Events

Artists and illustrators across the country are being invited to take our Yorkshire bookish theme and submit designs which will be presented to our sponsors in July for the final selections.

On Thursday 23rd March, the winners of the Visit York Tourism Awards were revealed at a prestigious awards ceremony at York Racecourse. The Visit York Tourism Awards, headline sponsored by LNER, celebrates the best of York’s businesses across tourism, hospitality and culture to win one of 16 trophies. 

Hosted by previous Visit York Tourism Award winner Alicia Stabler, also known as Mad Alice from The Bloody Tour of York, and BBC’s Elly Fiorentini, the ‘Tourism Oscars of the North’ sees eligible winners across a number of categories automatically put forward to the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023. 

This year’s winners include Middletons Hotel, who take Large Hotel of the Year, with judges commenting on the ‘high-quality’ hotel and food, as well as praise for ‘team members who deliver great service’. The hotel’s General Manager, Adam Wardale, went on to win the national VisitEngland Award for Excellence in 2022 following his award win for Unsung Hero at last year’s Visit York Tourism Awards.   

Small Hotel of the Year and Taste of England Award goes to Grays Court Hotel and The Bow Room Restaurant, with judges commenting that they were “hard to beat” offering a “unique stay” and “excellent” standard of food. 

Elsewhere in accommodation, The Bishop & The Bison took the award for B&B and Guest House of the Year, with judges praising their “friendly and warm atmosphere” and “luxury”. The Dovecote Barns were awarded Self Catering Accommodation of the Year, judges commented that their “attention to detail shines through” and that “the personal touches were brilliant”. 

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year was awarded to Wigwam Holidays Ball Hall Farm, with judges commenting that it was a location they’d “come back to again and again”. 

No.1 by GuestHouse, York was awarded New Tourism Business of the Year. Judges praised the “positive attitude of this hotel” and that the “standards of service were excellent”.  

This year’s awards introduced two new categories, including the Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award which was presented to Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens who were praised by judges for their “really outstanding application” and “a peaceful and tranquil environment”.  

The second new award for 2023 was Cultural Venue of the Year, which was won by York Theatre Royal. Judges said they show “an excellent approach and passion for the future potential of theatre”. 

York Theatre Royal also picked up a second award for Event or Festival of the Year with ‘An Evening with Kyiv City Ballet’. Judges commented that the “key here is the event sold out, the money raised for charity, but the biggest result was that the event was held in the first place”. The event raised over £25,000 for UNICEF’s Ukraine Appeal in June 2022. Kyiv City Ballet will be returning to York Theatre Royal on Thursday 30^th March for another very special fundraising gala performance. 

Next Door But One CIC took the Resilience and Innovation Award, with judges commenting that “the team should be commended for the adjustments made during the pandemic” and that they deliver “important and valued work”. 

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year was awarded to Mother Shipton’s Cave, with judges commenting that “there was a large focus on cultural and historical aspects of the experience” and that they were “very well communicated”. 

Castle Howard was awarded Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, with judges remarking on the “well-trained and enthusiastic” team members who focused on “providing a positive experience”. 

Experience of the Year was awarded to The Cookery School at The Grand, York, with judges commenting on the “excellent” quality of food and that the experience was “interesting, engaging and interactive”. 

York Gin took Retailer of the Year, with judges praising their “excellent initiatives” across the business supporting “staff, local producers, partners, sustainability and the community”.

Pub of the Year was awarded to The Drovers Arms Restaurant & Country Pub, with judges commenting on the “hard-working and pleasant” team and “good food”.  
 

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director at Make It York, said: “A huge congratulations to our thoroughly deserving winners and finalists at this year’s Visit York Tourism Awards. Every single business and organisation nominated tonight is one of the reasons why York has been recognised as such a welcoming place to visit. The Visit York Tourism Awards celebrate the very best in tourism, hospitality and culture; many of our winners tonight will automatically be put forward to represent York at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence – we wish them the very best of luck!” 

David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “York has a huge amount to offer visitors and continues to be one of the most popular destinations on the LNER route. We’re therefore very proud to continue to support the Visit York Tourism Awards which shine a spotlight on the individuals and businesses that work tirelessly to make York a brilliant place to visit. On behalf of everyone at LNER, congratulations to everyone involved in this year’s awards.” 

Darryl Smalley, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Communities said: “Congratulations to all finalists and winners who have demonstrated excellence in their sectors across tourism, hospitality and culture. They have all been rightly recognised as providing the very best experiences for residents and visitors to the city. Throughout York there are so many businesses that work hard to make our beautiful city so welcoming and vibrant. A huge well done to all the finalists, and congratulations to the winners for their impressive achievements.” 

ENDS 

Notes to editors: 

Winners of Visit York Tourism Awards 2023:  

B&B and Guest House of the Year sponsored by Shambles Market 

Winner: The Bishop & The Bison  

Finalists: MonkBridge House, Westergate House, The Sidings Hotel & Restaurant   

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year sponsored by Greatest Hits Radio 

Winner: Wigwam Holidays Ball Hall Farm 

Finalists: Wolds Edge Holiday Lodges, York Meadows Camping & Caravan Park  

Cultural Venue of the Year* sponsored by Latimer by Clarion Housing Group  

Winner: York Theatre Royal  

Finalists: York Mansion House, Grand Opera House York, York Barbican  

Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award sponsored by The Fabl  

Winner: Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens  

Finalists: Avorium, Fairfax Corner  

Event or Festival the Year* sponsored by LNER  

Winner: York Theatre Royal – An Evening with Kyiv City Ballet 

Finalists: York Proms, York Maze Hallowscream, Yorktoberfest, York Fashion Week   

Experience of the Year sponsored by Destination Core  

Winner: The Cookery School at The Grand, York  

Highly Commended: The Wizard Walk of York  

Finalists: The Hilt, The Deathly Dark Tours  

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year sponsored by Ward Hadaway 

Winner: Castle Howard  

Highly Commended: North Yorkshire Moors Railway 

Finalists: The York Dungeon, The Web Adventure Park, JORVIK Viking Centre (York Archaeological Trust), The Hole in Wand York  

Large Hotel of the Year sponsored by Streamline Taxis  

Winner: Middletons Hotel – part of Daniel Thwaites  

Highly Commended: The Grand, York 

Finalist: Malmaison York 

New Tourism Business of the Year sponsored by PPS  

Winner: No.1 by GuestHouse, York  

Finalists: 22 Yards Wine Bar & Merchants, Avorium, A Brecks Away Holiday Cottages, The Wizard Walk of York  

Pub of the Year sponsored by Hunter Gee Holroyd  

Winner: The Drovers Arms Restaurant & Country Pub  

Finalist: Valhalla York   

Resilience & Innovation Award sponsored by York St John University  

Winner: Next Door But One CIC  

Finalists: City Sightseeing (Transdev), Yemen Heaven, The Deathly Dark Tours  

Retailer of the Year* sponsored by Fidomoney  

Winner: York Gin  

Finalists: Avorium, Antiques Centre York, The Potions Cauldron  

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year sponsored by YO1 Radio 

Winner: The Dovecote Barns  

Finalists: Wolds Edge Holiday Lodges, A Brecks Away Holiday Cottages  

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year sponsored by VisiSoft  

Winner: Mother Shipton’s Cave  

Finalists: York Army Museum, World of James Herriot  

Small Hotel of the Year sponsored by Inglis Chartered Accountants  

Winner: Grays Court Hotel & The Bow Room Restaurant  

Finalists: Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa, No.1 by GuestHouse, York  

Taste of England Award sponsored by Fowlers of York  

Winner: The Bow Room Restaurant at Grays Court Hotel  

Finalists: Corner Grill House Restaurant, Chopping Block at Walmgate Ale House, The Raj York  

*Visit York only. These categories are not eligible to go forward to the Visit England Awards for Excellence.  

Find out more about the Visit York Tourism Awards 2023 at visityork.org/tourismawards  

For more information, please contact: 

Sarah Foster and Brittany Guymer 

Communications Team at Make It York 

Comms@makeityork.com 

About Make It York: 

Make It York  

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

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

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

The annual York Residents’ Festival returns on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 January, with some offers continuing all week. Organised by Make It York, sponsored by Grand Central, there are over 100 attractions, events and offers for residents to take advantage of. 

Historical attractions such as JORVIK Viking Centre, York Minster, Fairfax House, York Castle Museum, Barley Hall and The Guildhall will be opening their doors for free to residents across the weekend.  

Residents can also take advantage of free wizard golf at The Hole In Wand, free river cruises with City Cruises and free chocolate tours at York’s Chocolate Story. For theatre lovers, there’ll be an opportunity to go behind the scenes with York Theatre Royal and experience virtual reality with Pilot Theatre Monoliths at York Explore Library.  

There are offers across some of York’s most popular eateries and restaurants, including 22 Yards Wine, Brew York, Ambiente Tapas, Forest and Trio Mezze Bar. Plus, there are a range of special retail offers exclusively for residents at Avorium, The Yorkshire Soap Company, Dean’s Garden Centre, The Hat Shop and more.   

For those preferring to explore the city on foot, there are plenty of free and discounted walking tours on offer. York Photo Walks will be offering free walks with a chance to learn and improve photography skills, while learning more about the history of York. Plus, The Wizard Walk of York will be offering free family-friendly walks that promise to be spellbinding.  

To get involved in Residents’ Festival, please present a valid York Card, student card or identity card that proves York residency. If presenting an identity card, this must clearly state ‘York’ (e.g. driving licence or older person’s bus pass). For the full list of offers for York Residents’ Festival, go to www.visityork.org/resfest. Please note, some venues require pre-booking. 

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director at Make It York, said: “We’re delighted that we have over 100 attractions, events and offers for Residents’ Festival weekend in January. This is a great opportunity for residents to rediscover some of the brilliant attractions, retail and food and drink offers on their doorstep. A huge thank you to our Visit York members for their excellent offers and to our main sponsor, Grand Central.”  

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of the City of York Council, said: “I’m delighted that York Residents’ Festival is once again back this year. The weekend is a great way to enjoy our city and support our local businesses. There is a lot explore and discover, with I hope something for everyone on offer during this fun-packed weekend of activities. 

“Our thanks go to all the partners around the city who have come together to make sure that over 100 attractions, events and offers are available for residents.” 

ENDS  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Research based on a survey of 393 visitors  

ENDS 

Full list of sculptures for York Ice Trail 2023: 

1. A Journey Through Time, Parliament Street – Provided by Make It York  
    
2. Growing The Future, Parliament Street – Provided by Dalby Forest 
    
3. Cash-asaurus T-Rex, Parliament Street – Provided by YorkMix Radio 
    
4. York to London Skyline, Parliament Street – Provided by Grand Central  

5. ATEY ATE Miles Per Hour, High Ousegate – Provided by Ate O’Clock   
    
6. 121 years of making magic, Spurriergate – Provided by Grand Opera House York  
    
7. Every Moment Matters, North Street – Provided by Park Inn by Radisson
    
8. Where ever I lay my hat…. , Station Rise – Provided by The Grand, York   
    
9. 100 years of LNER, Station Road – Provided by LNER 

10. York Quest App: The Roman, Micklegate – Provided by York BID   
     
11. The Enchanted Unicorn, Middletons – Provided by Hole In Wand 
     
12. Ginny the Dragon, Middletons – Provided by York Gin  
     
13. 20,000 Leagues Under the Ouse, Middletons – Provided by City Cruises 
     
14. The Monstrous Chimera, Middletons – Provided by Middletons  

15. York Quest App: The Butcher, Kings Staith – Provided by York BID 
     
16. Coppergate Viking, Coppergate Centre – Provided by Coppergate Centre  
     
17. E.T. COMES HOME, Piccadilly – Provided by Spark: York   
     
18. York Quest App: Dick Turpin, Walmgate – Provided by York BID 
     
19. Adventure Is Out There, The Stonebow – Provided by Hiscox  

20. York’s Chocolate Story Clock, Kings Square – Provided by York’s Chocolate Story  
     
21. Erupted Volcano, Grape Lane – Provided by Lucia Bar   
     
22. The York Rose Diamond by Kay Bradley, Low Petergate – Provided by Bradley’s Jewellers, York  
     
23. Minus 200 Degrees Coffee, Low Petergate – Provided by 200 Degrees Coffee 
     
24. York Quest App: Anne Lister, Goodramgate – Provided by York BID 

25. Gothic Grotesque, Minster Piazza – Provided by York Minster   
     
26. Celebrating 100 years of Flying Scotsman, High Petergate – Provided by National Railway Museum  
     
27. York Quest App: Guy Fawkes, Gillygate – Provided by York BID 
     
28. The Pearly Cow, Clifton – Provided by No.1 Guesthouse  
     
29. Layers of Time, Exhibition Sq – St Leonard’s Place – Provided by North York Moors National Park  

30. York Quest App: Wally Herbert, Museum Street – Provided by York BID 
     
31. Ryedale Roman Hoard, Museum Gardens – Provided by Yorkshire Museums Trust 
     
32. Greek Minotaur, Lendal – Provided by The Judge’s Lodging 
     
33. Busloads to love! St Helen’s Square – Provided by York Park & Ride 
      
34. The Bettys Express Train, Davygate – Provided by Bettys   

35. Fire Breathing Dinosaur, St Sampson’s Square – Provided by Cut and Craft 
      
36. Live Carving, St Sampson’s Square – Provided by York Ice Trail  

For more information, please contact: 

Sarah Foster and Brittany Guymer 

Communications Team at Make It York 

Comms@makeityork.com 

Notes to Editors 

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

About Make It York 

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

These are:  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, please contact: 

Make It York 

Sarah Foster and Brittany Guymer 

Comms@makeityork.com 

Rugby League World Cup 

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

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

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

NOTES TO EDITORS 

About Rugby League World Cup 2021 

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

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

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

Fixtures in York: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For full ticketing details visit rlwc2021.com/tickets  

About Make It York 

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

These are: 

• City positioning and profile-raising 

• Ensuring an exciting city centre 
• Delivering the city’s ground-breaking Cultural Strategy 

Wrap up warm and celebrate Bonfire Night in the birthplace of Guy Fawkes, with a visit to York this November.  

Learn about the history of Guy Fawkes from visiting his childhood home, walking tours and explosive new shows. In 1570, Guy Fawkes was born in York. He spent his childhood years in the building now home to the Guy Fawkes Inn on High Petergate and was baptised in St Michael Le Belfrey Church. 

Here are some top picks on how to spend Bonfire Night in York: 

1. Guy Fawkes at the York Theatre Royal (28^th October – 12^th November) 

An explosive new comedy by David Reed brings a hilarious new take on one of the most notorious tales of all time. This brand-new comedy about York’s traitorous trigger man is a devilishly dangerous mix of Blackadder and Horrible Histories – and sure to be a barrel of laughs. Recommended for ages 14+, find out more here.  

2. The York Dungeon  

Guy Fawkes might have been caught underneath the Houses of Parliament, but his story began in York, where he was born in 1570. You’re about to meet him; well, what’s left of him… 

Discover what really happened on the 5th of November 1605, the plot behind gunpowder and treason and exactly what happened to Guy across 10 days of torture at The York Dungeon. You can find out more here. 

3. Little Peasants City Walking Tour 

Little Peasants and their families are invited to embark on a new City Walking Tour to discover the toe-curling tales of York. Join two favourite York Dungeon residents, the ever so slightly bonkers Dungeon Jester and the smelliest peasant Smedley, as to learn more about York’s famous characters such as Dick Turpin, Guy Fawkes and the Pearl of York, Margaret Clitherow. There’ll be plenty to see, lots to learn and a barrel of laughs on this City Walking Tour. You can find out more here.  

4. Guy Fawkes Inn  

Why not enjoy an evening at the Guy Fawkes Inn, the childhood home of Guy Fawkes. Centuries have passed but this historic building has been beautifully restored into an AA Rosette candle-lit restaurant with regional real ales and classic British food. Hear and see the historic sights of York with a free guided tours when you stay in one of their thirteen rooms, available Friday – Wednesday.  

5. Bonfire Night 2022 with Sandburn Hall (4^th November) 

Wrap up warm and enjoy a spectacular evening of fireworks and family-fun at Sandburn Hall on the 4^th November. With family-friendly amusement rides, face painting, hot food and a York Gin bar for the adults, be sure to book your tickets in advance.  

6. The Bar Convent 

The Bar Convent is England’s oldest living convent and has lots of history dating back to the Gunpowder Plot. Mary Ward, who first brought education for girls to England and foundress of the order at the Convent, was the niece of two Gunpowder Plotters. Learn about Mary Ward in the exhibition, with the opportunity to see a 400-year-old crucifix on display linked to the Gunpowder Plot. More information here.  
 

7. Scampston’s Firework Spectacular: ‘Musical Movie Magic’ (4th November) 

Arrive into the stunning Scampston Hall’s 70-acre Parkland for a night of spectacular Pyromusical Fireworks, choreographed to a popular soundtrack from Movie Musicals! Sing and dance along to classic tracks from the past as well as some more popular up to date movies. Find more information here.  

8. The Story of Guy Fawkes Tour 

Beyond a tale of gunpowder, learn about Guy Fawkes, his family history and the influences surrounding him as a Protestant and later a recusant Catholic. 

Each tour is operated by people affected by homelessness and shaped by their own interests or personal experience of the city. The Story of Guy Fawkes is run by Vicki, who interweaves her own personal journey of being diagnosed with stage 4b cancer, treatment, and remission, with the story of his life. Found out more here.  
 

For more inspiration this half term, there’s plenty of Halloween fun to be had in York. Visit the Haunted York hub page at visityork.org/haunted for more inspiration.  

ENDS 

For more information: 

Sarah Foster and Brittany Guymer 

Communications team at Make It York Comms@makeityork.com 

About Make It York 

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

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

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