The rivers and us: animating the river

Family animation workshop

Discover the wildlife and stories that flow through York's waterways in this hands-on family animation workshop.

Part of York Environment Festival 2026, this event invites participants to explore connections between rivers, nature, communities and future generations.

Inspired by the York rivers trail, participants will explore the birds, insects, animals and habitats that make York's rivers such important places for nature. Through creative animation activities, families will bring river wildlife to life while learning more about the ecosystems, biodiversity and environmental connections that support healthy rivers and thriving habitats.

Designed for beginners, this engaging workshop combines creativity, storytelling and environmental discovery, encouraging participants to look more closely at the natural world around them and develop a deeper appreciation of York's rivers.

Booking information:

• Suitable for families with children aged 7+. No previous animation experience is required.
• Places are limited to 20 participants in total, including children and accompanying adults. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and we encourage families to take part in the activities together. Please only book places for those attending.
• This family workshop requires use of a simple animation app. Accompanying adults are encouraged to bring a smartphone or tablet and will be asked to download an animation app which will then be used by the participants throughout the session.  This will also allow participants to continue creating animations after the session. 

This workshop will be led by Harry Stockdale, an animator and founder of the York-based animation studio, Hijinks Studios, set up with three other York St John University graduates. The studio has created Royal Television Society Award-nominated animations for Jorvik Viking Centre, for their Tales of Thor QR digital trail; along with a TV credit for Channel 4's Our Yorkshire Shop: A Victorian Restoration. Harry has also run multiple animation workshops for events/places like Aesthetica Film Festival, York Theatre Royal, and Poppleton Road Primary School for the York rivers trail.

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