Vespertine is an innovative and accessible programme of intriguing, spectacular and unique art events taking place monthly in the early evening gap between work and play. The audience of residents and visitors to York, whether they are arts attenders or not, can experience a range of art forms from music and performance to light projections and art installations. As well as offering inspiring experiences to individual attenders Vespertine aims to stimulate the early evening economy by providing more reasons for people to spend more time in the city getting to know its culture in greater depth.

Emerging from a partnership established by York@Large, York Theatre Royal and Make It York encompassing twenty of the city’s cultural organisations and managed by York Archaeological Trust, Vespertine was launched in May 2015 and continues until December 2016. The programme is made possible by support from the participating organisations, Make It York and Arts Council England.

Vespertine is developed by its co-producers, Lucy Barker and Yvonne Carmichael, in response to discussions with the partner organisations. Both Lucy and Yvonne are practicing artists, curators and event makers, who have devised and delivered a wide range of temporary cultural events and festivals across Yorkshire. They work part time on Vespertine for 3 days a week between them.