Free, family-friendly sculpture trail returns to York in the new year.
A new band of guardians is set to take up residence across York this winter, as The Night Watchers of York returns for its second instalment from 30 January to 28 March 2027.
Organised by Make It York, the nine sculptures are inspired by the centuries-old stone carvings and grotesques of York Minster.
The free, family-friendly sculpture trail invites everyone to explore the city and discover the stories of a new collection of Night Watchers as they take up their posts across York.
Each Night Watcher has its own character, story to discover and place in the city, creating a fresh collection of characters to encounter throughout the trail.
Follow the trail during the day but don’t miss them after dark to discover a new side to these curious new guardians.
See a new side to the Night Watchers at nightfall
As daylight fades, York provides a very different backdrop for the Night Watchers – making an early evening expedition another way to explore the trail.
While the Night Watchers can be enjoyed throughout the day, visitors can experience the trail in a different way when daylight draws in.
The sculptures are outdoors and some Night Watchers feature light-reflective details or elements that become more noticeable in lower light, meaning visitors may discover something new depending on when they visit.
From nocturnal wildlife and folklore to light, colour and the hidden details that emerge after nightfall, each Night Watcher brings a different side of the night to life.
Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said: “We’re pleased to see the trail return, creating a free and accessible experience that gives everyone even more reasons to explore York.
We aim to bring engaging new ways to support York’s visitor economy during the winter months, encouraging visitors to discover the city’s heritage, attractions, food scene and shopping streets all over again.”
Plan your visit – key details:
The Night Watchers of York
Date: 30 January – 28 March 2027
What to expect: Free, family-friendly sculpture trail across York city centre
This February, the much-loved York Ice Trail returns for another unforgettable weekend, as Legends Unleashed takes over the city.
Over the weekend of 6 and 7 February 2027, the trail will bring legendary stories and characters to life through a spectacular collection of ice sculptures across York.
Inspired by history and folklore, each sculpture brings a new story to life, inviting you to discover more as you explore the city. Free and family-friendly, the trail is a fun way to see York.
The ice sculptures, curated by Make It York and partners, are created by Icebox, the UK and Europe’s leading ice sculpture specialist.
Trail maps will be available from 1 February 2027 online and from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre, where the team will be on hand to help visitors make the most of their York Ice Trail adventure.
Along the way, York’s cafés, restaurants, shops and attractions offer plenty of places to relax and warm up between sculptures.
Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said:“The York Ice Trail is always a special moment in the city’s winter calendar. It’s a brilliant opportunity for families, residents and visitors to explore York, discover incredible ice sculptures and enjoy a little winter magic along the way. This year’s legends theme and the new added experiences are set to make it extra special!”
The Watchers of York Final Gathering is a unique opportunity to view the twelve sculptures together at York Minster’s Chapter House from 3 to 13 September 2026.
Created by Make It York in collaboration with York Minster, the Watchers are inspired by the medieval stone carvings that have watched over the Minster for centuries.
Set among the Chapter House’s remarkable architecture, stained glass and centuries of craftsmanship, the Final Gathering provides a spectacular finale to the city-wide trail, bringing the sculptures and their stories together one last time.
The Final Gathering is the chance to capture the complete collection before bidding closes on 10 September 2026, with proceeds supporting charitable causes. There are ten sculptures to bid for at: visityork.org/watchers-auction
Inspired by the carved grotesques high above us on York Minster, The Watchers of York are protective characters connected to different parts of the city’s story. Some watch over hidden corners, some over green spaces and waterways, while others keep an eye on the movement of people through York’s historic streets.
The arrival of the original stone guardian, named ‘The Watcher of York’, marks an important milestone for the inaugural city-wide sculpture trail launching in two weeks, from 29 June.
Each Watcher has its own personality and guardianship, reflected by the place where it stands. ‘The Watcher of York’ keeps close to York Minster. Some say the first Watcher has always been here, quietly watching from the shadow of York Minster. Carved from stone, it knows every story whispered beneath the Minster windows. While other guardians roam York’s streets and spaces, ‘The Watcher of York’ remains close to its ancient home, keeping watch over the city that inspired them all.
Together, the 12 sculptures will form an intimate trail across York, inviting residents and visitors to discover the city from a new perspective.
Inspired by York Minster’s medieval stone carvings
Launching from 29 June and running to 31 August 2026, The Watchers of York trail is being developed by Make It York in collaboration with York Minster.
The sculptures take inspiration directly from the remarkable carved grotesques of York Minster. Using detailed digital renders of historic stone figures, designers have developed four-foot-tall sculptures that feel both authentic and alive.
One of the original sources for the Watcher character is a medieval carving of a wyvern located on the South Quire of York Minster, dating from around 1400.
Rather than attempting a complete reconstruction of how the wyvern may once have appeared, the sculpture design carefully interprets what survives today, drawing on the visible stonework while respecting its historic origins.
This approach reflects the conservation philosophy used by York Minster’s stonemasonry team, where original carvings are repaired and consolidated wherever possible rather than replaced entirely. The original wyvern grotesque was recently cleaned and stabilised to help ensure its survival for another century and beyond.
The Watchers sculptures follow the same principle, bringing these ancient guardians back into view through respectful interpretation rather than reconstruction, allowing York’s medieval stone characters to watch over the city once again in a new form.
Rooted in heritage and brought to life through creativity, each sculpture is painted by a diverse mix of established artists, charities, community groups and art students. The result will be a distinctive and intimate public art experience celebrating York’s history, culture and creativity.
Meet the Watchers, their guardianship, discover the artists and creators behind the sculptures, and follow the latest trail updates at: visityork.org/watchers-trail
Make It York is pleased to confirm a successful year of charitable fundraising, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to supporting local community initiatives across York and the surrounding region.
For the 2025/26 year, Make It York supported York Against Cancer, raising £4,252 through a programme of employee-led and community-driven fundraising activities.
Fundraising efforts included staff bake sales, raffles featuring donated products from local businesses, sweepstake takings for the UEFA Women’s EURO, and sponsored participation in the “R U Taking The P?” 5K run. A significant proportion of the total funds was generated at the Visit York Tourism Awards, where direct donations from attendees and guests on the night contributed more than half of the overall total raised.
These funds will support York Against Cancer’s continued delivery of vital services, including patient transport to St James’s Hospital in Leeds, respite breaks, mobile chemotherapy provision, tailored exercise classes, and ongoing cancer research at the University of York’s Jack Birch Unit.
Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said: “We are delighted to have raised so much for York Against Cancer and to have contributed to the invaluable work they do across our community. A huge thank you goes to all staff who took part in fundraising activities and to the guests at the Visit York Tourism Awards, whose donations made a significant difference to the total raised.”
Andy Knowles, CEO of York Against Cancer, said: “We’re genuinely grateful to Make It York and to every individual and business who supported their fundraising across 2025/26. The generosity shown, from staff-led events to donations on the night at the Visit York Tourism Awards and contacts made will make a real difference to people affected by cancer across York and YO postcodes. Thank you for choosing to stand with us. As Make It York begins its new partnership with Kyra Women’s Project, I’m sure it will be another positive year of collaboration, fundraising, and community impact.”
Commitment to community impact
Make It York continues to prioritise meaningful engagement with local charities, with fundraising initiatives driven by staff participation and community involvement. For this year, the organisation is pleased to announce that the chosen charity partner for 2026/27 will be Kyra Women’s Project.
Kyra Women’s Project is a York-based charity helping women create lasting positive change. It offers counselling, courses, workshops, and practical support, including employability training and legal advice. Through peer groups and tailored programmes, Kyra provides a safe, welcoming community where women build confidence, develop skills and reduce isolation.
Sarah Loftus said: “We are very much looking forward to building a strong relationship with Kyra Women’s Project over the coming year. We’ll be working closely to help in supporting the positive work they provide to women across York and strengthening its impact in the region.”
Maisie Wilson, Welcoming and Inclusion Officer at Kyra Women’s Project, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to have been chosen as Make It York’s charity partner for the year. Support like this makes a real, tangible difference to the lives of women in York who are facing complex challenges, from poor mental health to financial hardship and social isolation. The funds raised will directly support our work on the ground; helping women access counselling, build confidence, develop new skills, and feel part of a supportive community. We’re really looking forward to working together over the coming year!”
END
NOTES TO EDITORS
Press Release: 22 May 2026
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, and delivering the city’s ground-breaking cultural strategy. MakeItYork.com
About York Against Cancer
York Against Cancer is an independent charity helping people in York, North and East Yorkshire affected by cancer. They provide a range of support services for cancer patients and their loved ones, including a free minibus that takes people from York to St. James’s Hospital in Leeds for radiotherapy appointments, free short breaks in two luxury respite properties for cancer patients and their loved ones to take time away, an award-winning mobile chemotherapy unit, free, tailored exercise classes for cancer patients and our cancer support centre, The Leveson Centre.
They also fund pioneering research at the Jack Birch Unit at the University of York, which has been internationally recognised for its groundbreaking research into bladder cancer. Since starting in 1987, the charity has raised over £20 million to support people in York and across the region. Their aims today are the same as they were when the charity was founded – to support as many people affected by cancer as possible. yorkagainstcancer.org.uk
About Kyra Women’s Project
Kyra Women’s Project is a York-based charity supporting women to make positive, lasting change in their lives. Through a wide-ranging programme of support, Kyra offers counselling, courses, workshops and community activities that address issues such as mental health, domestic abuse, confidence, emotional wellbeing and social isolation. Alongside this, Kyra provides practical support including employability training, legal advice, and food vouchers and more.
Kyra’s work is rooted in creating a safe, welcoming community where women can build confidence, develop skills, and connect with others. This includes a variety of peer support groups, such as LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, and young women’s groups, as well as the ROSE programme for women aged 18–25. The organisation supports hundreds of women each year through both structured programmes and informal drop-in spaces, offering holistic, person-centred support tailored to each individual. kyra.org.uk
Supported by Make It York, this November, York & North Yorkshire will celebrate the region’s thriving creative industries at the BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival. Central to the festival is the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO, running 6–8 November 2025 at the Guildhall, which brings together more than 40 creative businesses from film, television, gaming, VR, design, publishing, and interactive media. The event demonstrates the city and region’s ambition to lead in creative innovation, foster placemaking, and offer meaningful opportunities for young people.
The creative industries are a cornerstone of economic growth and cultural identity across York & North Yorkshire, contributing billions to the UK economy and employing more than 2.3 million people nationally. Recognised as one of the eight key sectors in the UK Industrial Strategy, they are identified as vital to the country’s future in innovation, export growth, and high-skill employment.
Across York & North Yorkshire, these industries are creating jobs across a wide range of roles, from film production, VR and animation to design, digital marketing, and arts management, while also underpinning the region’s growing reputation for creativity and innovation. They are a key driver in placemaking, turning streets and public spaces into living showcases of creativity that attract visitors, talent, and investment, while fostering economic growth and cultural pride.
“The creative industries are where technology, culture and economy converge,” says Cherie Federico, Director of the Aesthetica Film Festival. “York & North Yorkshire have all the ingredients to lead the UK’s creative revolution: talent, history, infrastructure and ambition. The EXPO is our chance to show the world that this region is not just participating. – it is innovating, shaping and influencing the future of screen, media and design.”
The EXPO will feature some of the region’s most innovative companies. Viridian FX, known for their visual effects on House of the Dragon (HBO), will showcase the art of cinematic storytelling. Revolution Games, creators of the Broken Sword series, will demonstrate the narrative potential of gaming. Orillo Productions, collaborating with Netflix and Amazon Prime, will present award-winning storytelling, while Beckview Studios – a state of the art recording studio and Peel X, the sole supplier of XR experiences for Aardman Animations, will offer hands-on demonstrations of interactive projects, highlighting the region’s creative and technological expertise.
Across York & North Yorkshire, the sector is providing real opportunities for young people to build careers in the creative industries. From film production and VR design to digital marketing and animation, the range of roles is vast, and each contributes to the social and economic vitality of the region.
“York is a city of makers, thinkers, and innovators,” says Cllr Pete Kilbane. “The EXPO shows how creative industries are shaping placemaking, growing our economy, and giving young people real opportunities to build careers in a thriving, forward-looking sector.”
Initiatives like One Creative North link businesses across the region, supporting collaboration, enterprise and skills development. By connecting talent in York with creative networks in West Yorkshire and beyond, the EXPO strengthens the entire northern creative ecosystem.
“From film and gaming to VR and design, York & North Yorkshire are proving that creativity drives both community and commerce,” adds Mayor David Skaith. “This EXPO is an opportunity to highlight our region’s ambition and demonstrate how ceative industries can shape the future of work and culture.”
“The EXPO connects talent from York & North Yorkshire with the rest of the UK and the world, supporting creative businesses and inspiring the next generation,” says Sarah Loftus, Director of Make It York. “This is a moment for the region to lead, showing how innovation and creativity go hand in hand.”
The EXPO is free to attend and offers visitors a unique chance to engage with the sector, experience immersive installations, and see first-hand how York & North Yorkshire are shaping the future of the UK’s creative industries.
It runs as part of the Aesthetica Film Festival, one of the UK’s flagship film events. The festival has established itself as a leading platform for new and established talent, hosting celebrated industry figures including Mark Kermode, Ridley Scott Associates, Peter Straughan (Oscar-winning screenwriter), Alex Lowther (Black Mirror), and Warp Films CEO Mark Herbert (Adolescence). The festival has also collaborated with major institutions like Film4 and the BBC, while providing forums such as the UK Film Production Summit and Women in Screen panels, supporting professional development and industry networking.
Alongside the EXPO, York will also host two Media Arts exhibitions at York Art Gallery, as well as a vibrant Festival Fringe, highlighting the breadth and ambition of the city and region’s creative sector. Together, these events transform York into a living showcase of innovation, placing the city and North Yorkshire firmly at the forefront of the UK’s creative industries and offering an unmissable platform for emerging talent and established professionals alike.
Film. Games. Virtual Reality. Comedy. Music. Podcasting. Masterclasses. World Premieres – and even a Fringe.Here’s what to expect at Aesthetica Film Festival 2025.
This autumn, York pulses with cinematic energy as the BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival (ASFF) celebrates its 15th anniversary. Running from 5–9 November, the festival transforms the city into a cultural powerhouse, offering a vibrant, city-wide celebration of film and media on a scale seen nowhere else in the UK.
Aesthetica is no longer just a film festival — it has become the UK’s most significant screen and media event, standing shoulder to shoulder with international trailblazers such as SXSW. From film and comedy to games, VR, music, podcasts, and live performance, this is where the future of storytelling is happening, and where audiences, industry, and artists come together to shape it.
A Global Screening Programme
At its core is an ambitious programme of over 300 films, spanning Animation, Comedy, Dance, Drama, Documentary and more. These screenings showcase new and established voices from around the world, with many titles going on to secure BAFTA and Academy Award success.
With filmmakers attending in person, audiences are invited to watch, discuss and connect directly with the people shaping global storytelling today. Conversations spill from cinemas into York’s streets and cafés, creating a truly open and accessible cultural atmosphere.
Masterclasses with Industry Giants
One of ASFF’s most celebrated elements is its award-winning masterclass series. In 2025, the festival welcomes some of the biggest names in film and television, including:
Peter Straughan (Conclave; Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy)
Alex Lawther (The End of the F**ing World; Black Mirror*)
Jasmin John (Adolescence; Boiling Point)
Mick Audsley (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire)
Alongside them, leading organisations including Aardman, BBC, Film4, Framestore, The New York Times, Industrial Light & Magic, ITV, and Ridley Scott Associates will share insights across directing, screenwriting, visual effects, production, distribution, and more.
These sessions are designed to be open to all, offering rare access to world-class expertise beyond professional circles.
Beyond the Frame: Comedy, Music & Performance
Aesthetica pushes beyond traditional cinema with its Beyond the Frame programme at York Theatre Royal. Highlights include:
Comedy Night with Sophie Duker & Friends — Taskmaster champion Duker joins Eleanor Tiernan and Bella Hull for an evening of fearless stand-up.
Silent Cinema with Live Score — The 1928 classic Beggars of Life is reimagined with live rockabilly from The Dodge Brothers (featuring film critic Mark Kermode) and silent-film accompanist Neil Brand.
Mark Kermode in Conversation — The UK’s leading film critic explores the craft of film music with Jenny Nelson.
The New Music Stage — Ten breakthrough British acts perform live, with representatives from Universal Music A&R and Jack Savoretti (on the Jury). Emerging artists could be signed on the spot — and audiences will be there to witness it.
City-Wide Celebration
From City Screen and York Theatre Royal to NCEM, the Yorkshire Museum, and partner hotels, restaurants and bars including The Grand, York, The Ivy, Malmaison and Thor’s — the entire city becomes the stage for Aesthetica. York’s historic streets are transformed into a living, breathing cultural hub, where screenings, talks, music and performances happen around every corner.
Immersion: VR, Games & Podcasts
Aesthetica is home to the UK’s only VR & Games Lab within a film festival, blurring boundaries between cinema, art and play. Audiences can explore 360° films, interactive installations, and independent games pushing the limits of storytelling.
The Podcasting Lounge celebrates audio storytelling as a powerful art form, offering communal listening sessions, panels and Q&As with creators. Genres span audio fiction, investigative journalism and experimental sound, reinforcing podcasts as one of today’s most intimate mediums.
UNESCO Creative City & Next-Gen Talent
York’s status as a UNESCO City of Media Arts shines through ASFF’s EXPO, showcasing cutting-edge digital media and design. The festival also invests in the future, with workshops for children aged 7–14 in filmmaking, stop-motion animation, and coding — inspiring the next generation of creators.
The Aesthetica Fringe
Playful, unexpected, and free to discover. Across York, the Fringe fills spaces with installations, pop-up exhibitions, printmaking sessions, and sound art, ensuring the festival’s creative spirit extends well beyond traditional venues.
A Meeting Point for the Industry
For professionals, the UK Film Production Summit at The Grand (6–7 November) is a national event of serious significance, bringing together 150 leading production companies including BBC Films, Film4, Working Title, Paramount, Clerkenwell (Baby Reindeer), Warp Films (Adolescence) and more. With commissioners and investors in attendance, this is where future-defining projects and collaborations are forged.
Beyond a Festival: Aesthetica’s National & International Impact
ASFF is part of a wider cultural ecosystem driven by Aesthetica Magazine, one of the UK’s leading publications in art and design, distributed worldwide.
Alongside the Aesthetica Art Prize, which attracts thousands of entries annually from international artists, and its ongoing work in sector development, Aesthetica has become a platform of influence and ambition. By situating York at the centre of this national conversation, the festival is redefining the UK’s creative geography and setting a new benchmark for what a cultural event can be.
A Festival for Everyone
Ultimately, Aesthetica is about more than films – it is about York coming alive as the UK’s leading media arts city. Residents, visitors, students, families and industry alike are invited to explore, discover and participate in an inclusive celebration of creativity.
Practical Information
Dates: 5–9 November 2025 (Online until 30 November)
Get ready for a free weekend of frosty fun as York’s much-loved Ice Trail returns on 1 and 2 February!
The first glimpse hints at this year’s enchanting theme “Origins” and the creative storytelling that will transform York’s historic streets into an icy wonderland.
The sculpture offers a first glimpse into York’s rich and iconic history, beautifully captured in a frozen masterpiece. From a Roman shield to a Viking helmet, it showcases the city’s 2,000-year past. A chocolate bar evokes York’s sweet legacy, while a drifting ghost embodies York’s most haunted status. A majestic, frosty train symbolizes the city’s progress and adventure, and at the centre, a Yorkshire Rose blooms proudly. This frozen tableau seamlessly weaves together diverse symbols, each telling its unique story of York in the language of ice.
Organised by Make It York, York Ice Trail is part of our commitment to facilitating world-class cultural and creative events.
This year’s trail will feature 30 stunning sculptures, crafted by Icebox – the leading ice sculpture specialists in the UK and Europe.
The dazzling ice sculptures will bring captivating tales to life. Each icy masterpiece tells a story of its own, from York’s rich heritage and moments of celebrations to creatures that lived long ago.
On display will also be an origin block of ice – how each ice sculpture starts before Icebox’s team of professional ice carvers bring designs to life, creating the magnificent sculptures for York Ice Trail!
Visitors can also experience the thrill of live ice carving demonstrations at St Sampson’s Square from 12pm, where expert sculptors from Icebox will transform raw blocks of ice into works of art before your eyes.
Throughout the weekend, the beautiful grounds of Middletons Hotel will be transformed into ‘The Sweeter Side of Life’. It will be a family-friendly showcase of four ice sculptures including, ‘Sweet Like Chocolate’ – a spectacular ice sculpture dedicated to the heritage of the hotel’s Sir Terry Alms Cottages. You’ll also find ‘The Ice Wall’ where you can ‘freeze’ yourself for that perfect photo moment.
York BID have journeyed back 2.4 million years to the Ice Age. Five incredible animals, once thriving in the frozen era but now extinct, have been brought to life in stunning ice sculptures. What better way to honour these creatures of the cold than through dazzling ice art and to discover these frosty prehistoric wonders in York!
Prepare to be amazed as York’s ancient streets come alive with frosty unforgettable stories!
Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said:
“We’re so excited for the York Ice Trail weekend! With these stunning ice creations set to transform the city, we can’t wait to see the incredible artistry and imagination that will bring the “Origins” theme to life.
We’re incredibly grateful to all the local businesses whose support makes the York Ice Trail possible. Their contributions are essential to bringing this beloved event to life, and we couldn’t do it without them. See you there!”
Greg Pittard, Managing Director at Icebox, said:
“We are so excited to be returning to York this year with 30 spectacular ice sculptures, each telling a different story. With years of experience and a passion for creating ice masterpieces, Icebox takes pride in turning ordinary gatherings into extraordinary experiences.
Our team of talented artisans worked closely with Make It York and partners to craft custom ice sculptures that reflect their unique vision, making this York Ice Trail an exceptional one that guests will talk about for years to come. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll thank us for this mesmerising experience!”
York Ice Trail is a free event open to all on 1 and 2 February 2025 from 10.30am to 4pm.
York Ice Trail 2024 saw over 67,000 visitors to the city over the weekend of the event with 87% visiting York specifically for the trail. The online survey showed that 9 out of 10 visitors would recommend the trail to family and friends, and would want to return for the next Ice Trail. The free trail also had a positive impact on businesses in the city, with 75% of visitors eating out or drinking in cafes, bars and restaurant, plus 50% were likely to go shopping.
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, and delivering the city’s ground-breaking cultural strategy. MakeItYork.com
About Visit York 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 and business visitor and ensure investment to develop the quality of tourism in York. Activity covers all aspects of tourism marketing and PR, including market intelligence, as well as providing business support through the membership programme. Visit York operate the Visit York Pass, York’s city-sightseeing card, and run the Visitor Information Centre. VisitYork.org
About Icebox Icebox is the UK and Europe’s leading ice specialists, renowned for pushing boundaries while delivering unparalleled style and creativity. Their expertise lies in crafting flawless ice sculptures, captivating live carvings, and immersive ice masterclasses. With a commitment to excellence, we bring unique experiences to life for clients across the UK and overseas, making every event extraordinary. theicebox.com
Launching the UK’s first UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO to celebrate York’s 10th anniversary of global designation. The Guildhall, 7-9 November 2024.
York is the UK’s only UNESCO City of Media Arts and is a global stage for film production, games development, VFX, publishing & design. The city’s creative industries are a major contributor to the local economy, driving job creation, tourism, and investment. Join us to celebrate 10 years of the city’s UNESCO designation and see the impressive work happening across the region.
Set within this year’s BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival, the UNESCO EXPO is a dynamic marketplace for innovation and cutting-edge ideas. It showcases the region’s thriving and growing creative sector by exhibiting the local organisations who are making a national and international impact. In 2023, the Aesthetica Film Festival welcomed over 26,000 visitors, bringing a £2 million economic boost to York. This year’s event is expected to build on that success, drawing even more attendees and generating further benefits for local businesses. Make It York is proud to be a partner in this exciting collaboration, helping to drive the city’s cultural success forward.
Visit The Guildhall, 7-9 November 2024, to try out new projects, speak to creatives and see how York is harnessing its global status to generate future opportunities, drive inward investment and develop educational pathways.
The creative industries contribute £109 billion pounds to the UK economy annually and employs 2.3 million people. York is a leader in the creative economy and its cultural significance is on a global scale. It is 1 of just 26 cities worldwide that was selected by UNESCO as a City of Media Arts.
The city’s outputs are on a par with the other 26 destinations that have been awarded UNESCO City of Media Arts status. These include influential locations like Austin, Texas; Sapporo, Japan; and Toronto, Canada. York is world-leading in its achievements across film, TV, games, design and more.
The UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO is a significant catalyst for the creative industries on both a national and international level. It offers attendees the unparalleled opportunity to experience cutting-edge work, forge strategic partnerships and speak with the creators making waves in the UK’s creative industries. Explore groundbreaking work on major international projects and hear from companies who are delivering projects with world-class clients.
Viridian is a VFX powerhouse based in the North of England. Over the years, it has become one of the UK’s leading studios, bringing captivating worlds to life, from the Golden Globe-winning House of The Dragon to The Infernal Machine, starring Guy Pearce. The company’s clients include big name streaming platforms, such as Apple TV+, HBO and Netflix.
Button Down is a factual TV production company, making narrative-driven work for the BBC and Channel 4 alongside content for brands, such as Cadbury, Dyson, Sky and Wired. They are recipients of the Channel 4 Indie Award for Documentaries, an accolade that highlights their commitment to telling authentic stories with heart and humour.
Orillo is an award-winning production company that makes a range of film content, including advertising, documentary, music and features. They have worked with everyone from big-name brands, such as Adidas, Beats by Dre, BT Sport, Gumtree and Pepsi to Brit Award-winning musician Rag ’n’ Bone Man and singer-songwriter Samm Henshaw.
Art of Protest Gallery is pushing important and timely conversations beyond the silos of country, class and social media groups. They make it possible for contemporary art to reach new audiences, by being a space for projects to be exhibited, dispersed, traded and owned beyond closed interest groups.
As a city, York is harnessing its global status to generate jobs and drive inward investment. Media Arts create exceptional opportunities and prospects in all sectors: retail, hospitality, transport, services. Aesthetica has been actively working with a range of city-wide partners to drive progression routes and pathways into the creative industries.
In addition to connecting filmmakers, developers and screen executives attending the film festival with businesses that deliver the services they need, the EXPO will also act as a mechanism to support the next generation of talent by showcasing educational pathways and career progressions.
Exhibiting Companies
In attendance are: Aesthetica, Art of Protest Gallery, Art is My Career, Ay-Pe, Bright White, Button Down Productions, Creative Business Skills Academy, , Last Maps Illustrations, Orillo Productions, Peel X, Pollen Studios, Pilot Theatre, Revolution Software, The Distance, Viridian FX XR Stories. They demonstrate the sheer breadth and scale of York and North Yorkshire’s cultural output, collaborating with big-name clients, such as Adidas, Apple TV+, BBC, Channel 4, HBO, ITV, Netflix, Pepsi and Sky, to name a few.
Premiere: Stunning Installation by Steve Messam
Steve Messam’s latest commissioned work, Lantern I, will premiere at the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO. Known for his large-scale temporary installations that merge architecture and the natural environment, Messam has designed Lantern I as an exploration of space and interaction.
The piece promises to captivate audiences through its intricate play with light, which transforms the historic Guildhall setting into an immersive and ethereal environment. Messam is an internationally recognised artist, specialising in temporary projects that challenge perceptions of space and place. He was shortlisted for the Aesthetica Art Prize in 2022 and his large-scale exhibitions include a number of site-specific installations across the Venetian Lagoon during the Venice Biennale and the first off-site installation at the Shanghai Biennial.
Reignite VI: Culture Makes Places
The sixth edition of the Reignite series – Culture Makes Places – will take place during the BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival and UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO. York will come alive with culture from an engagement point of view, but also economic. The city will be full of attendees local, national and international.
Representatives from three UNESCO Cities of Media Arts – Braga (Portugal), Linz (Austria) and Oulu (Finland) – will share how they leverage culture to drive transformative change in their cities. Discover how culture enhances economic development, creates jobs, and offers skills and opportunities for young people, fostering growth and innovation across the entire urban ecosystem.
The event will be opened by Mayor David Skaith, followed by an address from Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica. Presentations from each city will explore their unique approaches, followed by a dynamic panel discussion.
Conclude the evening with a drinks reception and a visit to the UNESCO City of Media Arts Expo, celebrating a decade of York’s designation. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how culture is shaping the future of cities globally.
Download the Aesthetica Film Festival Programme Here.
Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica says:
“The UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO is one of the most exciting and enriching experiences to celebrate the UK’s creative industries. In our region, we are working on a global stage and the EXPO celebrates 10 years of designation whilst also looking forward to how York can position itself as a national and international leader in the sector, creating jobs, driving inward investment and developing clear educational pathways.”
Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York says:
“Make It York are thrilled to partner and support the first UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO. The creative arts and culture sectors, along with 10 years of UNESCO designation, are some of the many reasons that make York such a wonderful place to both live and visit. To be able to showcase this with the EXPO, in the centre of the city, is very exciting.”
The UNESCO EXPO and Aesthetica Film Festival is produced by Aesthetica Magazine, one of the UK’s leading publications for contemporary art and culture. aestheticamagazine.com
About the Aesthetica Film Festival:
The Aesthetica Short Film Festival is one of the UK’s leading film events, founded in 2011. It is a unique gathering point for filmmakers, industry delegates and audiences. This year, ASFF marks its 14th edition with a five-day festival that runs in-person in York 6-10 November 2024 and virtually from 6-30 November 2024.
The Director is available for comment.
Tickets, Events & Passes: There are a range of ticket options available for In-Person, Virtual or Hybrid, including One-Day, Two-Day, and Unlimited Access. Single screenings from £7.50. To book, visit: asff.co.uk/tickets
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. MakeItYork.com
York Trailblazers is an exciting new sculpture trail by York Civic Trust and Make It York, co-curated with organisations, community groups, schools and universities, made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This unique sculpture trail celebrates York’s unsung heroes.
The Trailblazers project provides opportunities for York’s residents to discover these lesser-known people, many of whom are from their own neighbourhoods, who have made a difference to people’s lives either locally or globally.
Members of the public and community groups nominated their trailblazers. A co-created final list of these stories were then researched by partner organisations, highlighting their invaluable contributions. To honour these remarkable individuals, artists, working with community groups, created the tansy beetle sculptures representing them.
The tansy beetle, an emblematic symbol of York, was chosen due to its unique connection to the city. York is one of only two places where tansy beetles are found. This vibrant and resilient beetle mirrors the spirit of the Trailblazers – each sculpture not only pays tribute to these changemakers but also brings their stories to life along the trail.
The York Trailblazers Project is a partnership between York Civic Trust, Make It York and a wide range of community and heritage groups, artists and residents of York funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Andrew Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of York Civic Trust said:
“The York Trailblazers project has revealed a fantastic range of people from York, many of whom we did not know of before. With Make It York, it has been fantastic to collaborate with so many local artists and communities. We hope that this is the first of many such celebrations.”
The sculpture trail has been designed to be as sustainable as possible. The materials used are recycled, repurposed or recyclable and the sculptures and the reused bases will be repurposed or recycled after the trail has ended.
Each sculpture has been produced by local artists and crafters working with local people to create something unique and meaningful to them. The choice of sustainable materials and artwork and the decoration of each sculpture has been developed by the partnership of the artist and local communities. It is this process of sustainable co-production that is as important as the finished product.
Commissioned to create the beetle structure, Tom Springett Metalwork Creations drew upon his rich background of experiences, from working within set-construction, visual merchandising, architectural metalwork and art fabrication industries, to create these magnificent metal works of art.
Some of the sculpture artwork may only exist for a few weeks but the beetle structure itself and an accessible digital record of the artwork will be able to continue to celebrate York’s Trailblazers.
There will be 17 sculptures throughout the city, with each reflecting a different trailblazer designed to capture the legacy of these inspirational people, including these three in focus:
‘The Luddites’ sculpture was collaboratively created by a small group of people affected by homelessness with the Good Organisation.
Rather than celebrate an individual ‘trailblazer,’ it serves to commemorate 64 Luddites who were tried in the court in York in 1813. The Luddites were a group of early 19th-century workers who protested against the introduction of machinery that they believed threatened their jobs.
The movement began in the textile industry, where mechanised looms and knitting frames were replacing traditional hand-weaving methods, leading to job losses and reduced wages for skilled workers.
Although the Luddite movement did not stop the process of industrialisation, it highlighted the social and economic challenges faced by workers during a period of unprecedented change, and many of their underlying concerns still resonate today with the rapid rise of AI and digital technology.
The ‘The Luddites’ sculpture is designed by Alex Gray, a recent graduate in Theatre and Performance Design, is an aspiring theatre designer, and currently a stagehand at the Darlington Hippodrome. The sculpture is situated at Eye of York.
‘Delma Tomlin’ was researched by the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall and York Centre for Early Music. Delma Tomlin MBE is a living trailblazer, and her achievements and energy are rarely matched. Delma came to York in 1984 to administer the York Festival Mystery Plays and loved the city far too much to ever leave – championing the move to return the Mystery Plays to the streets of the city and was CEO of the Millennium production in York Minster.
As the founder of the National Centre for Early Music, based within the medieval church of St Margaret’s in Walmgate, Delma has been a pivotal figure in music making – focusing her energies on supporting young professional musicians locally, nationally and internationally – and flying the flag for York whenever possible.
A member of the York Merchant Adventurers Company, in 2022 Delma became the first woman to be Governor since the Company’s inauguration over 650 years ago in 1357. She doesn’t plan to be the last!
The ‘Delma Tomlin’ sculpture is designed by HazardOne, who is recognised as one of the top five female graffiti artists in the UK [The Guardian] and the top 25 female street artists worldwide [The Huffington Post]. The sculpture is situated at Merchant Adventurers’ Hall.
‘York Young Carers’ was researched by unpaid Young Adult Carers aged 16-25 from the York Carers Centre worked with artist Zoe Phillips to represent unpaid carers in York, including both identified and hidden carers.
The group reflected that carers share similar experiences and circumstances but have unique stories in their own right. Therefore, it would be difficult to find one Trailblazer to represent them all. They felt the sculpture would be impactful if it enabled carers to recognise themselves as Trailblazers for the roles they hold, sacrifices they make and difficulties they go through for the love of the person they care for. They said, the sculpture design “should be not what it appears – with lots going on underneath”. The group were taken by the grace of the tansy beetle’s exterior, also the power and resilience of the driving legs and inner workings underneath the shell. They felt this gave a perfect metaphor for a carer.
The ‘York Young Carers’ sculpture was designed by Zoe Phillips, an inclusive mixed media artist who explores our connections with objects and the narratives they hold. The sculpture is situated at The Principal.
Reflecting on her journey, artist Zoe Phillips, said,
“Working with the Young Adult Carers group has been important to me both personally and professionally. Finding a way to share the identity and voice of this incredible group of individuals for whom time and space for themselves may be sparse, but also find a way to draw connections and share how important community is, was key. The beetle exposes all the hidden workings, those background details that are often overlooked or taken for granted but are so important to the running of things. With huge thanks to all those who shared their thoughts and experiences with me, you really are one-of-a-kind trailblazers!”
The trail launches in one week, on Thursday 1 August and runs until Monday 30 September 2024, where the city will also be celebrating Yorkshire Day in heart of the city, with a series of exciting activities and events, including a Yorkshire themed market on Parliament Street.
Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said,
“York Trailblazers is an inspiring tribute to the pioneers whose courage and vision paved the way for our community’s future. This project not only celebrates their legacy but also creatively highlights the humble tansy beetle, reflecting York’s ongoing commitment to its conservation in the city.”
Find full details on our York Trailblazers hub page including, ‘meet the trailblazers’, ‘meet the artist’, download the trail map, a cycle trail for exploring the trail by bike, and minimising your environmental footprint by using public transport.
The river Ouse has the largest population of tansy beetles in the UK.
Tansy beetles rarely fly; they find new food-plants and habitats by walking.
Tansy beetles are being monitored and bred in captivity to ensure that the populations do not disappear.
Trailblazers project facts:
National Lottery Heritage Fund Grant: £249,999.
Over 40 community groups have been involved.
Over 1,000 schoolchildren participated in school workshops.
£30,000 of community grants awarded to 23 local groups.
Over 150 workshops have been delivered.
39 York Trailblazers have been researched and celebrated.
17 Tansy Beetle Trailblazer Sculptures have been created.
The project has only been made possible by the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and players of the Lottery. To date the project has delivered:
A community workshop programme to allow local communities and residents to research and uncover new trailblazers for York.
A community grants programme to enable heritage organisations, voluntary and community groups to contribute to the project especially those groups who have not accessed heritage activities before.
A digital arts project to help celebrate York’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts.
A heritage trail around the city working with local artists and local communities inspired by York’s lesser-known heritage stories.
A school workshop programme and resource packs providing opportunities for young people to learn more about their local heritage and in particular the trailblazers that will be part of the sculpture trail.
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. makeityork.com
About York Civic Trust
York Civic Trust champions the heritage of York in all of its diversity. Thanks to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the work of York Civic Trust we have been able to work with partners across the city to celebrate people from our communities who expand what heritage means in York.
For nearly 80 years the Civic Trust has installed over 150 blue plaques, conserved and restored historic buildings and places and helped develop the city in ways that maintain what is special about York. Anyone can become a member of the Civic Trust and be part of our celebrations of York’s heritage through our events programme, publications and our museum at Fairfax House and influence how our beautiful city develops for the future. yorkcivictrust.co.uk
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