The Curious Emporium set to return to York to celebrate Beltane

20 April 2024, York Medical Society, Stonegate.

Spring, with a slightly dark edge – that’s the promise from the organiser of an alternative fair that returns to York next month.  Arcane Exhibitions will be hosting a second Curious Emporium in the historic setting of York Medical Society on Saturday 20 April, promising a magical mix of stalls, sounds, smells and immersive art.

The Beltane-themed event – marking the midway point between the start of spring and the summer Solstice – will take visitors out of the city centre into an other-worldly artisan market of alternative products.  However, unlike traditional fairs, the Curious Emporium uses a specially commissioned soundtrack, projections and unique aromas to create a remarkable ambience for the unusual wares.

“York Medical Society is itself a place that people often miss – set back behind wrought iron gates from the shops of Stonegate, even entering it feels like you are stepping into a secret world, and once inside the doors, the magic really starts,” explains the event’s creator, Dan Oliver Gott of York-based Arcane Exhibitions.  “Each room will have a slightly different character: the freshness of spring in the Tempest Anderson Room, dressed with flowers, with a forest-themed soundtrack of birdsong and fluttering leaves and projections of blue skies and the aroma of woodland.  The main lecture room will provide real contrast, creating the atmosphere of a burning wicker man – a slightly acrid burning wood smell, fiery colour scheme and a dark, unnerving soundtrack of a mysterious ceremony.”

The market will also include a ‘rest’ space, where visitors can relax and enjoy gluten-free, vegan treats in a pop-up café – home-baked goods to make visitors feel part of a medieval feast!

“We had a fantastic reception to our first Curious Emporium last September, so we are hoping that people will come along and explore the market in April, too,” says Dan.  “Even the stalls have been specially curated, with specific artists and craftspeople invited along to add to the atmosphere.  Admission is free, so we hope that many locals will join the visitors to the city and enjoy this unusual event.”

Traders at the alternative market will include Dan himself, with his Room Spell range of darkly-scented candles based on myths, legends, gloomy history and grim nature.  Hand-drawn nature-themed artworks and mixed media works will be available from A Forst of Shadows and Lucy Everitt, whilst Nicola Hebson’s travelling Curiosity Shop will also join the traders – ethical taxidermy, jewellery and oddities.  York’s own ghost photographer, Milly Dennison, will be displaying her wares alongside linographic images from Minifi’s Oddities, Amy Hewitt’s entomology and celestial-themed works and Kirsty Rider’s nature-inspired ink drawings.

The Curious Emporium is free to enter, and runs from 10.00am to 5.00pm on Saturday 20 April 2024 at York Medical Society on Stonegate in York (opposite The White Stuff and Weird Fish stores).  For more details, search for The Curious Emporium on Facebook.