In 2019 Selby District Council were successful in an application to create a High Street Action Zone in Selby town centre around the Grade 1 listed Selby Abbey. The government-funded programme led by Historic England is designed to secure lasting improvements and help breathe new life into historic high streets.
Historic England is the public body that helps care for England’s historic environment.
Over the summer, there are lots of interesting and unusual events going on in the Selby District for everyone to enjoy that will capture and celebrate the town’s stories.
Selby District Council’s Lead Executive Member for Health and Culture, Cllr Tim Grogan, has said “There is something for everyone in this programme of events. I’m delighted to see that the town’s rich history is being highlighted in different ways throughout the summer.“
Historic England’s Veronica Fiorato has said, “We are really pleased to be funding these fantastic summer events through the Selby High Street Heritage Action Zone. They will give local people of all ages the opportunity to both celebrate Selby’s history and contribute their own stories about the town and its heritage.“
See the list of events below:
Talking Shop Story Collection – 22nd July between 1-3pm, Selby Library (Book a slot)
Meet the character Marjorie Gasgoyne. This story collection is an opportunity to share stories of people working, living and shopping in Selby and sharing the heritage stories already known about Selby.
Talking Shop – Drop by at one of the four timed slots in the morning and afternoon of 16th August
Marjorie will return to 50 Micklegate with other characters to share 15-minute performances.
Selby Faces Workshops – Workshops occur on the 10th, 17th and 24th of August, 2pm-4pm at Selby Abbey. (For children aged 6-12.) (Book a slot).
Find out about the famous faces of Selby and learn how to paint their portrait in watercolour with the help of artist Karen Thompson.
Storytime – 2:30-3:15 30th July, 13th August, 27th August. (No booking needed)
Join the Selby Library team in the grounds of The Abbey and find out about this years reading challenges. Wild World Heroes for children aged 4- 11 and Buzzy Bee’s Honey Hunt for pre-school children.
Building a Lego Selby – 10 and 11am on 27th July, 11th August, and 18th August. (No booking needed).
Drop by the West end of Selby Abbey to find lego-builders and build something for the town centre.
Further information about all of the events taking place and how to book them can be found on the Selby District Council website.
More information about Historic England and the Heritage Action Zones can be found here.
