York Minster are offering visitors a first look behind the scenes in a one-off Heritage Fair event this weekend.
Taking place on Saturday 2 August, the Heritage Fair will allow visitors the chance to explore two new buildings – the Heritage Quad and the Works & Technology Hub.
Together, they will constitute the next generation of heritage conservation at the Minster: The Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills and Estate Management.
The buildings will host both traditional craft skills and the latest in stonecutting technology, powered by solar panels and fed by rainwater capture systems.
Visitors will also meet the Minster’s stonemasons in their new Heritage Quad, view some of the incredible craft skills used on site, and explore the latest in digital technologies used to care for the Minster at the Works & Technology Hub, where visitors will also be able to meet the skilled conservators and craftspeople of the York Glaziers Trust.
A careers pavilion will also be onsite, with representatives from across the heritage sector.
Alex McCallion, director of works and precinct, outlined the significance of the Heritage Fair: “Saturday 2 August will be a special day for us as welcome visitors to the Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills and Estate Management – a major development for us at the Minster, and arguably one of the most important projects of our adopted Neighbourhood Plan.
“The day will give everyone an opportunity to come and see the new Works & Technology Hub on Deangate and the incredible Heritage Quad, which houses our stonemasons and apprentice accommodation. We aim to inspire the next generation of heritage craftspeople and build pride in this major development for York and the wider heritage sector.
“The Centre represents a gear change in how we care for historic buildings in the 21st century, carefully balancing traditional skills and using technology as one of our many tools. It also provides a blueprint for others as we continue to share knowledge and new opportunities for collaboration. We are delighted to be welcoming many of our national and international partners who will join us for the Fair. Please do come and celebrate the new Centre with us.”
Free, pre-booked tickets are required to visit the Heritage Quad and the Works and Technology Hub. Tickets are available at the York Minster website. No tickets are required to visit the Careers Pavilion.