Make It York

First Look at York Ice Trail 2023 and Sculptures Revealed

Events, Make It York News / By

Time Travel to prehistoric ages, walk through history and step into the future on ‘A Journey Through Time’ at York Ice Trail 2023. Organised by Make It York, with main sponsors York Park & Ride, the hugely popular free event returns on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th February.  

The first look at one of this year’s sculptures has been revealed. Photographed by Charlotte Graham in Museum Gardens, with the backdrop of the historic St Mary’s Abbey, Make It York’s ‘A Journey Through Time’ is one of 36 sculptures set to line York’s historic streets during York Ice Trail.  

The grounds of Middletons Hotel will be transformed into a mystical world of mythology, including four show-stopping ice sculptures and plenty of photo opportunities throughout the day. York Gin, City Cruises and The Potions Cauldron will be on-site, with crafts, competitions and surprise creatures – there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Their sister property, The Judges Lodgings, will also feature a spectacular ice sculpture. Make sure you check out the famous Thwaites Shire Horses in all their finery too. 

Fittingly, 2023 is a big year for anniversaries in York. The National Railway Museum will be celebrating the centenary of the Flying Scotsman, with their interactive sculpture. While the Grand Opera House celebrate 121 years of making magic and LNER will mark their 100-year milestone with their respective sculptures. 

York is renowned for its rich chocolate heritage, which will be brought to the ice with York’s Chocolate Story’s working Terry’s Clock Tower – with a hot chocolate twist! Learn more about York’s history with York BID’s six sculptures, all inspired by York’s fascinating historical figures that can be found on the York Quest app. 

‘Busloads to Love’ by main sponsor York Park & Ride gives you the chance to be the driver and get a selfie. The sculpture, celebrating the importance of the bus in public transport, will be situated on St Helen’s Square. 

Travel from York to London with Grand Central’s spectacular Skyline sculpture, or transport into another space and dimension with Hiscox’s adventure bound sit-on space shuttle. For those wanting to go back to the future, don’t miss Ate O’Clock’s DeLorean inspired ‘ATEY ATE Miles Per Hour’ sculpture.  

There’ll be live ice carving across the weekend at St Sampson’s Square with Icebox, where you can see for yourself how ice sculptors bring the ice trail to life. Plus, there’s a chance to win some cash with YorkMix’s Casha-saurus T-Rex, who can be found on Parliament Street across the weekend.  

The last York Ice Trail took place in March 2022 and was a huge success, following a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Over 40 ice sculptures lined the streets of York over the March weekend, with an estimated 25,000 people participating in the trail. Research commissioned with Qa Research showed that 94% of participants would recommend the trail to family and friends.* 

The free trail also had a positive impact on businesses in the city, with 81% of participants eating out or drinking in the city’s restaurants, cafes and bars. Plus, more than 50% were likely to go shopping or visit an attraction. 

York Ice Trail 2023 will once again see the ‘coolest’ sculptures around the city, all sponsored and concepted by local businesses. UK and Europe’s leading ice specialists, Icebox will design and create all the sculptures for the 2023 trail for the second year.  

Free trail maps will be available from the Visitor Information Centre on Parliament Street or can be downloaded online at visityork.org/ice 

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director at Make It York, said: “We’re incredibly thankful to all the brilliant local businesses who support the York Ice Trail and to our headline sponsor, York Park & Ride. Their support makes it possible for us to keep running these much-loved free events in the city. York Ice Trail 2023 will spark imaginations, transporting visitors across time and dimension from sculpture to sculpture. Our ice partners at Icebox have done a phenomenal job at bringing the ideas to life and we can’t wait to see all 38 sculptures line the streets of York in February.”  

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of the City of York Council, said: “The York Ice Trail brings imaginative, ‘cool’ and unique sculptures to York’s streets and is much loved by residents and visitors, so it’s excellent to see the event return once again. This year’s theme and creations are paying a fitting tribute to York’s rich history and imagination of our local businesses. 

“Our city is well known and loved for its vibrant businesses, so many of whom have joined the festivities this year, with an impressive 36 sculptures set to bring some extra magic to the city. With so many sculptures and ways to get involved, this year’s festival promises to be another unmissable event.” 

Greg Pittard, Managing Director at Icebox, said: “It is our privilege to be returning as the sculptors for the second year for York Ice Trail 2023. From mammoths to DeLoreans, the carvers have been working non-stop since late August to deliver ‘A Journey Through Time’. This year’s theme has inspired some incredible designs and we can’t wait to unveil all of this year’s ice creations!” 

John Godfrey, Head of Marketing for First Bus in York, said: “We’re delighted to continue our commitment to supporting one of the must-see attractions in York this year. Leisure and social life in the city has really bounced back, from local people and visitors. 

“We would encourage everyone planning to come and enjoy the Ice Trail to think about sustainable travel to get here and consider leaving the car at home or using the Park and Ride network. This helps avoid congestion, which makes travel around York easier, especially with such an event creating a bustling and lively atmosphere.” 

For more information, visit https://www.visityork.org/york-ice-trail  #YorkIceTrail  

*Research based on a survey of 393 visitors  

ENDS 

Full list of sculptures for York Ice Trail 2023: 

  1. A Journey Through Time, Parliament Street – Provided by Make It York  
     
  2. Growing The Future, Parliament Street – Provided by Dalby Forest 
     
  3. Cash-asaurus T-Rex, Parliament Street – Provided by YorkMix Radio 
     
  4. York to London Skyline, Parliament Street – Provided by Grand Central  
  1. ATEY ATE Miles Per Hour, High Ousegate – Provided by Ate O’Clock   
     
  2. 121 years of making magic, Spurriergate – Provided by Grand Opera House York  
     
  3. Every Moment Matters, North Street – Provided by Park Inn by Radisson
     
  4. Where ever I lay my hat…. , Station Rise – Provided by The Grand, York   
     
  5. 100 years of LNER, Station Road – Provided by LNER 
  1. York Quest App: The Roman, Micklegate – Provided by York BID   
     
  2. The Enchanted Unicorn, Middletons – Provided by Hole In Wand 
     
  3. Ginny the Dragon, Middletons – Provided by York Gin  
     
  4. 20,000 Leagues Under the Ouse, Middletons – Provided by City Cruises 
     
  5. The Monstrous Chimera, Middletons – Provided by Middletons  
  1. York Quest App: The Butcher, Kings Staith – Provided by York BID 
     
  2. Coppergate Viking, Coppergate Centre – Provided by Coppergate Centre  
     
  3. E.T. COMES HOME, Piccadilly – Provided by Spark: York   
     
  4. York Quest App: Dick Turpin, Walmgate – Provided by York BID 
     
  5. Adventure Is Out There, The Stonebow – Provided by Hiscox  
  1. York’s Chocolate Story Clock, Kings Square – Provided by York’s Chocolate Story  
     
  2. Erupted Volcano, Grape Lane – Provided by Lucia Bar   
     
  3. The York Rose Diamond by Kay Bradley, Low Petergate – Provided by Bradley’s Jewellers, York  
     
  4. Minus 200 Degrees Coffee, Low Petergate – Provided by 200 Degrees Coffee 
     
  5. York Quest App: Anne Lister, Goodramgate – Provided by York BID 
  1. Gothic Grotesque, Minster Piazza – Provided by York Minster   
     
  2. Celebrating 100 years of Flying Scotsman, High Petergate – Provided by National Railway Museum  
     
  3. York Quest App: Guy Fawkes, Gillygate – Provided by York BID 
     
  4. The Pearly Cow, Clifton – Provided by No.1 Guesthouse  
     
  5. Layers of Time, Exhibition Sq – St Leonard’s Place – Provided by North York Moors National Park  
  1. York Quest App: Wally Herbert, Museum Street – Provided by York BID 
     
  2. Ryedale Roman Hoard, Museum Gardens – Provided by Yorkshire Museums Trust 
     
  3. Greek Minotaur, Lendal – Provided by The Judge’s Lodging 
     
  4. Busloads to love! St Helen’s Square – Provided by York Park & Ride 
      
  5. The Bettys Express Train, Davygate – Provided by Bettys   
  1. Fire Breathing Dinosaur, St Sampson’s Square – Provided by Cut and Craft 
      
  2. Live Carving, St Sampson’s Square – Provided by York Ice Trail  

For more information, please contact: 

Sarah Foster and Brittany Guymer 

Communications Team at Make It York 

Comms@makeityork.com 

Notes to Editors 

York Ice Trail 2023 will return on 4th and 5th February from 10am. York Ice Trail is a Make It York event, sponsored by York Park & Ride.  

About Make It York 

Make It York’s purpose is to develop and promote the city and its surroundings – nationally and internationally – as a vibrant and attractive place to live, visit, study, work and do business. Its mission is to grow the economic prosperity and wider wellbeing of York and its citizens. In practice, this means delivering a range of projects and programmes based around our corporate strategic priorities.   

These are:  

  • City positioning and profile-raising 
  • Ensuring an exciting city centre 
  • Delivering the city’s ground-breaking Cultural Strategy 

Make It York introduce Members Advisory Board 

Make It York News / By

In October 2022, Make It York put a call out to their 800+ Visit York members, inviting them to apply to join the new voluntary Members Advisory Board.  

The introduction of the Make It York Members Advisory Board aims to support with the organisation’s activities, encourage membership and champion the city as the best place to live, work and stay. The Members Advisory Board will also take the role of constructive feedback, offering their insight into what they feel Make It York could do better and what they feel is most beneficial from their membership with Visit York. 

After 75 expressions of interest, 15 people have been appointed to the board with representatives from a wide range of sectors including attractions, accommodation, retail, corporate services, tours, advertising, blogs and more.  

The members of the voluntary board are: 

James Dickinson, Nettl 

John Gallery, World of James Herriot 

Martha Morley, Yorkshire Air Museum 

Jay Commins, Pyper  

Emily Pickard, York Mumbler  

Matthew Greenwood, Exploring York 

Alan Wellock, Your Creative Source 

Janet Scally, The Grand, York 

John Wright, York Carriage Awaits 

Neringa Didzgalvyte, The Star Inn the City  

Polly Bennett, Little Vikings 

Emma Godivala, York Gin 

Lorraine Wilson, Yorguest 

Stuart Jarman, The Potions Cauldron 

Lee Miles, Mountain Goat 

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director at Make It York, said: “We are introducing the Members Advisory Board to allow us to gain a more detailed cross-sector insight into what our members think we are doing well, and any areas that they think we could improve on. We are incredibly pleased with the response and support we have received from members so far, and we look forward to working even more closely together in the future. My thanks to Philip Bolson, who has helped us to develop and implement the board.” 

Philip Bolson from Mr B Hospitality: “The Members Advisory Board is about keeping Make It York relevant and keeping them focused on what matters to the businesses and residents in the city, and keeping it real, talking about what’s actually happening and what’s needed. Above and beyond that, it’s just supporting Sarah Loftus and the Make It York team, it’s a tough job promoting York around the world so anything that these advisors can do to help them be successful is a good thing.” 

Lorraine Wilson from YorGuest said: “I was born and bred in York and we get a lot of visitors that come and stay with us. We get lots of feedback from visitors, so this gives me a real opportunity to share that feedback and influence as much as I possibly can to make York a better place to visit and live. There’s a real variety of people in the group and it’s really interesting to hear other people’s viewpoints and I’m excited about the future of the group. There’s so much potential and we could make a real difference.” 

Polly Bennett from Little Vikings said: “We’ve been a member of Visit York for about 10 years now and have some good ideas for helping York be the best it can be. By being in this room with all these great people, we can help York be on the map. We speak to people from attractions and families every day who tell us what they’re going to and what they’re not going to, so we can feed this back to Make It York and give them some pointers for the future.” 

ENDS 

About Make It York  

Make It York is the city’s Destination Management Organisation, with the purpose to develop and promote the city and its surroundings nationally and internationally. The company’s remit covers leisure and business tourism, city centre management and Shambles Market, as well as delivering world-class festival and events and the city’s ground-breaking Culture Strategy.  

Visit York is a part of Make It York and is the leisure tourism brand. Under the brand Visit York, Make It York’s aim is to market York as a must-see world-class destination to the leisure visitor and ensure investment to develop the quality of tourism in York. 

New Visitor Information Centre opens on Parliament Street

Make It York News / By

The new Visitor Information Centre at 21 Parliament Street has opened its doors to the public for the first time today (Friday 9th December). 

Located in a higher footfall area, the move from Museum Street to Parliament Street aims to encourage more visitors and residents to utilise the Visitor Information Centre, which has assisted over 150,000 people this year so far. Following its successful launch earlier this year, the Visit York Information pod at York Station will remain open and has recently extended its operating hours.  

The new Visitor Information Centre on Parliament Street is on the doorstep of Make It York’s biggest events of the year, including St Nicholas Fair which runs until 23rd December, as well as York Residents’ Festival and York Ice Trail coming up in the new year.  

Read our previous announcement about the move here: Visitor Information Centre and Make It York to relocate to Parliament Street 

York Busking Slots over the Christmas Period

Events, Make It York News, St Nicholas Fair / By

To mark the 30th Anniversary of St Nicholas Fair, the city will come alive on the Thursday 17th November with a special programme of free events and activities across the city centre. From 12 – 9pm there will be live bands and choirs bringing the city to life with festive performances. We are working with Covent Garden Entertainment, and everyone is welcome to join the celebration and there are slots available throughout the day for buskers / street performers!

Here is the programming timetable for the event in the locations St. Helens Square, Shambles Market and Parliament Street.

Herbie’s Treehouse: The Treehouse Rooftop bar will be running again on top of Herbie’s Treehouse on the corner of St Sampson’s Square. Sound and lighting are supplied, and you can use your own case, or a large busking collections cup is available. Buskers are very welcome to come and perform and are invited to book in with the bar manager for time slots.

There are busking slots available for the opening event on St. Helens Square and Parliament Street (outside the Christmas tree) throughout the day please book this directly through events@makeityork.com. If we receive too many bookings, we can do a draw for the busking slots.

Important Information:

Throughout the duration of the Christmas Markets (17th November – 23rd December), due to concerns of crowd management at peak times we need to ensure there is adequate space around the Christmas Tree on Parliament Street and both the Christmas Market and the Shambles Market.

We will be monitoring congested areas and asking street performers not to perform or leave any equipment to reserve the pitch around the Christmas Tree on Parliament Street. We work with a range of city centre partners, businesses, and traders throughout the year to deliver a successful Christmas Market and experience. We want to ensure that all visitors and users of the city centre have an enjoyable and profitable experience and therefore we would like to propose a system that works for all to help us manage entertainment bookings at St. Helens Square during this period.

Throughout the Christmas Period on weekends Make it York will have choirs and bands booked between the hours of 2pm and 4pm at St. Helens Square. Outside of these times buskers can manage the square for their performances. On Saturday 3rd December we are using St. Helens Square from 10am – 2pm as we have a charity booked and 4 choirs performing.

Please email events@makeityork.com to book your slot for the opening event we would love to have you involved!

Many thanks

The Events Team

Make it York.

Visitor Information Centre and Make It York to relocate to Parliament Street 

Make It York News / By

After 12 years at Museum Street, the Visitor Information Centre is set to move to a new address on Parliament Street this autumn. 

21 Parliament Street will be the new home of the Visitor Information Centre, with Make It York occupying the accompanying office space. Located in a higher footfall area, the move aims to encourage more visitors and residents to utilise the Visitor Information Centre, which has assisted over 150,000 people this year so far. Following its successful launch earlier this year, the Visit York Information pod at York Station will remain open and will extend its operating hours from November.  

The move to Parliament Street will also bring Make It York’s two city centre offices closer together, with the Shambles Market team based at Silver Street. The new Parliament Street office will also be on the doorstep of one of Make It York’s biggest events of the year, St Nicholas Fair, which celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year.  

The Visitor Information Centre and Make It York offices will run business as usual at 1 Museum Street until the move later this autumn.  

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director at Make It York, said: “This is an exciting new chapter for Make It York and our Visitor Information Centre. Our new home in Parliament Street is in a higher footfall area of the city centre, which we hope will encourage more visitors and residents to make the most of our brilliant and knowledgeable Visitor Information Centre advisors. The move this autumn will bring us closer to Shambles Market and our Silver Street office, plus we’ll be on the doorstep of our world-class events such as St Nicholas Fair and YorkLife Festival.”  

About Make It York  

Make It York is the city’s Destination Management Organisation, with the purpose to develop and promote the city and its surroundings nationally and internationally. The company’s remit covers leisure and business tourism, city centre management and Shambles Market, as well as delivering world-class festival and events and the city’s ground-breaking Culture Strategy.  

Visit York is a part of Make It York and is the leisure tourism brand. Under the brand Visit York, Make It York’s aim is to market York as a must-see world-class destination to the leisure visitor and ensure investment to develop the quality of tourism in York. 

Women’s Rugby League World Cup teams receive Civic Welcome in York  

Events, Make It York News / By

Yesterday afternoon (31st October), The Rt Hon Lord Mayor of York welcomed Australia, New Zealand, France and Cook Islands Women’s Rugby League World Cup teams to the city at The Principal, York.  The four teams are staying in York for the duration of this year’s tournament and will be playing in their first matches at LNER Community Stadium on Wednesday 2nd November.  

The Women’s teams from Australia, Cook Islands, France and New Zealand join the New Zealand Men’s team as the five teams and four nations being hosted by York this tournament.  The Civic welcome for the New Zealand’s men team took place earlier this month. 

York’s LNER Community Stadium is hosting eight women’s games, more women’s games than any other host city or town in the tournament. The first game in York takes place on Wednesday 2nd November, with a double-header New Zealand v France and Australia v Cook Islands. There will be six group stage games in York in total, followed by the double header Semi-Final on Monday 14th November. Tickets are on-sale from www.rlwc2021.com/tickets 

The Women’s Rugby League World Cup title will be contested by eight teams, the highest number in the tournament’s history. Since its inception, the tournament has only ever been won by two teams. New Zealand have taken home the trophy a record three times, while Australia have won the title twice including the most recent final in 2017.  

Kezie Apps, Co-captain for Australia’s Jillaroos, said: “I would like to thank York for hosting the Women’s Rugby League World Cup, it’s very special and I know we’re all really excited. All the teams have worked extremely hard to be here and have waited a very long time for this moment, so I know that the Jillaroos are really excited to get out and play. We love York so far, we’ve only been here for a week but it’s been amazing. Everyone is so lovely, we’re so close to everything, it has a rich history and we’re grateful for York and can’t wait for the Rugby League World Cup to kick off.” 

Elianna Walton, Player for Cook Islands, said: “Thank you to the City of York for hosting us and all the special dignitaries, we really appreciate it. It’s been a long travel for us, we’re super excited to be in the ‘pool of death’ as we call it. We’ve got the world number one and world number two, so we’re looking forward to it and really excited.” 

Alice Varela, Team Captain for France, said: “The French players have left their families, their children and have had to take unpaid leave from work to participate in this World Cup. We do it with great pleasure, because it is a real passion for each and every one of us. We are aware that the pool is particularly a death sentence, but my girls are warriors. They are ready to face the best, they are not afraid. We are lucky to be welcomed in York, a beautiful city to walk around. The hotel is great and the university facilities are top.” 

Georgia Hale, Vice Captain for New Zealand’s Kiwi Ferns, said: “On behalf of the Kiwi Ferns, we’d like to extend our massive gratitude and thanks to the City of York for hosting us for the duration of our campaign and to everybody involved in putting on, contributing and organising the World Cup that we have been waiting for for quite some time! Being in York so far, the weather is quite similar to New Zealand so we’ve felt really at home. We’ve really appreciated being shown around the city and our training facilities. We’re really proud to represent our home and our heritage on an international stage and to showcase how amazing women’s Rugby League is.” 

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council said: “We are delighted to welcome these world-class athletes to our city and we wish them good luck during the tournament. 

 “The next few weeks will provide a unique opportunity for the city and wider region. The games will have a huge reach with fans across the world and give York invaluable exposure on the international stage. 

“By continuing to work closely with our partners our focus is on this tournament having a long-term impact. The city has already seen community rugby league events, as well as investment in facilities and equipment. With the first women’s games soon to be played York we are hopeful that the action will inspire a new generation of sporting stars. 

“I hope the teams enjoy their stay in our wonderful city. I know that the people of York will give all the teams a warm welcome.” 

Councillor Darryl Smalley, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Communities, said: “It was great to welcome the women’s teams from Australia, the Cook Islands, France and New Zealand to York before the women’s Rugby League World Cup kicks off. 

“It has been a fantastic start to the world cup so far and we are hugely excited for the women’s tournament to get underway this week. With York hosting eight games across four matchdays, including both semi-finals, it promises to be a fantastic few weeks of sport. To have the reigning world champions, Australia, playing at the LNER Community Stadium, which will host international fixtures for the first time, is very exciting. With the added hope of England playing in a World Cup semi-final in York, there is so much to enjoy these next few weeks. 

“I look forward to following each team’s progress in what promises to be an amazing few weeks of world class sport. Tickets are still available for the matches in York, so don’t miss out on these great events.” 

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director at Make It York said: “In a year where women’s sport has made front pages and captured the imagination of so many, we couldn’t be prouder to be hosting more women’s games in York than any other host city or town.  

“All eight games at the LNER Community Stadium are set to be a great occasion, including the highly anticipated double header Semi Final fixtures. It is a huge opportunity to showcase York on the international sporting stage, and a brilliant chance to see world class teams play international sport on our doorstep. 

“Bringing the Rugby League World Cup to York has been a city effort from partners across the city including City of York Council, York City Knights, Make It York, GLL, York St John University, University of York and Queen Ethelberga’s. “ 

For more information, please contact: 

Make It York 

Sarah Foster and Brittany Guymer 

Comms@makeityork.com 

Rugby League World Cup 

Rob Meaden, Head of Communications: rob.meaden@rlwc2021.com / 07890561448 

Abby Burton, Communications Lead: abby.burton@rlwc2021.com / 07435985333 

Aaron Gales, Communications Lead: aaron.gales@rlwc2021.com / 07533707363 

NOTES TO EDITORS 

About Rugby League World Cup 2021 

The Rugby League World Cup is the pinnacle major event of rugby league, globally contested every four years. RLWC2021 will be a breakthrough moment in the tournament’s history with the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions being staged together for the first time. 

The three tournaments will take place across 21 venues throughout England. Both the women’s and wheelchair competitions will be contested by two groups of four teams, whilst the men’s tournament will see 16 teams compete across four groups. 

RLWC2021 will be the most visible rugby league event in history with all 61 games in the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions being broadcast live on the BBC. 

Fixtures in York: 

New Zealand vs France (women’s) – LNER Community Stadium (Wednesday 2nd November) – 17.00pm 

Australia vs Cook Islands (women’s) – LNER Community Stadium (Wednesday 2nd November) – 19.30pm 

New Zealand vs Cook Islands (women’s) – LNER Community Stadium (Sunday 6th November) – 17.00pm 

Australia vs France (women’s) – LNER Community Stadium (Sunday 6th  November) – 19.30pm 

France vs Cook Islands (women’s) – LNER Community Stadium (Thursday 10th November) – 17.00pm 

Australia vs New Zealand (women’s) – LNER Community Stadium (Thursday 10th November) – 19.30pm 

Women’s Semi-Final (Teams TBC) – LNER Community Stadium (Monday 14th  November) – 17.00pm 

Women’s Semi-Final (Teams TBC) – LNER Community Stadium (Monday 14th November) – 19.30pm 

For full ticketing details visit rlwc2021.com/tickets  

About Make It York 

Make It York’s purpose is to develop and promote the city and its surroundings – nationally and internationally – as a vibrant and attractive place to live, visit, study, work and do business. Its mission is to grow the economic prosperity and wider wellbeing of York and its citizens. In practice, this means delivering a range of projects and programmes based around our corporate strategic priorities. 

These are: 

  • City positioning and profile-raising 
  • Ensuring an exciting city centre 
  • Delivering the city’s ground-breaking Cultural Strategy 

Make It York Stakeholder Event: City leaders discuss what the future holds in light of the cost-of-living crisis 

Events, Make It York News / By

This morning, delegates gathered in The National Centre for Early Music to hear from the Managing Director of Make It York, Sarah Loftus; Chair of Make It York, Greg Dyke; and a panel of city leaders on what organisations in York are doing to help businesses in the face of the cost-of-living crisis. 

Sarah Loftus opened the event by highlighting key achievements for Make It York over the past six months. Since April, 10.1 million people have viewed the organisation’s social content – across Visit York and Make It York channels – which has grown by 13.6% and clickthrough rates have increased by 93.3%. Plus, visits to the Visit York website are up 50% on 2018. 

Sarah Loftus also shared that Make It York has the highest engagement rate compared to any other Destination Management Organisation in the UK and that since April 2022, there has been the highest number of new members joining in the history of Make It York.  

Sarah acknowledged a tough few years for the organisation and assured delegates that Make It York has improved control of their finances. The organisation has also developed and implemented a robust and fair tendering process, including supplier environmental targets and achieving Good Business Charter.  

However, despite the positives, Sarah outlined the key challenges facing businesses and organisations in the city. The cost-of-living crisis is the “biggest challenge” faced by many, with VisitEngland’s domestic sentiment tracker for September showing that four in five believe that the worst is yet to come. International markets have been slow to return, with flight data showing that international bookings have fallen significantly from their high point in April/May. Sarah highlighted the importance of climate change as an industry standard, with more and more people demanding sustainable travel solutions.  

Despite a bleak outlook, Sarah assured delegates that Make It York will respond to these challenges by running more marketing campaigns and working more closely with tour operators to bring more spend to the city. Make It York will be attending World Travel Market in November, pushing York in front of 160 countries and 3000 exhibitors. As well as other key industry events, including ExploreGB which is the biggest Visit Britain event.  

Sarah also announced two exciting new projects, including a new sculpture trail in partnership with St Leonard’s Hospice that will be coming to the city next year. Plus, it has been announced today that York Civic Trust has been awarded a £249,999 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver the Trailblazers project in partnership with Make It York. More information can be found here. 

Chair of Make It York, Greg Dyke, gave an overview of the challenges faced from his own experience in his hotel business – from inflation, profit loss, employment levels and the impact this all has on service. However, Greg stressed that in the short-term market that numbers are holding up and there is much to be optimistic about. 

To close the event, Andrew Morrison from York Civic Trust chaired a panel discussion between Councillor Keith Aspden (Leader of City of York Council), James Farrar (COO at York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership), Joan Concannon (Director of External Relations at University of York), Judith McNicol (Director of NRM) and Greg Dyke (Chair of Make It York).  

Joan Concannon outlined the university’s plans to diversify international recruitment, while James Farrar advised businesses to have a clear plan and focus on their strengths in the face of adversity.  

Councillor Keith Aspden highlighted the importance of hospitality, tourism and retail to the economy in York. With energy prices rising, inflation and the challenges faced, Councillor Aspden warned that next year’s council budget won’t be easy. However, with regenerative projects in the city, there are opportunities to capitalise on projects and make money go further by working with partners across the city.  

Judith McNicol discussed the “phenomenal” opportunity York Central will bring to York, with £155m of government money building the infrastructure which will see a commercial centre support 6.5k new jobs in the city.  

ENDS 

For more information, please contact: 

Sarah Foster and Brittany Guymer 

Make It York Communications Team 

Comms@makeityork.com 

Notes to Editors: 

About Make It York 

Make It York’s purpose is to develop and promote the city and its surroundings – nationally and internationally – as a vibrant and attractive place to live, visit, study, work and do business. Its mission is to grow the economic prosperity and wider wellbeing of York and its citizens. In practice, this means delivering a range of projects and programmes based around our corporate strategic priorities.   

These are:  

  • City positioning and profile-raising  
  • Ensuring an exciting city centre 
  • Delivering the city’s ground-breaking Cultural Strategy 

New Zealand Men’s team arrive in York ahead of Rugby League World Cup  

Events, Make It York News / By

Yesterday afternoon (11th October), The Rt Hon Lord Mayor of York welcomed the New Zealand Kiwis Men’s Rugby team to the city at Mansion House. The former Rugby League World Cup Champions, who are currently ranked world Number 1 in the International Rugby League, are staying in York for the duration of this year’s tournament.  

The New Zealand Men’s team are one of the five teams being hosted by York; alongside the women’s teams from New Zealand, Australia, France and Cook Islands. A Civic Welcome for the women’s teams will be hosted later this month.  

York’s LNER Community Stadium is hosting eight women’s games, more women’s games than any other host city, including the double-header semi-final. Tickets are on-sale from www.rlwc2021.com/tickets 

Jordan Rapana, Player for New Zealand Kiwis said: “We’re really looking forward to the Rugby League World Cup, I know we’ve got a very good team here and a very good squad. I know we can do some damage in this competition, so really looking forward to it.  

In terms of where we’re based in York, it’s a beautiful place. I’ve been here two days now and the atmosphere great, beautiful old buildings and wonderful welcoming people. I’ve lived here in England in the past and this is by far my favourite place.” 

Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the New Zealand Men’s Rugby League team to York, the first of a number of nations that will be staying in the city for the Rugby League World Cup, including Australia, France and Cook Islands. 

“This tournament will be viewed across the world and I have no doubt these teams will inspire a new generation of athletes here in York. We will be working with partners across the city to ensure this event creates a long lasting legacy for the sport and the wider community, with resident engagement set to be a key part of the activity. 

“Bringing this world event to York is the result of a huge partnership effort, and I know that the people of York will give all the teams a fantastic welcome. 

“I hope the team enjoy their stay in York and wish them all the best in their matches.” 

Darryl Smalley, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Communities, said: “Since bidding for the Rugby League World Cup a number of years ago, we have been looking forward to the time we would be welcoming these athletes to our city. New Zealand is a proud sporting nation and is one of the best rugby league teams in the world so it is brilliant to have them in York. 

“The next few weeks will provide a unique opportunity for the city and wider region to host world class sport and we’re particularly looking forward to hosting international games in York’s LNER Community Stadium for the first time. With the competition set to begin shortly, excitement is building across the city and the country. 

“I look forward to following their progress in the tournament in what promises to be a great few weeks of incredible rugby league and a showcase of the sport. If you haven’t already secured tickets, they are still available for the matches in York, so don’t miss out!” 

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director at Make It York said: “We’re delighted to be hosting such a high level of talent in York for the Rugby League World Cup. It’s been an inspiring evening welcoming the internationally ranked world number 1 New Zealand men’s team to our city, and we look forward to welcoming the four women’s teams later this month. The Rugby League World Cup is an occasion not to be missed, with eight women’s games being hosted at our very own LNER Community Stadium. 

Bringing the Rugby League World Cup to York has been a city effort from partners across the city including City of York Council, York City Knights, Make It York, GLL, York St John University, University of York and Queen Ethelberga’s. It is an honour to showcase York to the international sporting community and inspire future generations of athletes here in York.” 

For more information, please contact: 

Make It York 

Sarah Foster and Brittany Guymer 

Comms@makeityork.com 

Rugby League World Cup 

Rob Meaden, Head of Communications: rob.meaden@rlwc2021.com / 07890561448 

Abby Burton, Communications Lead: abby.burton@rlwc2021.com / 07435985333 

Aaron Gales, Communications Lead: aaron.gales@rlwc2021.com / 07533707363 

NOTES TO EDITORS 

About Rugby League World Cup 2021 

The Rugby League World Cup is the pinnacle major event of rugby league, globally contested every four years. RLWC2021 will be a breakthrough moment in the tournament’s history with the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions being staged together for the first time. 

The three tournaments will take place across 21 venues throughout England. Both the women’s and wheelchair competitions will be contested by two groups of four teams, whilst the men’s tournament will see 16 teams compete across four groups. 

RLWC2021 will be the most visible rugby league event in history with all 61 games in the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions being broadcast live on the BBC. 

Fixtures in York: 

New Zealand vs France (women’s) – LNER Community Stadium (Wednesday 2nd November) – 17.00pm 

Australia vs Cook Islands (women’s) – LNER Community Stadium (Wednesday 2nd November) – 19.30pm 

New Zealand vs Cook Islands (women’s) – LNER Community Stadium (Sunday 6th November) – 17.00pm 

Australia vs France (women’s) – LNER Community Stadium (Sunday 6th  November) – 19.30pm 

France vs Cook Islands (women’s) – LNER Community Stadium (Thursday 10th November) – 17.00pm 

Australia vs New Zealand (women’s) – LNER Community Stadium (Thursday 10th November) – 19.30pm 

Women’s Semi-Final (Teams TBC) – LNER Community Stadium (Monday 14th  November) – 17.00pm 

Women’s Semi-Final (Teams TBC) – LNER Community Stadium (Monday 14th November) – 19.30pm 

For full ticketing details visit rlwc2021.com/tickets  

About Make It York 

Make It York’s purpose is to develop and promote the city and its surroundings – nationally and internationally – as a vibrant and attractive place to live, visit, study, work and do business. Its mission is to grow the economic prosperity and wider wellbeing of York and its citizens. In practice, this means delivering a range of projects and programmes based around our corporate strategic priorities. 

These are: 

  • City positioning and profile-raising 
  • Ensuring an exciting city centre 
  • Delivering the city’s ground-breaking Cultural Strategy 

York Christmas Festival 2022: Celebrations for 30th Anniversary of St Nicholas Fair

Events, Make It York News, Markets, St Nicholas Fair / By

Baubles, carols and festive fairs – Christmas in York is just around the corner! Extra special plans are in place across the city this year to celebrate 30 years of York’s famous Christmas Market, St Nicholas Fair. 70 alpine chalets will line the streets of Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square from 17th November to 23rd December, creating a festive wonderland with an array of local produce and artisan gifts on offer from local traders. 

From luxury stationary to Yorkshire Pudding beer, there are lots of unique gift ideas at this year’s Christmas market. What’s more, all traders at this year’s St Nicholas Fair will be offering exclusive discounts for York residents when presented with a valid York Card or identity card with proof of address*. Each trader will offer a discount ranging from 10 to 30% discounts, more details can be found here. 

Brand new to York Christmas Market for 2022 is a traditional Swiss chalet, The Winter Hütte. With a spectacular terrace overlooking St Nicholas Fair, The Winter Hütte offers a ‘Swiss with a Twist’ dining experience from one of Yorkshire’s best-known chefs, the Michelin-starred Andrew Pern. For passers-by, there is a fully-licensed bar area serving seasonal favourites such as gluhwein and spiced cider. Dining bookings are now open on the website. 

Another new addition to York’s Christmas Market 2022 is the Chocolate Circus. The brainchild of the York based family behind Herbie’s Treehouse, look out for their Instagram-worthy loaded hot chocolates. From giant snowman marshmallows to York printed wafers, there’s a topping for everyone including a full vegan hot chocolate alternative menu.  

Herbie’s Treehouse returns for its fifth year, with premium German mulled wine, Cornish mulled cider and Belgian hot chocolates. This year, look out for the new Herbie’s Secret Orchard at the back of the Treehouse for a special menu of hot toddies created with award-winning York Gin. Throughout the duration of the Christmas Market, resident singers and variety performers will play on the new Treetop Stage above the Treehouse, offering an exciting new entertainment area. Local schools, choirs and community groups will be invited to perform, as well as York based artists and international singers.  

Shambles Market Food Court vendors Krep and Shambles Kitchen will be returning to the Christmas market this year, plus Meow and Bao Little Bubble Box will be serving up a combination of infused Asian cuisine. Shambles Ski Bar is also returning this year, with an authentic Après Ski themed pop-up bar stocked with festive favourites. A new addition to this year’s market is York Cocoa Works, who will be on hand to share their chocolate making process from cocoa beans to chocolate bar, truffles, cakes and more. Don’t miss a visit to neighbouring Shambles Market for some of York’s best independent traders, selling everything from seasonal wreaths to locally grown produce.  

To mark the 30th Anniversary of St Nicholas Fair, the city will come alive on the opening day of the market with a special programme of free events and activities for residents. From 12pm to 9pm on Thursday 17th November, there will be live entertainment in St Helen’s Square, Parliament Street and Shambles Market to get everybody in the festive spirit. There’ll be choirs, bands, performances and free theatre workshops throughout the day and into the evening. Plus, there’ll even be an opportunity to meet St Nicholas himself at Shambles Market! The full programme of events will be announced soon. 

Those in the city centre on the evening of the 17th November to celebrate the opening of St Nicholas Fair will be the first to see the spectacular light display for the 2022 festive season. Promising to be the best winter lights display the city has seen, this year will see more lights, new technology and new areas added to the scheme. A partnership between York BID and Make It York, this year’s winter light display will increase the use of more sustainable LED and solar lights, with new areas to be lit up including George Hudson Street and Nessgate. The curtain of lights on York’s historic bar walls will remain, along with the magical ‘Tree of Light’ at the Eye of York with its 1km of twinkly LED lights which change colour to mark important dates and festivals. 

Another great way to see the city in all its festive glory is by following the brand-new Nutcracker Trail. Pick up a free map and seek out ten Nutcrackers across the city centre for a chance to win a £500 York BID Gift Card.  

York Minster has a packed programme of events for Advent and Christmas, including their Christmas Carol Concerts and the return of the Christmas Tree Festival. Castle Howard is set to be transformed into a wonderland of ‘happily ever afters’ with their new ‘Into The Woods’ Christmas experience designed by Charlotte Lloyd Webber Events and The Projection Studio. Plus, THOR’S Tipi will be back in The Principal Hotel Gardens from 11th November, serving up delicious snowboard platters by Yuzu Street Food and cocktails by the cosy log fires. 

Residents and visitors can bring home some of the magic of York this Christmas, with their own special edition 30th Anniversary Bauble. Designed by local artist Emma Feneley, following a local competition, the porcelain bauble will be available to purchase from the Visitor Information Centre from mid-November. Emma’s design features famous York landmark Clifford’s Tower in the festive season and is the perfect addition to any Christmas tree! 

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director at Make It York, said: “Christmas in York is always a special time of the year, with this year set to be even more so as we celebrate 30 years of the famous St Nicholas Fair. We’re delighted to be welcoming Michelin-starred Andrew Pern and The Winter Hütte to Parliament Street for a unique food and drink offer. We’re pleased that all of our traders at this year’s St Nicholas Fair will be offering a discount for York residents, plus we’ll be hosting a whole day and evening of free festive entertainment on Thursday 17th November to mark this special milestone for St Nicholas Fair.” 

Darryl Smalley, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure & Communities, said: “The programme of Christmas activities across York this year is outstanding – with so many unique experiences on offer for all to enjoy. This, combined with world-class food and drink and an array of independent retailers and traders, is sure to bring the festive magic back to York.  Christmas is a great time to support York’s local businesses by purchasing unique gifts and enjoying all they have to offer. 

“York really comes alive at Christmas, so we are looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors to enjoy the magic of the festive period in York.” 

Andrew Lowson, Executive Director at York BID said: “We’re excited about the new design and can’t wait to see the new winter lights scheme in place. Residents and visitors will notice a real difference in key areas like Parliament Street, and we’re pleased that we’ve been able to extend the scheme to light up new areas like Castlegate, George Hudson Street and Nessgate.” 

Andrew Pern, Michelin-Starred Chef, said: “We are hugely excited to be bringing The Winter Hütte and a taste of the Alps to the ancient streets of York. Aside from the incredible two-storey structure, I am delighted to introduce a new Star Inn venture to The Winter Hütte with a restaurant serving great Yorkshire produce with a Swiss twist.  As well as traditional fondue and raclette, the menu will also boast off-piste specials such as Cinnamon Roast Porcetta Suckling Pig with spiced apples, chestnuts and mulled cider juices or Gratin of Winter Roots with toasted cranberry muesli, nut “cheese”, garden sage and onion.  In the downstairs ski bar we will be serving a range of Bratwurst from “The Dog Haus” to enjoy with a festive beverage, while passers-by can also grab a tasty bite from the window counter.  Together with the scent of pine and decor of mountain scenes and cow bells, The Winter Hütte will be a real experience for all the senses this Christmas.” 

Festive cheer will be spread across the city, with carol concerts, festive events and the return of panto season. For more information about what’s happening in York this Christmas, please visit visityork.org/christmas.  

Visit York’s festive press pack can be found here and press images can be downloaded here. 

*To qualify for the resident discounts offered by traders at St Nicholas Fair, you must present a valid York Card or identity card that proves York residency. If presenting an identity card, this must clearly state ‘York’ (e.g. driving licence or older person’s bus pass). The full list of offers can be found here. 

ENDS 

For further information please contact:  

Sarah Foster and Brittany Guymer 

Communications team at Make It York 

Email: comms@makeityork.com 

Notes to Editors: 

St Nicholas Fair runs from 17th November to 23rd December on Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, open daily from 10am to 7pm. St Nicholas Fair is a Make It York event.  

About Make It York 

Make It York’s purpose is to develop and promote the city and its surroundings – nationally and internationally – as a vibrant and attractive place to live, visit, study, work and do business.  The company’s remit covers leisure and business tourism, city centre management, Shambles Market and festivals and events. 

Visit York is a part of Make It York and is the leisure tourism brand. 

Under the brand Visit York, Make It York’s aim is to market York as a must-see world-class destination to the leisure visitor and ensure investment to develop the quality of tourism in York. 

About The Winter Hütte 

The Winter Hütte is a joint venture between Coopers Marquees, CMJ Events and Andrew Pern of The Star Inn the City (York) Limited. Combined, the team brings over 60 years of live entertainment and food knowledge to deliver this spectacular new event for York, home to all three companies. 

York becomes first city with an elected Culture Executive in UK

Culture, Make It York News / By

A broad coalition of people passionate about culture and creativity have been democratically elected to York’s new Culture Executive from across the sector: together, they will oversee the future direction of the city’s Culture Strategy, York’s Creative Future.  

In 2020, the ambitious Culture Strategy mapping out the next five years of York’s Creative Future was launched. A joint initiative between Make It York, City of York Council and the city’s cultural and creative sector, the strategy aims to create opportunity and make culture relevant and accessible to everyone in the city.   

A key priority within the city’s Culture Strategy has been to create more democratic and open structures: the York Culture Forum opened in December 2021, and it now has over 160 members. They represent a broad range of creative freelancers and members of culture, heritage and creative organisations. As the organisation leading the delivery of the Culture Strategy, Make It York has worked closely with City of York Council and the cultural and creative sector to build this process together and ensure robust engagement with it. 

Over the summer, nominations were open for any members of the York Culture Forum who wanted to stand for a voluntary elected position on the Culture Executive. The York Culture Executive, who will oversee the future direction and implementation of the city’s Culture Strategy, York’s Creative Future, have been democratically elected by the York Culture Forum this September.  

There are seven newly elected members of the Culture Executive group, who will lead on specific Priority Areas of the Culture Strategy, as well as General Members who will support across the breadth of the strategy. They are:  

  • Barbara Swinn, Head of Strategy and Engagement at York Explore Libraries and Archives, as Head of Priority Area – Cultural Engagement, Participation and Relevance   
  • Andrew Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of York Civic Trust and Fairfax House, as Head of Priority Area – Placemaking   
  • Lydia Cottrell, Founder of SLAP and freelance multi-disciplinary artist, as Head of Priority Area – Talent Development and Retention   
  • Sarah Maltby, Director of Attractions at Jorvik Group, as Head of Priority Area – York’s National and International Profile 
  • Rachel Cowgill, Professor of Music and University Research Theme Champion for Creativity, University of York, as General Member  
  • Tom Bird, Chief Executive of York Theatre Royal, as General Member   
  • Rebecca Newman, Soprano and Managing Director of York Proms, as General Member.  

They join the non-elected members:   

  • Chris Edwards, Chair of REACH, the Local Cultural Education Partnership, as Head of Priority Area – Children and Young People   
  • Owen Turner, Master of the Guild of Media Arts, representing the UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts designation   
  • Helen Apsey, Head of Culture and Wellbeing at Make It York, as co-Chair of the York Culture Forum and Head of Priority Area – Culture and Wellbeing  
  • Councillor Darryl Smalley, representing City of York Council, as Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Communities.   

The Executive will be led by two co-chairs – Head of Culture and Wellbeing at Make It York and a co-chair appointed from and by the incoming Executive. The group will meet bi-monthly to steer the strategy’s future direction. The first meeting of the new Culture Executive will take place in October. 

Helen Apsey, Head of Culture and Wellbeing at Make It York and Co-Chair of York Culture Forum, said: “It’s a really exciting time for culture in York. Through the York Culture Forum, we’ve created a new space for people working across the culture and creative sectors to connect, come together to share knowledge, and develop partnerships – and with the newly elected Culture Executive in place, the sector can now really take the lead in shaping the future direction of the city’s Culture Strategy. I’m very much looking forward to working with the new Culture Executive: they’re an incredible group of people, with so much expertise, passion and energy.     

Councillor Darryl Smalley, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Communities said: “I look forward to working with the newly elected Culture Executive, who will with their experience, creativity and leadership help us bring York’s ambitious culture strategy to life. It’s a really exciting time for culture across the city, and York is leading the way in having an elected executive driving forward the delivery of our culture strategy. I’d urge any interested organisations or people working across the sector to get involved in the Culture Forum and help shape York’s creative future.” 

Andrew Morrison, Chief Executive Officer at York Civic Trust, said: “The Culture Forum is a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved in one of the most important parts of life in York to work together to develop and promote the vibrant and enriching creative and cultural community it is. I am excited to have been elected to join the executive in order to help support this development and in particular to help to ensure that opportunities for everyone to experience York’s kaleidoscope of culture are embedded within the fabric of the city as it develops.” 

Rachel Cowgill, Professor of Music and University Research Theme Champion for Creativity, University of York, said: “I’m excited to be joining the Culture Forum Executive at such a crucial time in the creative and cultural life of the city.  The cost-of-living crisis poses huge challenges, and we all have a part to play, as organisations and individuals working together, in promoting a culture of vitality, inclusion and well-being through creativity, arts and heritage. I’m excited to join as part of the University of York’s commitment as a university for public good to helping create the conditions for all parts of society to flourish.”  

Sarah Maltby, Director of Attractions at Jorvik Group, said: “I am delighted to join the executive group to bring the benefits to York; its residents and visitors, through the new Cultural Strategy. We have huge opportunities to work together to enhance York’s impact on a national and international stage and I am very pleased to be able to play a part in making that happen.”  

ENDS 

 
For more information: 

Sarah Foster and Brittany Guymer 

Make It York Communications Team 

Comms@makeityork.com 

Notes to Editors: 

About the York Culture Forum 

The Culture Forum is open to anyone working within the arts, culture, heritage, and creative sectors, including collections, combined arts, dance, libraries, literature, museums, music, theatre and the visual arts, as well as people’s own creative participation in, and interpretations of, culture based within York. Find out more and sign up to join the Forum here: York Culture Forum (makeityork.com)   

About the Culture Strategy 

York’s Creative Future has inclusion and participation at its core, and the commitment to ensure that culture is relevant and accessible to everybody in York – regardless of age, background or postcode. It places culture at the heart of activities from major capital developments, to residents’ wellbeing – and will work to ensure cultural entitlement for every child. 

The Culture Strategy has the ambition to transform York – and by 2025 we believe York will be known as a city where outstanding, renowned heritage comes together with a cutting-edge and contemporary approach to creativity – reflecting the city’s rich history and its status as the UK’s first UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts. 

About Make It York 

Make It York’s purpose is to develop and promote the city and its surroundings – nationally and internationally – as a vibrant and attractive place to live, visit, study, work and do business. Its mission is to grow the economic prosperity and wider wellbeing of York and its citizens. In practice, this means delivering a range of projects and programmes based around our corporate strategic priorities.   

These are:  

  • City positioning and profile-raising 
  • Ensuring an exciting city centre 
  • Delivering the city’s ground-breaking Cultural Strategy 

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