Enjoy A Weekend of Wonderful Things (Image courtesy of Yorkshire Sculpture Park)
When: 14th – 16th July 2017
Where: Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield WF4 4LG
£: Admission is free, but there is a charge to use the car park. Some of the events carry an extra charge
What is it?
This summer, Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) celebrates its 40th anniversary with A Weekend of Wonderful Things. From Friday 14th to Sunday 16th July, from dawn until dusk, visitors can encounter everything that is wonderful about YSP with a range of special events and experiences. Enjoy art from all angles, with space to breathe in the park’s 500-acre landscape, complemented by delicious food and drink.
A Weekend of Wonderful Things is a great opportunity to see some of YSP’s exhibitions out of hours. Be among the first to see Occasional Geometries: Rana Begum Curates the Arts Council Collection, in Longside Gallery; experience mind-boggling sculptures made from dice, glass, stainless steel and bronze in Tony Cragg: A Rare Category of Objects, in the Underground Gallery, Garden Gallery and open air; and take a look at Alice Pattullo’s superstition and folklore-inspired prints in Of House and Home, in the YSP Centre.
The weekend is also a chance to discover an exciting display of new work in the open air by leading international artists, also part of the anniversary celebrations. New installations include Ai Weiwei’s dramatic group of 12 bronze Zodiac Heads and Wilsis, a beautiful seven-metre-high cast iron head by Jaume Plensa which overlooks the lake.
The full programme of events:
Friday 14th July
Occasional Geometries Exclusive Public Viewing
Be among the first to see Occasional Geometries in Longside Gallery. This event us suitable for all ages and takes place from 3pm to 4.30pm. Free.
An Art Adventure After Hours
Embark on a top-secret mission. Investigate sculptures, search for clues and uncover mysteries in this outdoor storytelling adventure. This event is suitable for ages 5+ years, and will take place from 7pm to 8.30pm. Costs £3 to take part.
Stargazing in Bretton Country Park with West Yorkshire Astronomical Society
Explore the skies above YSP. As the sun sets, get a glimpse of Mercury and Venus, and in the dusk darkness use telescopes to find Jupiter and explore the constellations above. This event is suitable for all ages and will take place from 8pm. Free.
Nightfall in the Woods
Connect to the rhythms of nature with mindful meditation in the tranquil woodland. Take some time for yourself by sitting silently and still. This event is suitable for ages 16+ years and will take place from 8pm to 10.30pm. This event costs £10.
Simply Sitting at Sunset in the Skyspace
Experience a heightened vision of the sky in a place of contemplation and revelation. Witness the changing light of the Yorkshire sky, from daytime to night-time. This event is suitable for all ages and takes place from 9.30pm to 10.30pm in the Deer Shelter Skyspace. Costs £6.
Yoga at Yorkshire Sculpture Park (Photo: David Lindsay)
Saturday 15th July
Rest is Radical
Escape from the stresses of everyday life and practise some guilt-free time wasting. Embrace being unproductive with a few mindful minutes of relaxation in woodland hammocks. This event is suitable for all ages and takes place all day. Free.
Sunrise in the Skyspace
Mark the start of the day by experiencing the change of light from night to day in James Turrell’s tranquil Deer Shelter Skyspace, followed by a delicious breakfast. This event is suitable for all ages and takes place from 4.30am to 6am. This event costs £25 for adults and £16 for children (includes free parking).
Dawn Yoga in the Chapel
Take part in Ashtanga yoga at dawn in the unique setting of the Chapel, then emerge into the day revived and ready to go. This event is suitable for ages 16+ years and takes place from 4.30am to 6.30am in the Chapel. This event costs £10 (includes free parking).
Padding Around the Park: A Barefoot Walk at YSP
Free your feet and enjoy the feeling and health benefits of walking barefoot over an array of textures across the 18th-century designed landscape. This event is suitable for ages 12+ years and takes place from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Costs £5 (booking essential).
Hidden Forest
Jump, laugh, make, sing, and play together beneath the trees. Come and enjoy this magical space for younger visitors. This event is aimed at those aged under 5 years and takes place in the Hidden Forest. Free.
The Magick Lounge: World of Wonders
Wander around the Park and discover the wonders of the magical world with astonishing performances from the Magick Lounge Club. Performances will pop up across YSP to amaze and delight you. This event is suitable for all ages and will take place from 11am. Free.
Outdoor Sculpture Building: Come Rain, Come Shine
Immerse yourself in an imaginative world of sculpture making. Work and play together in the fresh air to build sculptures inspired by artists in the park. This event is aimed at all ages and takes place at 11am, 1.30pm and 4pm. Costs £3 (no advance bookings).
Caribbean Carnival Music
Festivities include steel pan music, a vibrant carnival parade and Tamboo Bamboo performances. This event is suitable for all ages and takes place from 11am to 3pm. Free.
Let’s Talk About Art with Uncanny Theatre
Uncanny Theatre’s mission is to recreate every piece of artwork at YSP, in just one day, without actually having seen them. They’ve got clay and they’re not afraid to use it, but the results may not be what you’d expect! Watch, laugh along or join in. This event is suitable for all ages and takes place from 11am to 3pm. Free.
The ARTcart
Roll up, roll up! The ARTcart is popping up in the park. Look out as they move throughout the park for some family art making, art thinking and art playing. This event is aimed at all ages and takes place in the Country Park from 11am to 4pm. Free.
Theremin Bollards
Discover the wonder of Theremin Bollards’ sound sculptures and take part in your own improvisational performance. Drop-in event at the Learning Tent from 11am to 5pm. Suitable for all ages. Free.
Afternoon Tea with Diana Beaumont
A guided walk and talk, exploring the woodlands and development of the pleasure grounds in the historic estate. Stop off by the Camellia House for light afternoon tea and cake, inspired by the lady of the estate, Diana Beaumont. Costs £8.50 for adults and £6 for children. Suitable for all ages and takes place from 2pm to 4.30pm.
Secret Silent Disco
Families are invited to find the Secret Silent Disco within the grounds of the park. Once there, pick your channel to choose a playlist and dance the afternoon away in the open air. This free event takes place from 2.30pm and is suitable for all ages.
Stargazing in Bretton Country Park with West Yorkshire Astronomical Society
Explore the skies as the sun sets, get a glimpse of Mercury and Venus, and in the dusk darkness use telescopes to find Jupiter and explore the constellations above. This free event takes place from 8pm and is suitable for all ages.
Sound Bath Meditation in the Skyspace
Experience the magic of the James Turrell’s Deer Shelter Skyspace at dusk, and restore your mind, body and soul with a guided meditation using crystal singing bowls. This event takes place from 9.30pm, costs £10 and is suitable for ages 16+ years.
Sculpture in the Shadows: A Sunset Walk
An evening sunset walk around the woodland, taking in world-class sculptures along the way. A special and unusual way to experience the park after-hours. This event takes place from 9.30pm to 11.30pm, costs £5 (booking essential) and is suitable for ages 12+ years.
Emily Speed, Architectural Parade (Photo courtesy of Emily Speed)
Sunday 16th July
Rest is Radical
Escape from the stresses of everyday life and practise some guilt-free time wasting. Embrace being unproductive with a few mindful minutes of relaxation in woodland hammocks. This free event is on all day and suitable for all ages.
Hidden Forest
Jump, laugh, make, sing, and play together beneath the trees. Enjoy this magical space for younger visitors. This event is aimed at those aged under 5 years and takes place in the Hidden Forest. Free.
Hannes Fessmann Sound Sculpture in the Chapel
German sculptor and sound stone maker Hannes Fessmann, joins UK composer and sound designer Steven Halliday, for a day of sonic sculpting in the Chapel. Turn the 18th-century space into a giant sound sculpture throughout the day, with drop-in and bookable workshops, culminating in a live performance by Fessmann. Free and suitable for all ages.
Animal Escapades
Meet Monkey, Rabbit, Ox and friends for an animal escapade. Have your animal voices ready to squawk and squeak, and as you hoppity skip, wriggle and roll. This event is aimed at those under 6 years and costs £3. Takes place in Lower Park at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
The ARTcart
Roll up, roll up! The ARTcart is popping up in the Country Park. Look out for the cart as it moves through the park for some family art making, art thinking and art playing. This free event takes place from 11am to 4pm and is aimed at all ages.
The Magick Lounge: World of Wonders
Discover the delights and wonders of the magical world with astonishing performances from the Magick Lounge Club. Drop in and allow yourself to be amazed. Free event taking place at the Learning Tent from 11am to 5pm. Suitable for all ages.
Outdoor Sculpture Building: Come Rain, Come Shine
Immerse yourself in an imaginative world of sculpture making. Work and play together in the fresh air to build sculptures inspired by artists in the park. This event takes place at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm, costs £3 and is aimed at all ages.
African Drumming
Experience the positive, energetic and uplifting performance of African drums and try your hand at djembe drumming; an instrument played with bare hands, originating from West Africa. This free event takes place from 1.30pm–2.30pm and is suitable for all ages.
Secret Silent Disco
Families are invited to find the Secret Silent Disco within the grounds of the park. Once there, pick your channel to choose a playlist and dance the afternoon away in the open air. This free event takes place from 1.30pm to 3.30pm and is suitable for all ages.
Other Ways to Walk
A guided mindful journey around the parkland. Whether you are walking for escape, solitude, fitness, slowness, happiness or fresh air, expect the unexpected on your journey around YSP. This event costs £5 and takes place from 2pm. Suitable for 12+ years.
Architectural Parade with Emily Speed
Join a celebration of the architecture and follies that punctuate the YSP landscape, as performers in architectural costumes parade through the park. This free event takes place from 2.30pm to 3.30pm and is suitable for all ages.
More info: www.ysp.co.uk