u3a FESTIVAL 26

I hope that, by now, you all know that, following on from the success of last year's first ever national festival in York, the second one is scheduled for 1st to 3rd July 2026. 

The great news for our region is that it will again take place on the York University campus. 

Last year over 900 u3a members from all over UK attended (the largest gathering of u3a members ever) and the expectation is that this event could see a greater number of attendees.

Planning is forging ahead, which brings me to the main reason for this email. We still need more stewards. If you would like to be involved and wear a very fetching yellow tabard, please get in touch with Angie Grain, who is again organising the stewarding process, by emailing events@yahru3a.uk. 

If you are interested in offering to lead a group activity or session, get in touch by emailing festival@u3a.org.uk  where Margaret Fiddes will pick up your offer. Margaret is Chair of the YAHR support team and is leading the Festival planning team as she did last year. 

And my final request is rather specific. The organiser of the music part of the festival is looking for Music Stage Managers. This is described as people who have a knowledge of PA systems and can use a Mixing Desk. Double Dutch to me but if this is you and you're interested, please use the festival email,  festival@u3a.org.uk and your details will be passed on.

One last thing, as I'm here, the next YAHR workshop is on 3rd November in Leeds. We'd love to see as many as possible of you there. Details will follow, but also watch the YAHR website.  yahru3a.uk 

Any queries or comments, as always please just get back to me by replying to this 

Pat 

Pat Collard,  Council Rep for YAHR & member of Festival planning team & member of YAHR support team (not sure what hat I'm wearing today)