More than 70 free performances coming to York city centre
Nine evenings of live music are coming to Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice.
Live For St Leonard’s returns from Friday 18th to Saturday 26th September, showcasing some of the best of York’s local music scene with free performances from 5pm to 9pm each evening as part of York Food & Drink Festival 2026.
Organised by York BID, in partnership with York Food & Drink Festival, the events are free to attend, with audiences encouraged to donate to the Hospice. Since Live For St Leonard’s began in 2021, it’s raised more than £25,000 to support local patients and their families.
Now in its sixth year, the festival offers a relaxed, family-friendly programme while encouraging people to spend longer in the city centre and supporting the early evening economy.
This year’s line-up spans bands, solo artists and acoustic performers, including The Y Street Band, That Guy Called Si, Bang Bang Bng, Jess Gardham, Melting Pot and Georgette Hilton. York College will also take over both stages on Monday 21st September, giving emerging local musicians the chance to perform in the city centre.
Chris Bush, Business Manager at York BID, said: “There’s something special about walking through the city centre and hearing live music coming from Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square. For nine evenings, people can stop to watch a favourite local band, discover someone new or simply enjoy the atmosphere while they’re in the city.
“York has an incredible amount of musical talent, and Live For St Leonard’s gives more than 70 performances a place right in the heart of the city. Best of all, it brings people together while raising vital funds for St Leonard’s Hospice.
“It’s completely free to enjoy, so we hope people will come along, stay for a set or two and donate whatever they can.”
Michael Hjort, Director, York Food & Drink Festival, said: “Live for St Leonard’s has become a real highlight of York Food & Drink Festival. It adds a fantastic atmosphere to the city centre in the evenings, giving people even more reason to stay, explore and enjoy everything York has to offer. Great food, live music and a brilliant cause is a combination that really brings people together, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
Live For St Leonard’s takes place during York Food & Drink Festival, allowing visitors to enjoy the festival’s food and drink offering alongside an evening of live entertainment. Staff and volunteers will be collecting donations by cash and card throughout the nine days.
The full line-up is available at: https://www.theyorkbid.com/live-for-st-leonards/