ONE of York’s biggest entertainment venues is being made available to local groups at a discounted rate.

City of York Council is appealing to groups, clubs and community organisations to submit applications to hire York Barbican for a day, at a concessionary rate.

The offer is part of the council’s lease agreement with the Barbican’s operators SMG, and four days are available throughout 2018 and 2019.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, executive member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “The concessionary days offer a fantastic opportunity for local groups and organisations to perform in York’s largest entertainment venue. We look forward to receiving a wide range of proposals which will enhance York’s cultural scene for residents.”

A council spokeswoman said events should be open and accessible to all, appeal to a wide cross section of York’s community and help promote the objectives, campaigns or programmes being delivered by the council and its partners, but said events primarily designed as fundraisers did not count.

Previous events have included a performance with a York choir of more than 100 voices, a full orchestra, a visiting choir from Los Angeles and a multi-award winning composer, and later this year, Tang Hall SMART will host a community gig.

For more details email charlie.croft@york.gov.uk Applications should be submitted by Friday, April 28.