rise @ bluebird is our Acomb evening arts venue.
The space regularly plays host to live music, spoken word, art exhibitions, theatre, comedy, family- friendly nights and much more.
Rise aims to be a vibrant and independently-run creative hub, driven by love and support from the local community - and an ardent sense of adventure.
Pop down and check us out - we’re looking forward to you helping shape this place just as much as we do.
Gallery
What's on
-
Baps and Buns Burlesque
We are thrilled to announce that York’s Burlesque Queen, Freida Nipples, is back at Rise this September.
Freida is an internationally award-winning burlesque artiste who will seduce you with astounding aesthetics and enthral you with her captivating stage presence.
Alongside her will be a selection of sensational cabaret artists. From drag queens to acrobats, you always know you will be in for a fun night at Freida’s shows which have been sell-out successes across York for the past six years, at venues such as York Theatre Royal, The Basement, Impossible and more.
So - prepare yourselves for an evening of debauchery & glamour in Acomb. The big question is, are you ready for it?!
Tickets include a welcome drink on arrival. (Non-alcoholic option available).
- 14/12/2025
15:00:00
Family Friendly Activities
Free
BYO Vinyl
Bring your own vinyl afternoon - pop your name down for a half hour slot - let's make this one a Christmas special??
-
CHRISTMAS PRESENCE
Weird and Wonderful Stories for the Festive Season with Lara McClure.
-
Art Preview: 'This Rugged Earth' by Donna Maria Taylor
Join us to be among the first to see the new art exhibition by Donna Maria Taylor. Donna is an award winning artist, designer and tutor based in York. With a background in theatre set / costume design & production and a flair for coaching in educational and corporate settings, Donna is a founding member of South Bank Studios in the Bishopthorpe Road. She exhibits regularly - both independently and as a part of York Open Studios and North Yorkshire Open Studios.
Nibbles will be served! -
John Osborne Presents: There Will Be Tinsel
With a stage covered in tinsel and Christmas lights, this is the perfect show for nights out in December with festive poems and stories that have proved popular at Christmas shows across the country. Step into the magic of the season with theatre-maker and Radio 4 regular John Osborne.
-
Yuletide Tales with Hoglets childrens theatre.
A magical family storytelling experience, with dancing actic foxes, cheeky robins and enchanted polar bears, all under the glittering lights.
-
Edwina Hayes
Doors 7:30pm - Music 8pm
One of the finest female singer/songwriters this country has produced in years. Edwina brings together English folk, Americana and the rich Northern singer/songwriter tradition to create a sound that’s truly her own.
Highly accomplished she’s toured with such notable performers as Jools Holland, Van Morrison, Nanci Griffith and Loudon Wainwright III to name just a few.
Edwina numbers Michael Parkinson and Mike Harding among her fans and the title track of her album Pour Me A Drink was covered by Nanci Griffith who calls her 'the sweetest voice in England'.
Her cover of the Randy Newman song Feels Like Home was featured in the Cameron Diaz film My Sister's Keeper and has since had over twenty million plays on Spotify and over fifty million plays on You Tube.
Edwina's 4th album Ruby Rose was released in 2022.
'The sweetest voice in England. A wonderful young woman, so gifted and full of song.' Nanci Griffith
'Haunting, honeyed, solo songwriter.' The Guardian SOLD OUT -
Under the Lamp Post
Step into the darkly comic world of Under The Lamp Post, a captivating storytelling show for grown-ups from the award-winning Ilaria Passeri. Prepare for a unique journey sparked by a gift bag of ashes and fuelled by the eccentricity of a unique family. Ilaria masterfully blends poignant reflection with sharp wit, finding humour in unexpected places.
Imagine navigating grief with puppets, a particular kind of pickled onion, and the sort of inappropriate fancy dress that becomes a cherished and weirdly unforgettable memory.
There will be sad tears, and tears of laughter.
Produced by sitcom veteran Michel Jacob, his third show with Ilaria, Under The Lamp Post promises an evening of exceptional storytelling from an award-winning talent (Best Spoken Word, Manchester Fringe). Explore life, death, and the beautifully absurd in-between.
Critics agree:
'Twisting, uplifting, and constantly funny…A show that is hard to forget’ (British Theatre Guide)
‘Beautiful, funny and touching’ (Canal Street Media)
"Masterful storytelling' (Lost in Theatre Land ) ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆️️️️️
'Ilaria’s stories are beyond exciting!' (The Lowry Theatre) -
Please Please You & Brudenell Presents Jeffrey Martin
Jeffrey Martin is a critically acclaimed American singer-songwriter and folk artist from Portland, Oregon. He is celebrated for his profound, narrative-driven songwriting, which has been likened to a blend of folk, Americana, and literary short stories.
Before becoming a full-time musician in 2016, Martin spent several years as a high school English teacher, a profession he left to "chase his dreams at all cost." This background is reflected in his lyrics, which are noted for their deep insight into the human condition, often focusing on the struggles and quiet dignity of people on the margins of society. Critics have called his songs "beautiful, sparse, and utterly devastating," with one saying his lyrics "read like Raymond Carver stories." - 30/01/2026
7pm-11pm
DJ Nights
Free
Flares - get down tonight!
A celebration of all things 70's - disco and funk, glam rock, punk, new wave and pop - definitely a night for dancing, platforms and flares!
- 07/02/2026
Pop-up Restaurant
Ladoo Fusion Kitchen Valentines Special
More details to follow - save the date!
- 13/02/2026
7pm - 11pm
DJ Nights
Free
Into the Groove Valentines Special
A love themed night of classic 80's sounds. What should the last dance be....vote on the night!
-
Cole Stacey
“A magnificent sound” – Patrick Kielty, BBC Radio 5 Live
“Breathtaking, that incredible voice” – TradFolk
“He is incredible” – Times Radio
Cole Stacey is a visceral and lyrical songwriter, singer and musician who has roamed the highest diverse echelons of British folk, 80s pop, spoken word and ambient electronics. From The Royal Albert Hall to The Westfalenhalle Arena, from 700-year-old castles in Gdansk to Glastonbury Festival. In Feb 2025 he released his debut album Postcards From Lost Places which immediately entered the UK Album Charts at Number 57 and The Official Folk Charts at Number 20. At its heart is a symbiosis of ‘lost’ places and forgotten words, stretching as far back as the 13th century, paired with Cole’s distinctive lyrical songwriting and remarkable field recordings.
He played to sell-out audiences in the album launch UK Tour and in between European tours performing with Midge Ure and alt-folk duo India Electric Company he’ll be continuing his sharing concerts in some truly unique spaces into 2026 with an album already being talked about as one of the best of the year. Bringing together his years of experience on stage, Cole Stacey’s deeply personal solo shows are rooted in storytelling, directed by a love of popular song and have connection with people and places are their heart -
Luke Wright: Later Life Letter
Later Life Letter tells the story of Luke Wright’s adoption – the life he leads, and the one he might have done. What’s it like to stumble across your birth mother on Facebook? How do you honour the parents who have raised you while satisfying a curiosity about where you came from? Is it telling that you married a social worker?
Wright navigates his audience through a warm and honest hour of poems and stand-up with the wit, pathos, and silliness that has made him one of the most popular live poets in England. More events coming soon!