiasts to hear familiar tunes in a completely new and enchanting way. The venue's commitment to quality performances and its unique atmosphere make it a standout destination for anyone passionate about live music.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Candlelight Concerts
These events are not just about the music; they are a complete sensory immersion. The soft glow of the candles, combined with the acoustics of the ancient church, creates a profoundly moving experience. While photography is allowed in the final songs, the true essence is best captured by being present and absorbing the ambiance. The venue's size is often noted as being perfect, contributing to the intimate feel where no seat feels too far from the stage.
Given their popularity, booking tickets well in advance is crucial. These concerts are a testament to how innovative programming can breathe new life into historic venues, making them vibrant cultural hubs. Whether you're a fan of classical music, film scores, or contemporary artists, there's likely a Candlelight Concert that will captivate you.
A Venue Steeped in History
Visitors often remark on the beautifully decorated interior, especially during the Candlelight Concerts, where hundreds of battery-powered candles create a serene and calm ambiance. This blend of ancient structure and thoughtful modern presentation makes the venue a destination in itself. The intimate size of the space ensures that audiences feel connected to the performances, regardless of the genre.
Exploring the venue before a performance allows you to appreciate its historical significance. The combination of its age and its role as a contemporary arts center makes it a fascinating place to visit, offering a glimpse into both the past and the vibrant present of York's cultural scene.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit