YORK — As the acclaimed live series returns for its third year, Live at York Museum Gardens and York Comedy Festival have shared ticket details, gate times, stage times, new layout maps and more ahead of the weekend of live music and comedy.
Live at York Museum Gardens 2026 will see the already sold out headliners, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, kick off the series on Thursday 9th July with Sheffield’s own Self Esteem performing on Friday 10th; Welsh art rock legends Super Furry Animals on Saturday 11th July and the return of the York Comedy Festival on Sunday 12th featuring Russell Howard, Ross Noble, Joanne McNally and many more.
The 2026 Line-Up & Day-by-Day Guide
Thursday 9th July: Synth-Pop Pioneers
- Headliner: Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
- Support Acts: Heaven 17, China Crisis, Andrew Cushin
- Gate Opening Time: 5:00pm
- Last Entry: 8:30pm
- Event Curfew: 10:30pm
Friday 10th July: Contemporary Indie & Pop
- Headliner: Self Esteem
- Support Acts: The Big Moon, Moonchild Sanelly, Joshua Idehen
- Gate Opening Time: 5:00pm
- Last Entry: 8:30pm
- Event Curfew: 10:30pm
Saturday 11th July: Art-Rock Legends
- Headliner: Super Furry Animals
- Support Acts: Baxter Dury, Los Campesinos!, Divorce, Pys Melyn
- Gate Opening Time: 4:00pm
- Last Entry: 8:30pm
- Event Curfew: 10:30pm
Please note: Set times for each music act will vary per event. Attendees are advised to check the official Live at York Museum Gardens social media channels on the day where specific set times will be published ahead of time. There is no readmittance to the site; once you leave, you will not be allowed to re-enter.
Sunday 12th July: York Comedy Festival Official Stage Times
The York Comedy Festival will open its gates early at 3:00pm, with last entry strictly enforced at 8:15pm. Stage times for the day are scheduled as follows (subject to change, fans are encouraged to check festival socials on the day):
- 4:20pm – 4:45pm: Nabil Abdulrashid
- 4:50pm – 5:15pm: Jeff Innocent
- 5:45pm – 6:10pm: Barry from Watford
- 6:15pm – 6:40pm: Suzi Ruffell
- 7:10pm – 7:35pm: Russell Kane
- 7:40pm – 8:05pm: Joanne McNally
- 8:35pm – 9:05pm: Ross Noble
- 9:30pm – 10:00pm: Russell Howard
New Site Layout & Premium Upgrades
Entering their third year within the botanical gardens of the city’s beloved landmark, the team behind Live at York Museum Gardens have come to know the site well and, together with York Museums Trust, have refined how the event fits and feels within the garden walls. New downloadable site maps have been shared on the Live at York Museum Gardens FAQ page with other relevant information.
The Box Office is located adjacent to the General Admission Entrance via Museum Street whilst the newly situated Premium Ticket Entrance is via Exhibition Square. The Live at York Museum Gardens Premium Area has been moved to an entirely new location closer to the action with a Hang Out Area featuring seating, premium facilities, an exclusive food vendors, along with access to a new first come first serve, free flowing Premium Standing Platform with an unparalleled view of the stage within its botanical surroundings, optimising the site layout and premium customer experience.
Essential Travel & Parking Information
Located in the heart of historic York, traveling to and from Live at York Museum Gardens using public transport wherever possible is advised. York Museum Gardens is located just half a mile from York Train Station and there are numerous bus stops nearby.
Extended Park & Ride Services
York has six Park & Ride sites located on the outskirts of the city, providing regular bus services to and from the city center. On event days, the Park & Ride service is adding an extra bus for Route No. 2, which goes from Museum Street to Grimston Bar. The last bus will depart from Museum Street at 22:45. Please note that the car park will be locked at midnight.
A Growing Cultural Partnership
Founded in the 1830s and sitting in the heart of the city, York Museum Gardens are over 10 acres of picturesque botanic gardens set against the backdrop of the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey and home to the Yorkshire Museum. Today, the gardens welcome around 1.3 million visitors a year as a space to relax and enjoy.
From bringing musical legends and stand up comedians to York, along with providing an incredible platform for rising regional talent; the event’s promoters, Leeds based Futuresound Group and York Museums Trust are looking forward to another season of creative collaboration to deliver amazing outdoor summer concerts.
Rachel Hill, Project Manager, Futuresound Group said:
We’re so proud of how Live at York Museum Gardens has grown, and we’re looking forward to seeing the changes we’ve made to the site this year, ensuring that everyone enjoys their time in such a beautiful space.
None of this would have been possible without the continued collaboration, trust and support of the team at York Museums Trust; the opportunity to put together such an incredible bill for the summer makes us excited for the future of our partnership
