While our city is famed for its associations with Vikings, Romans, ghosts, and chocolate, there’s one unique York tradition that continues to wow residents and visitors to this day…
Previously running annually, but now occurring just once every four years, the York Mystery Plays are a group of 48 medieval plays which depict the stories of the Bible, ranging all the way from Creation to the Last Judgement. Traditionally performed on decorated wagons, which move around various locations in the city to wow spectators (hence the colloquial nickname the ‘Wagon Plays’), the York Mystery Plays have been running since at least 1376, when pageant wagon performances were first recorded to mark the Corpus Christi festival of that year.
As a key element of York’s history and rich cultural heritage, the Wagon Plays remain a source of great civic pride, and are organised today by the York Mystery Plays Supporters Trust, which is a registered charity and committed volunteer group that’s dedicated to keeping this valuable living tradition alive.
Last month, the York Mystery Plays Supporters Trust announced that it would be appointing a new director to sit at the helm of this year’s wagon performances, which will reenact Jesus’ final journey before crucifixion, ‘The Journey to Calvary’ in York, from 28 June to 5 July. As well as the plays themselves, this year’s York Mystery Plays Festival will also offer an extensive two-week programme of illuminating, immersive events across the city, ranging from expert talks and exhibitions to audio plays and podcast recordings. Yorkies will also get the chance to enjoy exclusive film screenings and experience themed art and poetry created especially for the occasion. For the 2026 festival, visitors will also be able to take in an atmospheric twilight lantern show and embark on a winding gargoyle trail, as well as a trail of the original performance stations used in medieval times.
Want to stay up to date with what’s happening in our city for the festival this summer? Keep your eyes peeled in upcoming issues of this magazine for further details about the York Mystery Plays Festival 2026, as they’re released…
Visit www.ympst.co.uk to find out more about the York Mystery Plays Supporters Trust, or get in touch with the team. The 2026 York Mystery Plays Festival will run from Sunday 28 June to Sunday 5 July, and will be performed at various locations across the city centre. Visit https://www.yorkmysteryplays.co.uk/the-2026-festival/ for further information.
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