Make It York reveals the positive value of tourism in York with results reaffirming York’s position as a leading destination for both domestic and international travellers.
Tourism contributed an outstanding £2.08 billion to York’s economy in 2025 – a 3.6% increase from 2024 – with spending patterns showing:
32% of visitor spend went to York’s vibrant shops and retail offering,
27% was spent on the diverse food and drink scene,
27% supported the city’s accommodation sector,
11% went toward recreation and entertainment, and
3% was spent on transport and getting around the city.
This is made of domestic travellers injecting £1.50 billion into York’s economy, while overseas visitors alone accounted for over a quarter of the economic impact, bringing in £0.57 billion.
York welcomed an impressive 8.88 million visitors. This reflects the success of our ongoing efforts to attract, engage and inspire visitors. The visitor number is made of day visitors, reaching 7.01 million, and overnight visitors, where the economic impact of staying visitors has now exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
The number of staying visitors reached 1.87 million – an increase of 9% on 2024. All accommodation sectors have seen a growth in those staying compared with 2024, meaning an increase in economic impact. With an average length of stay at 3.1 nights across serviced accommodation and hotels, non-serviced accommodation, and staying with friends and family.
International travellers to York remain strong with overseas visitors making up 18% of the total visits. Of this, 47% of international visitors chose to stay overnight in York, with serviced accommodation being a firm popular choice accounting for 47%, with greater length of stay at 3.6 nights. This reinforces York’s breadth of quality accommodation on offer and highlights the importance of international visitors on the city’s local economy.
Beyond its economic benefits, tourism also enhances York’s profile as an exceptional place to live, work and do business. In 2025, 15.9K employees (FTEs) were supported directly and indirectly by tourism.
Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said:“The continued growth of York’s economy is a testament to the city’s enduring appeal and our collective efforts to deliver exceptional experiences. It shows the pivotal role our local businesses, tourism partners and city-wide stakeholders have played in welcoming visitors to the city. We will continue to work together to enrich the visitor experience for residents and visitors, ensuring York continues to shine as the world-class destination it is.”
Source: 2025 STEAM report by Global Tourism Solutions (UK) Ltd 2025.
Comparisons to 2024 are shown against historic spend figures and separately indexed to adjust for the effects of inflation by multiplying 2024 spend by 1.036.
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.
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.
Visit York Tourism Award winners have achieved national recognition at the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, following their success earlier this year at the Visit York Tourism Awards.
The annual awards celebrate the very best of England’s tourism industry, recognising businesses that demonstrate excellence in quality, innovation, customer service and visitor experience.
MonkBridge House wins the Gold Award for B&B and Guest House of the Year.
MonkBridge House is an independent family-run guest house overlooking the River Foss, located within a short distance of York city centre. It’s known for its warm hospitality and commitment to sustainable tourism.
Paul Hemsley owner of MonkBridge House said:
“We were delighted to be shortlisted for VisitEngland’s national award. We gave up corporate life in London six years ago to take over our business in York, and it’s the best move we could have made. York is one of the finest, most welcoming and historic cities in the UK and close to both the Dales, Moors national parks and the coast.
We are blessed with fantastic local produce to make breakfast and it is a delight to welcome new and returning guests from around the world. When refurbishing the property, we have embraced a green approach but in everything we do, our focus is on giving our guests the best possible experience.”
As well as its win for Small Serviced Accommodation Provider of the Year at the Visit York Tourism Awards, it also won the Regenerative Tourism Award. This latest accolade follows previous national success at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in 2024, when the business won the silver award for B&B and Guest House of the Year.
The Wizard Walk of York wins the Silver Award for Experience of the Year.
The Wizard Walk of York combines magic, comedy and York’s rich history, the family-friendly walking tour has become one of the city’s most popular visitor experiences for families.
It has added another national accolade to its growing list of achievements, having now achieved success at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence for three consecutive years.
Owner Daniel Wood aka Phoenix the Red said:
“We are simply spellbound to be VisitEngland finalists once again. We’re a small family business with big ideas, and love bringing magic, wonder and laughter to the streets of our enchanting city.
The Wizard Walk welcomes wand-erers from all over the world, and we specialise in creating unforgettable family memories on a unique walking tour like no other. The world needs more magic, and that’s exactly what we offer and deliver!”
In addition to winning Experience of the Year, the walking tour also won the Independent Business of the Year at the Visit York Tourism Awards, as well as being named a finalist in two further categories.
Castle Howard wins the Silver Award for International Tourism Award.
Castle Howard is one of Britain’s most celebrated historic houses and gardens, situated just outside York in the Howardian Hills National Landscape in North Yorkshire.
Abbigail Ollive, Visitor Attraction Director at Castle Howard said:
“We are incredibly proud to be recognised at the VisitEngland Awards and to be named alongside some of the UK’s leading visitor attractions. A genuine Yorkshire welcome is central to the Castle Howard experience, and we place great importance on ensuring our international visitors feel valued from the moment they arrive.
Through initiatives ranging from cultural awareness training and bespoke guided tours to travel-inclusive ticket packages and tailored visitor services, our team is committed to delivering an outstanding and memorable experience for guests from across the globe.”
Alongside its International Tourism Award win at the Visit York Tourism Awards, its popular Christmas at Castle Howard won Event, Festival or Cultural Experience of the Year (a joint win with York Proms). The attraction was also highly commended in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category.
Sarah Loftus, Managing Director at Make It York, said:
“Congratulations to all three businesses on this fantastic national recognition! We’re delighted to celebrate with these members whose passion and commitment help make York such a vibrant and welcoming destination.
Their success reflects the exceptional quality that continues to strengthen York’s reputation as a world-class destination and and reinforces our city’s standing on the national and international stage.”
Celebrating excellence in York’s visitor economy
The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence ceremony took place on 3 June at Aerospace Bristol.
Now in their 36th year, the event brought together finalists from 21 local and regional competitions, all competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze awards across 16 core categories. These span the breadth of the visitor economy, from accommodation and attractions to accessibility and innovation, alongside special recognitions such as the Travel Content Award and Tourism Superstar Award.
Delivered as part of Visit York’s ongoing commitment to championing excellence across the city’s tourism sector, the Visit York Tourism Awards play a vital role in elevating local businesses to the national stage. By supporting and showcasing York’s leading visitor experiences, the awards programme helps strengthen the city’s reputation as a high-quality, world-class destination.
This national recognition for York’s businesses not only celebrates individual achievement but also reinforces the strength and diversity of the city’s wider visitor economy.
Further details on the Visit York Tourism Awards 2027, sponsored by LNER, including application dates and entry information, will be announced shortly.
Three finalists from the Visit York Tourism Awards 2026 have been shortlisted for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
Following the awards ceremony at York Racecourse on 12 March, three Visit York members have now been shortlisted as finalists in the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence:
The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, now in their 36th year, celebrate the very best of England’s tourism industry. Taking place on 3 June at Aerospace Bristol, the event will bring together finalists from 21 local and regional competitions, all competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze awards across 16 core categories. These span the breadth of the visitor economy, from accommodation and attractions to accessibility and innovation, alongside special recognitions such as the Travel Content Award and Tourism Superstar Award.
Delivered as part of Visit York’s ongoing commitment to championing excellence across the city’s tourism sector, the Visit York Tourism Awards play a vital role in elevating local businesses to the national stage. By supporting and showcasing York’s leading visitor experiences, the awards programme helps strengthen the city’s reputation as a high-quality, world-class destination.
This national recognition for York’s businesses not only celebrates individual achievement but also reinforces the strength and diversity of the city’s wider visitor economy.
Visit York looks forward to supporting its members as they represent the city on the national stage and wishes all finalists the very best of luck in June.
The Visit York Tourism Conference 2026, sponsored by LNER, returned to York St John University on Tuesday 13 January. Organised by Make It York, the event explored York’s tourism priorities and opportunities with keynote speakers.
The Visit York Tourism Conference is a vital event for the city, serving as a platform to celebrate and strengthen York’s thriving tourism industry. It brings together local businesses, stakeholders and industry leaders to share insights, strategies, and innovations that drive economic growth and enhance the city’s reputation as a world-class destination.
By fostering collaboration and showcasing the latest trends, the conference ensures York remains competitive, attracts visitors year-round and sustains its position as a cornerstone of regional prosperity.
Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, highlighted Make It York’s achievements for 2025 and gave a review of the organisation’s success over the past year, including its contribution to York’s 9.4 million visitors in 2024 [STEAM data].
The previous year’s success [since April 2025] saw Visit York’s social media content reach 15.8 million people, an increase of 8%, and the visityork.org website attain 3.2 million views by 1.1 million users.
York stands out as one of the few major UK cities to have kept its Visitor Information Centre open at a time when many have been forced to close due to financial pressures. The Centre continues to deliver exceptional support for residents and visitors, thanks to its knowledgeable team and more than 20 dedicated volunteers who ensure this valued service thrives.
Building on this momentum, Visit York delivered four bespoke marketing campaigns across the year, each generating an average of 1.6 million impressions. Alongside this were major events such as the York Ice Trail, which attracts visitors specifically for the experience, and the York Christmas Market, which continues to grow with 1.2 million visitors and 37% staying overnight – a welcome boost for the city’s accommodation sector.
The Shambles Market has seen a notable increase in visitor footfall and now ranks among the top five places to visit for both residents and visitors. Building on this success, Make It York has developed a Shambles Market Growth Strategy, which will be rolled out over the coming years.
York had a 22% increase in applications to film in the city in 2025, with an aim to build on the success in 2026. Watch York on screen in series including BBC’s ‘Michael Portillo’s 200 Years of the Railway’; Channel 5’s ‘Our Great Yorkshire Life’; and Channel 4’s ‘Patience’, ‘Top of the Stops’ and ‘Four In a Bed’. In addition to feature films including ‘Blueberry Inn’ with filming also taking place at Castle Howard.
Looking ahead, Visit York aims to broaden its audience through five marketing campaigns showcasing York as the UK’s most inspiring destination break. Highlighting everything from the city’s rich heritage, including chocolate and ghostly tales, to independent retail and attractions that can be discovered throughout the year.
Furthermore, Visit York continues to expand its international audience reach by attending trade and consumer events to highlight the city’s offerings by retaining strong partnerships and collaboration with North Yorkshire Council, North York Moors National Park, City Cruises, Castle Howard, York Minster, LNER and York Museums Trust to highlight the region. International travellers have returned with 1.3 million visitors generating an economic impact of £0.5 billion [STEAM data]. Visit York has over 556K followers on China’s platforms, including Weibo, WeChat and Little Red Book and are the leading city in England. York is noticed across the globe.
Building on the success of events, holding 12 major festivals last year, York is set to host an exciting array of events and initiatives to enhance visitor and resident experiences. York Residents’ Festival takes place over the weekend of 31 January and 1 February with a host of free entry to attractions and offers throughout the city, the popular York Ice Trail will see over 30 spectacular ice sculptures around the historic streets on 7-8 February, the 28th Visit York Tourism Awards takes place on 12 March showcasing York’s vibrant tourism industry, a new walking trail will be unveiled, and plans are already underway for the York Christmas Market.
On the back of the success of new events delivered last year, Make It York is planning to further develop the Seaside in the City event in August, which will offer family-themed activities. The Yorkshire Day Market will also return for four days in August, alongside support for WizardFest for a second year with the Wizard Night time Market at Shambles Market, and a spooky Halloween Night Time Market.
Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said: ”The Visit York Tourism Conference is a pivotal event that brings together York’s industry leaders and businesses, both small and big, to shape the future of York’s tourism sector. By fostering these collaboration and sharing insights, our conference plays a key role in promoting York as a top global destination. As the only self-financing DMO [Destination Marketing Organisation] in the country, it’s all thanks to our members, partners and stakeholders that we can continue to ensure the city’s continued success in a competitive tourism landscape.”
The keynote speaker, Tom Riordan CBE, the Government Envoy for the Northern Growth Corridor, spoke about “Accelerating Growth in the North”. Tom’s role involves working collaboratively across government departments, with mayors, local authorities and other external partners, with the aim of co-developing a plan to support growth, connectivity and investment across the North in line with key government priorities.
Katerina Rysova, Senior Insights Manager at VisitBritain highlighted the industry’s tourism insights and data. Reported consumer travel trends include a growing focus on sustainability, reflected in increased interest in off-season travel and low-impact transport options. Travellers are also seeking more personalised itineraries and tailored experiences, alongside trips designed to support mental wellbeing and overall wellness. Authenticity remains a key driver of travel decisions, including the continued rise of screen tourism (visiting film and television locations) as well as a desire for genuine human connection through high-quality interactions and engagement. At the same time, technology continues to play a central role, with more travellers using AI to plan trips, seek advice and optimise their itineraries.
The day’s presentations were followed by a panel discussion where Sarah Loftus and Katerina Rysova, were joined by Charlotte Watson, Chair of Indie York, and Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica. The session was chaired by Dr Brendan Paddison, Chair of the York Tourism Advisory Board, and explored key themes including the importance of collaboration.
These initiatives include Make It York working year-round with Indie York, which celebrated it’s 10th anniversary, explaining how it began as a way for small businesses to come together to showcase York’s independent offer and reinforce the message that the city is open. The Indie York map is available from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre.
The discussion then turned to future opportunities for York. Sarah emphasised that the city cannot rely on the assumption that people will simply come, York must actively promote itself. She stressed the importance of being innovative and standing out from competing cities, for example by promoting York as the most haunted city in England and maintaining the “open for business” message even when the river levels are high, to show that the city remains open and welcoming.
Cherie highlighted the need to better leverage York’s cultural capital, noting that culture and tourism are closely linked. She said that York’s UNESCO City of Media Arts designation plays a critical role in the city’s story, presenting York as an innovative and forward-thinking place where history sits alongside contemporary creativity.
Katerina referred to VisitBritain’s Starring campaign, which highlights film and television locations, describing it as one of the most successful and engaging campaigns, generating more than £200 million for the UK and reinforcing Cherie’s point about the importance of screen tourism.
Looking ahead to 2026, there is much to anticipate, including the Eggsplore York trail focusing on ceramic arts, which will draw visitors to independent businesses across the city; the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO showcasing York’s creative sector; the Aesthetica Film Festival which attracts thousands of visitors from around the world; and the 20th anniversary of the Aesthetica Art Prize. Sarah concluded by reiterating the importance of continuously promoting York and keeping it firmly positioned as a top, must-see destination.
Closing remarks were delivered by Mark Mattinson, Chair of the Make It York Members’ Advisory Board and General Manager of York Dungeon. Mark also noted that the day’s speakers consistently emphasised the importance of collaboration, not only within the city but also with regional partners, including North Yorkshire and Leeds.
Mark reflected on the evolution of tourism in York, using York Dungeon’s 40th anniversary as a lens through which to consider how the visitor experience has changed since 1986. He highlighted how tourism in the city has transformed over that period and outlined the collective actions needed to safeguard its future, including stronger collaboration and partnership working to nurture the city, as well as continued engagement with initiatives such as the York Members’ Advisory Board and Qa Research barometers to ensure York remains accessible, inclusive and welcoming to visitors.
England’s Historic Cities (EHC) have unveiled a brand-new edition of the England Originals Travel Trade Guide.
EHC represents a consortium of 12 of England’s most iconic destinations – Bath, Cambridge, Canterbury, Carlisle, Chester, Durham, Greenwich, Lancaster, Oxford, Salisbury, Stratford-upon-Avon, and York.
This new resource was developed following growing demand from the travel trade, and is designed to inspire and support tour operators, wholesalers, and travel agents in creating engaging multi-city itineraries across England. This latest edition has been expanded by almost 40%, featuring over 40 new trade-ready products. The guide showcases a rich collection of attractions, activities, guided experiences, and accommodation providers, offering international visitors deeper access to England’s living history and cultural heritage.
York’s presence within the newly expanded England Originals Travel Trade Guide reinforces its visibility among international tour operators and travel agents, supporting efforts to drive growth in overseas group and touring markets. By spotlighting bookable experiences and itineraries designed for the travel trade, the guide opens up new pathways for Visit York members to be included in multi-destination programmes, generate group business, and forge stronger connections with global trade partners as future itineraries are developed.
Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said: “We’re proud to be included in the latest edition of the England Originals Travel Trade Guide. Collaborating with England’s Historic Cities enables York to feature within inspiring multi-city journeys that appeal to international audiences, while further strengthening the city’s position as a world-class destination on the global stage.”
Florence Wallace, Head of Travel Trade at VisitWiltshire and EHC lead for trade engagement, said, “We’re delighted to launch this expanded resource for the travel trade, helping support product development and promote new bookable programmes. Our partnerships with international intermediaries continue to grow, particularly in North America, where multi-city touring remains a strong focus for travel planners.”
Melanie Sensicle, Chair of England’s Historic Cities, added, “This guide is a cornerstone of our travel trade strategy and an invaluable tool to showcase our remarkable cities. England Originals remains a leading brand for international trade engagement and a testament to more than a decade of collaboration between destinations that have so much to offer to the international and domestic visitor.”
The England Originals Travel Trade Guide provides detailed information for 164 tourism businesses, including trade rates, group sizes, parking facilities, and direct trade contacts. It also includes destination profiles, travel information, and access to an extensive image library, making it an essential tool for intermediaries creating bespoke English itineraries for 2026 and beyond.
Issued by VisitWiltshire on behalf of England’s Heritage Cities. For further information, images or to arrange a press visit or meeting please contact Florence Wallace, Head of Travel Trade, flowallace@visitwiltshire.co.uk Tel: 07436 588860.
About England’s Heritage Cities
England’s Heritage Cities is a partnership of destinations brought together by common product and interests. Its purpose is to exchange knowledge, find solutions to shared challenges, benchmark performance, raise the profile of England’s heritage product and facilitate joint activity, all with the intention of maximising the potential of the cities’ visitor economies. Its geographical footprint spans the length and breadth of England and membership comprises 13 of the country’s premiere heritage locations: Bath, Canterbury, Cambridge, Chester, Carlisle, Durham, Greenwich, Lancaster, Lincoln, Oxford, Salisbury, Stratford and York. heritagecities.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 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
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.
[ASFF19, Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2019, York, Jim Poyner Photography]
This November, Aesthetica will host one of the most significant screen industry gatherings of the year. As part of the 15th anniversary of the BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival, the UK Film Production Summit will take place at The Grand, York on 6 November 2025, bringing together more than 100 of the UK’s leading production companies, development executives and commissioners under one roof.
The scale is unprecedented. The intent is clear. Aesthetica becomes the beating heart of British film and television, as the country’s most influential decision-makers converge to debate, define and decide the future of screen content.
At the centre of the Summit is a landmark keynote session, The Future of Production: Scripted, Unscripted, Film, TV & Streaming, chaired by Ridley Scott Associates. Against a backdrop of rapid technological change, globalised distribution, and shifting audience behaviours, this discussion addresses how UK companies can remain competitive while continuing to champion distinctive, original voices. Panellists also include the New York Times, Paramount and Channel 5 amongst others.
Mark Herbert, CEO of Warp Films, headlines the Summit. One of the UK’s most important independent producers, Herbert’s credits include This Is England, Four Lions, Submarine, and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. In 2025, Warp’s Adolescence took home top honours at the Edinburgh TV Festival, reaffirming the company’s reputation for bold, uncompromising storytelling. His appearance in York signals the weight of the conversations taking place.
Mark Herbert, CEO of Warp Films, says: “I’m delighted to be part of this year’s Aesthetica Film Festival and to lead one of the headline sessions reflecting on Warp’s journey. It’s a fantastic opportunity to come together with peers from across the industry to reflect on where we are, share ideas, and engage in important conversations about the future of storytelling.”
The guest list reads like a roll call of the British screen industry’s biggest players, with representatives from BBC Films, Film4, Working Title, Paramount, Clerkenwell (Baby Reindeer), Warp Films, Netflix, and Amazon Studios all expected to attend. The Summit’s sessions will tackle urgent questions:
How will AI and virtual production transform the industry?
What does the rise of streamers mean for UK broadcasters and independents?
How can British producers balance commercial pressures with creative risk-taking?
Where will the money come from?
These are not abstract questions. They determine whether the next generation of British talent can thrive, whether the UK retains its reputation as a storytelling powerhouse, and whether audiences continue to see fresh, bold work on screen.
Cherie Federico, Festival Director, says:
“The UK Film Production Summit is about scale, ambition and intent. Bringing together 150 companies in one space is unprecedented. This isn’t just another industry event – it’s where the future of UK production is being defined. York has the privilege of hosting, but the significance is national. The conversations will shape what gets made, how it gets made, and where British storytelling goes next.”
The choice of York is also telling. Once considered peripheral to the industry’s traditional hubs, the city has positioned itself as a centre for creativity and innovation, with Aesthetica acting as a catalyst. By hosting an event of this scale and seriousness, York reinforces its role as a meeting point for the future of British creative industries.
For five days in November, all roads lead to York. When the doors close, the conversations begun here will ripple outward across the UK’s film, television, and streaming landscape for years to come.
Aesthetica Film Festival runs from 5-9 November. Tickets and programme www.asff.o.uk
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)
Two Visit York Tourism Award winners celebrated at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence – the tourism industry’s annual national awards – following their success earlier this year at the Visit York Tourism Awards 2025.
The Wizard Walk of York won the Silver Award for Experience of the Year.
The Wizard Walk of York is a family-friendly walking tour which combines spellbinding magic and comedy with York’s history. Continuing the streak, the walking tour was also recognised with top honours, winning at the 2024 Visit York Tourism Awards and taking home the Gold Award for New Tourism Business of the Year at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2024.
Sandburn Hall won the Silver Award for Large Hotel of the Year.
Nestling in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, Sandburn Hall offers rooms with views across the lakes, woodland and courtyard garden, with access to an 18-hole golf course and locally sourced produce at the Tykes Restaurant.
Last night’s ceremony, 4 June, took place at the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange. The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence champion the very best of the country’s tourism industry celebrating quality, innovation, best practice and exceptional customer service.
Sarah Loftus, Managing Director at Make It York, said:
“Congratulations to The Wizard Walk of York and Sandburn Hall! We’re proud to celebrate the excellence these businesses bring to our city and the tourism industry. Their achievements highlight what makes York a truly world-class destination.”
View all the winners and finalists for the Visit York Tourism Awards 2025 where Sandburn Hall won Large Hotel of the Year (sponsored by Streamline Taxis) and The Wizard Walk of York were awarded Experience of the Year (sponsored by LNER).
Applications for the 2026 Visit York Tourism Awards, sponsored by LNER, will open on 16 June and the deadline for applications is 5 September. The ceremony will be held on Thursday 12 March 2026 at York Racecourse.
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 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
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
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