The rivers and us: future frames

Creative animation workshop for young people. 

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

How might animation help us tell the story of York's rivers and the challenges they face?

Inspired by themes explored through the York rivers trail, this creative workshop invites young people to use animation as a tool for storytelling, environmental awareness and creative expression. Participants will explore ideas such as climate resilience, biodiversity, water, community and the future of York's rivers, developing their own animated responses to environmental challenges and opportunities facing future generations.

Combining creativity with discussion and experimentation, the workshop offers participants the opportunity to share their perspectives on the future of York's environment while learning accessible animation techniques that can be developed beyond the session.

Booking information:

• Suitable for young people aged 13+. 
• Capacity is limited to 20 participants. Young people under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult, although the workshop activities are primarily intended for young people.
• This workshop requires use of a simple animation app. Participants should bring a smartphone or tablet and will be asked to download an animation app which will then be used 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.

?si=h0mRciuVmKVWMGT3