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
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Adderstone presents...Hildegard-eners, a storytelling cabaret into the world of a 12th century rebel.
Hildegard of Bingen: visionary, composer, scientist, healer, proto-ecologist, rebel. Inventor of 'greening power' and bane of the corrupt. Not what you'd expect from a 12th century nun with migraines! In this storytelling performance, threaded through with songs and illuminations, Just 17 quizzes and general good craic, Adderstone (Cath Heinemeyer and Gemma McDermott) take you inside her incredible life - and invite you too to join her legacy and become a Hildegardener! This debut performance of HILDEGARDeners, in the weekend of International Women's Day, comes with a special bonus, the raucous magic of storyteller and rise favourite, Lara McClure! A proportion of the proceeds will go to Medical Aid for Palestinians, in honour of Hildegard's connection with healing. For ages 12+
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Designed for Who? Gender and public space in York.
Who is our city really for? Public spaces shape our everyday lives. They influence where we feel comfortable spending time, how safe we feel moving around the city, and whether public places feel welcoming or not. This event is part of International Women's week and the evening brings together a panel of speakers with backgrounds in architecture, active travel, lighting and community work, alongside shared lived experience of using York's public spaces. This event is for anyone who uses public space and has an interest in making York a city where women and girls feel welcome, safe and able to belong. Doors from 7pm and there will be informal activities/discussion points to get involved in before and after the main panel. Aimed at adults. Tickets to be booked in advance and are on a sliding scale of free to £10. Any payments made are taken as a donation to the Make Space York project that focuses on creating welcoming parks for teenage girls. The event is hosted by Abigail Gaines who runs the Make Space York project and is part of the York International Women's week programme of events: www.yorkwomen.org.uk More information: https://letsmakespace.org/designed-for-who Instagram @Makespaceyork Email questions - [email protected]
- 07/03/2026
Doors and music from 7pm
DJ Nights
Free
The roots of The Stone Roses
A journey into the musical world of The Stone Roses, the scene they emerged from and their influences as a band. All vinyl DJ set by Mat Lazenby & Ed Heaton
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UNWRITTEN: The Literary Improv Show
An evening of laughter, silliness and plot twists! The Bluffs take classic short-form improv games and infuse them with storytelling flair. Every show is completely unique, shaped by audience suggestions and spontaneous creativity. Expect scenes inspired by classic literature, unexpected character mashups, and even a fanfiction-inspired musical number. An evening of laughter, surprises, and plot twists awaits! The Bluffs are a dynamic improv troupe with a mix of theatrical, comedy, and musical backgrounds. From festival stages to panto and Theatresports, they bring years of collective experience to the stage—crafting fast-paced, unscripted stories that keep audiences laughing and guessing what’s next. TICKETS ON SALE SOON.
- 13/03/2026
Doors and music from 7pm
DJ Nights
Free
On My Way
Our Northern Soul, Soul and Motown DJ night returns! Playing all the very best feel good floor shakers and soul stompers
- 14/03/2026
Doors and music from 7pm
DJ Nights
Free
George Michael and Wham DJ session
Who doesn't love George Michael?!! So much to celebrate here - whether you are an early Young Guns fan or a Faith faithful, come and dance and sing to your hearts content to all his amazing music.
- 20/03/2026
Doors at 7.30. Show 8.30pm
Live Music
Thomas Truax
Thomas Truax is an American singer-songwriter renowned for his imaginative self-made instruments and mechanical rhythm machines. A captivating storyteller and performer, his music defies easy categorization but blends elements of art rock, post-punk, and surreal Americana.
His unique self-made ‘band mates’ include a motorized drum machine made of bike wheels, spoons and other found items called 'Mother Superior' and a souped up Gramophone called 'The Hornicator’
Armed with these and a guitar named Hank, he writes poetically evocative songs about insects, trees, technology, love, and a lifelong fascination with the Moon.
Ten studio LPs include a highly-rated covers album 'Songs From The Films Of David Lynch’.
'Dream Catching Songs,' features renowned drummer Budgie (Siouxsie & the Banshees, the Slits, The Creatures) thundering along side Truax’s self-made mechanical drummer Mother Superior.
A string of new singles are in the pipeline for release coinciding with upcoming tour dates.
Though he usually performs solo, other notable past supporters and collaborators have included Jarvis Cocker, Duke Special, James Smith of Yard Act, Richard Hawley, Bob Log III, Brian Viglione (Dresden Dolls/Violent Femmes) and the late author Terry Pratchett.
"Endlessly inventive and creative…A show not to be missed!” -Oxford Times
“The spectacle of Truax’s live set is unlike anything that you’ll see elsewhere, but if it was all about the mechanical stagecraft it wouldn’t keep bringing us back. Thankfully the songs sparkle with the same sense of invention, imbued with humour and heart” -Joyzine
"Truax is shaping up nicely as one of the great rock eccentrics.” -UNCUT -
Yahala Mataam Syrian Pop-Up Restaurant
Yahala Mataam CIC is a social enterprise that gives opportunity, builds confidence and restores dignity in the lives of those who arrived in York as refugees. We have a staff team from 6 different nations! We help by running pop-up restaurants, catering business and cookery school.
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Baps & Buns Burlesque
We are delighted to host the fabulous Freida Nipples again at rise - a guaranteed night of fun, frolics and award winning burlesque performance, in a bakery!! Ticket price includes a free glass of fizz or a soft drink. Come and be amazed by the art of the tease....
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Ladoo Fusion Kitchen
The next pop up from our successful partnership with the flavour sensation that is Ladoo Fusion Kitchen! The Biryani Night is a five course dining experience celebrating dum biryani, signature dishes and a warm finish with chai. Booking options are through Eventbrite, Instagram, DM or email [email protected]
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The Sunday Social Comedy Club
First date of the year for the return of The Sunday Social Comedy Club. Hosted by the always brilliant John Pease, with four other hilarious acts , local talent and rising stars from across the circuit. Expect a relaxed friendly vibe and plenty of laughs to round off your weekend!
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Groovetone
Groovetone return to rise this year with two dates - this and Saturday 26th September. Groovetone are a five piece York band with a vintage vibe, playing soul, blues, jazz, funk, ska, latin - dancing to be done!
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Chris Helme - album launch
The brilliant Chris Helme is joining us again for his official album launch gig - "Forest For The Trees." After a busy 2025 touring his last album "World Of My Own" Chris, former lead singer of The Seahorses, has been back in the studio to record stripped back versions of some of his 30 year back catalogue. Forest For The Trees is the first such offering of an ongoing series of recordings. It showcases gently crafted versions of songs such as Love Me & Leave Me, Standing On Your Head and other Seahorses classics. You Can Talk To Me is a particularly stand out take. The songs reworked from his most recent solo album also pull you deeper into the fragile soul of the songs, exposing their own previously veiled subliminal narratives. Helme's not content to let these songs gather dust in the studio, either. He's hitting the road, taking Forest For The Trees across the UK for the rest of 2026. If you're looking for a night of music that's raw, soulful, and just a little bit bruised, you could do a lot worse than catching him live. This is a man who's spent thirty years pouring his heart into his craft and on this evidence, he's not done yet. SOLD OUT
- 10/04/2026
7pm doors and music - 11pm
DJ Nights
Free
BYO - new style!
Bringing something fresh to our BYO evenings for 2026. We have three dates for this year and all are on a Friday night. Each are themed, and this first one is 'All Things Colour' - Blue Monday, Pink Floyd, Simply Red, Back Sabbath......Same rules apply, bring along some vinyl you might like to play, or might like a resident DJ to play for you, no judgement! A half hour slot each - if you would like to come along, please let us know in advance as we only have so many slots to fill! [email protected]
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Chris Helme - album launch gig
After selling out the previous night's date instantly, we are thrilled to announce a second night hosting Chis to launch his new album - Forest For The Trees. After a busy 2025 touring his last album 'World of my Own', Chris , former lead singer of The Seahorses has been back in the studio to record stripped back versions of some of his 30 year back catalogue. Forest For The Trees is the first such offering of an ongoing series of recordings. It showcases gently crafted versions of songs such as Love Me & Leave Me, Standing On Your Head and other Seahorses classics.You Can Talk To Me is a particularly stand out take. The songs reworked from his most recent solo album also pull you deeper into the fragile soul of the songs , exposing their own previously veiled subliminal narratives. Helme's not content to let these songs gather dust in the studio, either.He's hitting the road, taking Forest For The Trees across the UK for the rest of 2026. If you're looking for a night of music that's raw, soulful, and just a little bit bruised, you could do a lot worse than catching him live. This is a man who's spent thirty years pouring his heart into his craft and on this eveidence, he's not done yet.
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Queens of Albion
In the days before Britain had been named, they were the first to set foot on the island. Sisters. Refugees. Shipwrecked and storm-weary. On the hunt for a home of their own. A land where they could live free. So how come we’ve forgotten the story of our first (and fiercest) mythic mothers?
Queens of Albion aims to set the record straight – as well spilling the beans on how a giant made Stephe miss her ninth birthday party. Intelligent, irreverent spoken-word from contemporary storyteller Stephe Harrop.
(60 minutes, suitable for audiences 14+) - 18/04/2026
7-11
DJ Nights
Free entry - but please sign up for a ticket
Sophisticated Boom Boom
Come dance to DJs spinning the best rock & roll, girl groups, garage rock, R ’n’ B, yé-yé, power pop, surf, soul & psych from the 50’s until now!
DJing an eclectic mix of up-tempo vinyl, from obscure cuts to floor fillers; Sophisticated Boom Boom has built a reputation as an inclusive night for those that like to discover new music and dance to old favourites. -
Todd Day Wait
Todd Day Wait is one of the last real American workhorse, pedal-to-the-metal troubadours - making his way from Missouri to California, to New Orleans, and now Nashville. His original material is deeply influenced by early American folk, country, and blues music from the 1920's through the 1960's,embodying the spirit and authenticity of traditional American music. Todd - whom you may know from his millions of spins on GemsOnVHS or WesternAF - writes and performs his own brand of timeless country music. Harking back to legends like Jimmie Rodgers, Willie Nelson, Wynn Stewart and Kris Kristofferson, he keeps the spirit of country music alive. In 2009, Todd put all his earthly belongings on the curb and hit the road in a diesel shuttle bus fuelled by vegetable oil, embarking on a never-ending tour. From busking the streets of New Orleans to performing in the shadows of European castles, to lighting up the honky-tonk dance floors of Nashville, Todd keeps it 60/50
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UNDER THE INFLUENCE PRESENTS: RIVA TAYLOR
Riva’s musical journey began at an extraordinary young age. Signing to a major label at just 12 years old, she became the youngest artist to ever secure a record deal with EMI. Since then, she has performed for King Charles, graced the BAFTAs, and appeared on global television. Even R&B icon Usher has praised her “great voice.”
The release of her latest EP in Autumn 2025 follows an exciting period for Riva, including a promotional tour across Latin America, a captivating appearance on Mexico’s national TV show Sale el Sol, a sold-out performance at Foro Indy Rocks Festival, and the success of her top-20 charting single, Cubano. Her music has received strong support from BBC Radio 1 and 2, as well as Sir Elton John, who featured her on his Apple Music Beats 1 show, telling listeners he “loved it.” -
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. - 22/05/2026
Doors 7pm
Theatre & Performing Arts
£25 plus booking fee
Baps 'n' Buns Burlesque
Another of our fabulous burlesque, cabaret, drag and comedy nights all produced by the equally fabulous Freida Nipples! Welcome glass of fizz or soft drink on arrival. Book early so as not to miss this!
- 05/06/2026
Doors and music from 7pm
DJ Nights
Free
On My Way
The second date of the year for our popular Northern Soul, Motown and Soul DJ session. Dancing is an absolute must!
- 06/06/2026
9am - 3pm
Family Friendly Activities
Free
Saturday Mini Makers' Fair
We thought we would bring you a weekend of local talent this year with two parts to our wonderful Makers' Fairs - today there will be tables outside, hosting creatives who are all outdoor and garden themed. We will have bird boxes, willow branch decorations, flowers and more. Further details to follow.
- 07/06/2026
10am - 3pm
Family Friendly Activities
Free
Sunday Makers' Fair
Part two of our creative weekend! This Makers' Fair runs alongside our usual Sunday cafe service from 10am - 3pm . Expect more local talent with beautiful things to buy, alongside our rather good coffee and goodies! Outside seating only so hoping for the sunshine!
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Under the Influence presents: Tom Bright
“ACHINGLY BEAUTIFUL” — Rev. Kate Bottley, BBC Radio 2
“THE EXCELLENT TOM BRIGHT” — Guy Garvey, BBC 6 Music
“ONE OF THE UK’S MOST MOVING SONGWRITERS” — John Kennedy, Radio X
Tom Bright is a relentlessly touring songwriter whose songs land with emotional weight and unvarnished honesty. 2025 saw him make his third television appearance on BBC One’s Sunday Morning Live, serenade thousands at his fifth Glastonbury Festival, and sell out shows across the UK and beyond.
Armed with a guitar signed by Johnny Marr of The Smiths and John Squire of the Stone Roses, Bright's tireless graft has seen him hit iconic heights of the London Palladium, Shepherd’s Bush Empire, appear on BBC’s The One Show and Sky News, and record countless live sessions and interviews for BBC Radio 2, 5 Live, Radio X and more. Along the way, he’s shared stages with The Libertines, Mystery Jets, Tom Grennan, Reverend & The Makers, Katherine Priddy, Ed Harcourt and others.
He has collaborated with The The, earned continued support from tastemakers Guy Garvey and John Kennedy and spent two years on Spotify’s Most Beautiful Songs in the World playlist with 'If I Met Your Shadow'. -
Pottery Power with The Wilson Sisters
The return of our hugely successful pottery workshop - the only bakery with a full size pottery wheel! Create three ceramic masterpieces including one on the potters wheel. All welcome, no experience needed, just bring an apron and a sense of humour!
- 17/07/2026
Doors and music from 7pm - 11pm
DJ Nights
Free
BYO - new style!
This month's theme is Summertime Special - Long Hot Summer, Club Tropicana, Boys of Summer - you get the drift! Let us know if you would like a half hour slot to play whatever you would like to bring - [email protected] Happy to provide some tuition for those new to decs!
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Lilith: The Other Side of the Story
A dramatic, uplifting one -woman spoken word show. An exploration and
celebration of female power through the mythological character of Lilith.
Shocking, seductive and entertaining. -
Christmas Pottery Power with The Wilson Sisters
Come and get festive with our second Wilson Sisters workshop this year. Create and glaze a family of three ceramic Christmas trees for a gift or a gift to self! All trees will be fired in kilns and ready for collection before Christmas. Mulled wine and Bluebird mince pies will of course be available!
- 26/11/2026
4.30pm - 8.30pm
Family Friendly Activities
Free
Christmas Makers' Fair Number One!
Our Christmas shopping evenings are back! We will, as usual, be host to an array of talented, local makers, have a choir, be raising awareness and money for a local charity and have mulled wine and frangipane mince pies on tap! All you need for your Christmas shopping needs!
- 10/12/2026
4.30pm - 8.30pm
Family Friendly Activities
Free
Christmas Makers' Fair Number Two!
Another evening of artists and makers', fund raising,
More events coming soon!