STEW: Picnic in the Park
- May 8
- 4 min read
Updated: May 18
Get ready for STEW: Picnic in the Park – a sunny afternoon of good food, good vibes, where YOU decide how grassroots funding is spent.
Saturday 27th June (from 1pm - 4pm) in York's beautiful Rowntree Park.
Bring along a blanket and settle on the grass in front of the park's amphitheatre space, where we'll be chatting, eating and hearing from grassroots groups in the city.
Children are warmly welcomed. If they will be eating and would like to vote, please make sure you buy a ticket for them.
This event aims to give local people the chance to decide how money is spent. It’s also a brilliant opportunity to make new connections and hear about important but often hidden work happening to make York a more fair, just and sustainable city.
How does it work?
Once you've eaten, you'll hear from three community organisers who will have just four minutes each to pitch their grassroots project or idea in front of the audience.
There will then be a vote on which project will benefit York the most. The majority of our prize pot (raised through ticket sales) will go to the winner.
You'll receive a bowl of delicious Arabic salad bowl and soft drink as you arrive, all included in the cost of your ticket.
Ticketing and the prize pot
100% of the money you pay for your ticket will go into a prize pot, and we have 60 tickets available.
We know that everyone's financial situation is different, and so (to make this event accessible to as many people as possible) we're offering a 'pay what you can' ticket system. Please contribute what feels right for you.
If we sell each at £8 each (the suggested amount), we should raise around £480.
Using our suggested pricing as a guide, we aim to split the funds at the end of the night, with at least £200 to the winner and £100 each going to the runners-up.
As we've previously been given last-minute donations at the event, we will evaluate how much we raise by the end of the night and split the funds accordingly.
Just email hello@yorktogether.org if you have any questions.
How to find us in the park
We will put signage up around the park, but you can look at the image below to find the amphitheatre (marked by the red star).
The amphitheatre is easy to walk to from the Butcher Terrace entrance or the Terry Ave Car Park. Read more about accessibility at the park.
What's on the menu?
Food is being provided by the wonderful Yahala Mataam, who we love collaborating with.
Lunch will be an Arabic Salad Bowl and Baklava, both of which are vegan.
The salad includes bread, yutbruk (stuffed vine leaves), falafel, hummus and salad.
This is an alcohol free event.
Become a pitcher
Got an idea to make York fairer and more just?
Whether it’s a grassroots project already underway or just the seed of a plan, this is your chance to bring it to life.
What's in it for you?
1) Direct funding
Every ticket sold adds to the prize pot and runners up get a share of the winnings.
2) No complicated forms
Just a short pitch, in your own words.
3) Salad and a soft drink
Free food and drink on the night.
4) Supportive space
A warm and welcoming space full of people who are all on the same page.
Applying couldn’t be easier. All it takes is a quick email telling us who you are and what your idea is. That’s it.
Just email hello@yorktogether.org
FAQs & Access Info
How accessible is the event?
Rowntree Park is generally accessible for wheelchairs and prams, featuring tarmac paths throughout most areas. It offers a Radar key-accessible toilet, an accessible cafe with ramp access, and a, playground with inclusive equipment. Parking is available on-site. Read more about park accessibility.
Is this an alcohol-free event?
Yes. In solidarity with York's recovery community, this is an alcohol-free event.
Will every penny of the money I pay for my ticket go into the prize pot?
Yes! If we sell all available tickets at £8 the audience will collectively raise £480 for the prize pot. If you want to donate more to the prize pot, you can make a cash donation on the day.
If 100% of the ticket cost is going to the prize pot, how is the event being paid for?
York Together is covering costs including: Food and staff from Yahalla Mataam, BSL interpreters, ticket processing costs, promotion materials etc.
Which buses stop near Rowntree Park?
Buses to get to Rowntree Park via Bishopthorpe Road.
11 - stops near Southlands Methodist Church, a short walk to the park.
21 - stops near The Winning Post/park area.
36 - passes near the park area.
Where are the toilets in the park?
There are toilets right next to Terry Avenue car park at Rowntree Park, and there are also some in York Explore's Reading Cafe nearby.
Can I vote and eat without a ticket?
Whether you are an adult or a child, you need to have purchased a ticket in order to be provided with both food and the chance to vote.
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