THOR’S Tipi, a national well-loved brand, will be familiar to many as one of the staple experiences at York Christmas Market and other Christmas markets across the country and was originally founded right here in York. The organisation first started as a company providing tents for special occasions and events, such as weddings – and whilst the weddings business was successful in spring-summer time, winters were a traditionally quiet period. This is how the idea for THOR’S Tipi offering drinks and a cosy place to relax after busy Christmas shopping during the festive period was born.
THOR’S Tipi first approached Make It York in 2015 with the idea of doing a ‘tipi bar’ at the York Christmas Markets. This was a start of the long-lasting relationship that has seen THOR’S Tipi grow and expand over the years. By 2019 the company was operating within seven Christmas markets from London to Edinburgh, with each site offering unique features. Special attention is paid to every detail, and the experiences are designed to offer the best experience to all customers.
Amanda, the co-owner of THOR’S Tipi, says:
“The name THOR’S came from York’s Viking history. We see York as our home and wanted to have a connection between our business and the city’s heritage. The team at Make It York have actually helped us with the choice for the name, and it’s been fun to work with them on different projects and collaboration ideas. Dominic and Rachel in the events team are knowledgeable, creative and constantly push us through the innovation process motivating us to come up with new concepts every time”.
To THOR’S the Christmas Market is everything, as the business was born to create a place for people to dwell and relax during the busy and exciting festive period. The cancellation of the 2020 York Christmas Market due to the pandemic was unfortunate, however THOR’S supported the decision that put people’s health & safety first and are looking forward to returning to their “home” – Parliament Street, in 2021.
2020 was a year of reflection, however, THOR’S continued to work with local organisations on new projects and opportunities. During summer 2020, THOR’S worked with the York BID to create an outdoor hospitality place at College Green. This year, from April 12th and the beginning of the relaxation of the national lockdown in the UK, THOR’S are operating an outdoor seating space on Parliament Street for customers from nearby businesses to use – right in the heart of York city centre.
The relationship THOR’S have created with Make It York over five years, helps to bring together various York businesses, opening the door for THOR’S to use a network of suppliers, at the same time supporting local producers. Dominic Berry, Senior Health & Safety Event Manager and Rachel Harvey, Development Manager from Make It York have been working closely with THOR’S for many years, offering support, sharing knowledge and expertise of city centre events and making connections.
Amanda adds:
“Events experience is undoubtably one of Make It York’s strengths. Dominic and Rachel are like a font of knowledge, they can advise on health and safety, support with licensing and planning proposals and help to transform our idea into a successful city centre event. Over time, THOR’S has grown into a national, much loved brand – whose roots belong in York. And ultimately without Make It York’s trust in our offer and ability to deliver, we wouldn’t be here today.”
Find out more about THOR’S Tipi here: https://www.thorstipi.com/
