The Hex & Shadow Ball

What to expect on the night

From the moment you step inside the Guildhall, the ordinary begins to fade.

Enter a world of magic and moonlight, where live music fills the halls and witches gather for a night of revelry. Twirl across the dancefloor, follow hidden quests, discover curious encounters and raise a themed cocktail with fellow fantasy lovers as The Hex & Shadow Ball unfolds around you.

Throughout the evening, immersive performances bring the story of the covens to life, inviting you to become part of the tale rather than simply watch it from afar. Enjoy a glass of fizz on arrival and a selection of canapés as you explore, while our roaming photographer captures the moments you’ll want to remember long after the night is over.

As midnight draws closer, the celebrations continue with a DJ set. Dance into the night, lose yourself in the music and find kindred spirits amongst a community brought together by a shared love of fantasy.

For one extraordinary night, leave the ordinary world behind and step somewhere a little more magical.

Your story awaits beneath the shadowed moon...

Set beside the River Ouse in the heart of York, the historic Guildhall offers a suitably enchanting setting for The Hex & Shadow Ball. Dating back to the 15th century, its grand medieval hall, limestone walls and centuries of history create the perfect setting for magic to unfold. Where, for one winter night, this remarkable venue will be transformed into a world of moonlight and magic, where ancient architecture meets immersive fantasy beneath the shadowed moon. With three rooms open for exploration throughout the evening, wander between music, magic and mystery and discover where the night takes you.

Please note that there is no on-site parking at the Guildhall. The nearest City of York Council car parks are Esplanade, Marygate and Bootham Row. We recommend checking parking availability, charges and access information before travelling, as these may be subject to change.

Accessibility

We are committed to making the hex & Shadow Ball as inclusive and welcoming as possible. The Hex & Shadow Ball will take place entirely on the ground floor of the Guildhall. Wheelchair users can access the venue via permanent ramped access at the main entrance, with step-free access into the reception and main event spaces. An accessible toilet is also available on the ground floor. The main entrance to the Guildhall; off St Helen’s Square, a paved and cobbled area, is through an external courtyard. As there is a drop in height from street level to the Guildhall, a stramp is in place (a blend of steps and ramps). In addition, at the left-hand side of the courtyard, there is a set of steps with handrails. A detailed accessibility guide, including photographs and measurements of entrances, ramps and facilities, is available here.

There is no parking on site, the nearest car parks are:

Esplanade, West Esplanade, York, YO26 4ZP. There are 5 dedicated disabled bays which are available for Blue Badge holders only. In addition, Blue Badge holders can park in any bay in this car park, free of charge, for as long as they want. Marygate, Frederic Street, York, YO30 7DT. There is no free parking for Blue Badge holders available in this car park. This is due to the installation of a barrier system as part of the 'Pay on Foot' trial. However, there are 11 dedicated disabled bays available for Blue Badge holders outside the car park. Bootham Row, Bootham Row, York, YO30 7BP. There are 9 dedicated disabled bays which area re available for Blue Badge holders only. In addition, Blue Badge holders can park in any bay in this car park, free of charge, for as long as they want

If you require additional support, including assistance with mobility, sensory accommodations, or a designated quiet area, please let us know by contacting us via email at faeblesandfantasies@gmail.com. We want every guest to feel comfortable and included throughout the evening.

For one extraordinary evening beneath the Snow Moon, five covens will gather within the walls of the Guildhall.

Each guest is invited to take their place amongst them, choosing the coven whose magic, traditions and mysteries call to them most. Let its colours, symbols and familiar inspire your attire, and step into the night as part of its story.

Five covens. Five paths of magic. Where do you belong?

Coven of Hemlock | The Divination Witch
Hemlock witches have a direct line to the unseen forces of the universe, seeking wisdom in the signs and symbols others might overlook. Through tarot cards, tea leaves, runes, palmistry and crystal balls, they uncover what has been, what may come and what the universe wishes to reveal. Their familiar is the black cat.

Coven of Foxglove | The Green Witch
Foxglove witches draw their magic from the earth and the living world around them. Skilled herbalists, foragers and gardeners, they transform plants, flowers and herbs into medicines, potions and spells, filling their apothecaries with ingredients gathered from the wild. Their familiar is the owl.

Coven of Nightshade | The Cosmic Witch
Nightshade witches look to the skies for their magic. Deeply attuned to the cosmos, they study astrology, the zodiac, planetary placements and the changing phases of the moon, finding meaning in the celestial patterns above. Their familiar is the snake.

Coven of Snakeroot | The Death Witch
Snakeroot witches walk closest to the boundary between the living and the dead. Mediums, seers and spirit workers, they communicate with ancestors and wandering souls, receiving messages and visions from beyond the veil. Their familiar is the raven.

Coven of Wolfsbane | The Sea Witch
Wolfsbane witches draw their power from the waters and the changing tides. Working with shells, sea herbs, salt and storm water, they practise water magic, protection and cleansing. Guided by the pull of the moon, they listen for the secrets carried upon the currents and whispered beneath the waves. Their familiar is the octopus.

Take a look at our Pinterest board!

Begin the evening with a glass of fizz on arrival, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available, before enjoying a selection of canapés served throughout the night. Dietary requirements and allergens can be catered for with advance notice. Simply complete the dietary requirements form when purchasing your ticket so our feast can be prepared with everyone in mind. The Guildhall bar will also be open throughout the evening, serving a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including specially created themed cocktails to add a little extra magic to your night.

Tickets

Early Bird- £95 then £115

Your entry to the realm includes:

Entry from 6:30 pm-11:30 pm

Welcome drink on arrival

Canapés served during the evening

Themed cocktails

Immersive performances and roaming characters

Live music and guided dance session

Candid event photography & post-event photo gallery

Themed photo booth with professional photographer

Side quests and interactive fun

Costume competition with prizes

DJ Set to end the night

VIP Add on-£30

Includes everything in your entry plus

Early access from 6pm

Priority access to activities

Group photo with cast members

Extra Drinks Token

Themed goodie box delivered to you before the event featuring:

Formal invitation

Themed handmade trinkets

Additional surprise items from small fantasy business owners

The Guildhall is located in the heart of York city centre at Coney Street, YO1 9QN, and can be reached by train, bus, taxi or car.

By Train
York Railway Station is around a 10–15 minute walk from the Guildhall, making travelling by train one of the easiest options for guests coming from outside the city. York is well connected by rail to cities including Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and London. Train times vary depending on your destination, particularly later in the evening, so we strongly recommend checking your return journey in advance and considering overnight accommodation if there is no suitable service after the Ball.

By Bus
York city centre is served by a wide network of local buses, with several stops within walking distance of the Guildhall. Rougier Street and Stonebow are two of the main city-centre bus interchanges and serve numerous routes across York and the surrounding area. Bus routes and finishing times vary, so please check your individual journey before travelling.

By Car
There is no on-site parking at the Guildhall. City of York Council lists Esplanade, Marygate and Bootham Row as the nearest council car parks to the venue, approximately an 8-2 minute walk away depending on the car park and your route.

Overnight parking is available in nearby city-centre car parks, making this an option for guests who are staying in York after the Ball. Parking availability, opening hours and charges vary, so we recommend checking the latest City of York Council information for your chosen car park before travelling.

Please note that York’s Park & Ride services are not recommended for this event, as current services finish before the Ball ends and overnight parking is not permitted at Park & Ride sites.

There is no on-site accommodation at the Guildhall, but with the venue located in the heart of York city centre, there are plenty of places to stay nearby.

Exclusive Discounts for Ticket Holders
Guests of The Hex & Shadow Ball can access exclusive accommodation rates at a selection of York hotels, including Hotel Indigo York, The Milner York, Hilton York, Ibis Styles York and Delta Hotels by Marriott York.

Discounts of 12–15% off the best available rate are available, with full booking instructions and discount codes provided in your ticket confirmation email.

Closest Hotels to the Venue
If staying as close to the Guildhall as possible is your priority, some of the nearest accommodation options include Radisson Hotel York, Hampton by Hilton York, Georgian House and Travelodge York Central.

Make a weekend of it…

With its medieval streets, ancient walls and centuries of stories, York is the perfect place to spend a little longer after your night at The Hex & Shadow Ball. Whether you’re drawn to history, folklore, ghosts or a little everyday magic, there’s plenty waiting beyond the doors of the Guildhall.