Events

First Look at York Ice Trail 2023 and Sculptures Revealed

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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fire Breathing Dinosaur, St Sampson’s Square – Provided by Cut and Craft
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

Full programme of free events to celebrate 30 years of St Nicholas Fair on 17th November

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

To mark the 30th Anniversary of St Nicholas Fair, the city will come alive on the opening day of the Christmas market with a special programme of free events and activities for residents and visitors.

From 12pm to 9pm on Thursday 17^th November, there will be live entertainment in St Helen’s Square, Parliament Street and Shambles Market to get everybody in the festive spirit. There’ll be choirs, bands and performances throughout the day and into the evening. Plus, an opportunity to meet St Nicholas himself at Shambles Market.

Those in the city centre on the evening of the 17^th November, celebrating the opening of St Nicholas Fair, will be the first to see the spectacular light display for the 2022 festive season. This year will see more lights, new technology and new areas added to the scheme.

A partnership between York BID and Make It York, this year’s winter light display will increase the use of more sustainable LED and solar lights, with new areas to be lit up including George Hudson Street and Nessgate. The curtain of lights on York’s historic bar walls will remain, along with the magical ‘Tree of Light’ at the Eye of York with its 1km of twinkly LED lights which change colour to mark important dates and festivals.

What’s more, to celebrate the 30^th Anniversary of St Nicholas Fair, all traders at this year’s Christmas market will be offering exclusive discounts for York residents when presented with a valid York Card or identity card with proof of address*. Each trader will offer a discount ranging from 10 to 30% discounts, more details can be found here.

The full schedule of free events on Thursday 17^th November to celebrate the 30^th Anniversary of St Nicholas Fair:

Shambles Market

12.00 – 19.00: Meet St Nicholas!

Suitable for families and children. Learn more about who St Nicholas is and was, all about the naughty list and enjoy some chocolate coins!

13.00: Musical Connections

Join Musical Connections for a special performance. A small charity based in York, empowering people to live happier and healthier lives through music.

St Helen’s Square

12.00: Dunnington Community Choir

Enjoy festive music, performed by local singers.

13.00 – 15.00: Buskers

15.00 – 18.00: York Theatre Royal

Look out for the York Theatre Royal nativity characters, handing out flyers and doing competitions.

16.00: Musical Connections – The Rolling Tones

Join Musical Connections’ The Rolling Tones for a special performance. A small charity based in York, empowering people to live happier and healthier lives through music.

17.00: University of York Brass Band

A selection of classic Christmas carols to get you into the festive mood!

18.00: Lucy’s Pop Choir

A choir performance from grown-ups who love singing!

18.00 – 20.00: The Island

Meet the York-based children’s charity as they fundraise to enhance children’s quality of life through mentoring.

19.00: York Phoenix Harmonies

Join York’s Newest Vocal Harmony Group for a special performance of Christmas carols.

Parliament Street (next to the Christmas Tree)

12.00 – 17.00: Buskers

18.00: York RI Golden Band

6 to 10 players performing Christmas Carols.

19.00: Larks Christmas Band

Lively vintage Christmas performance in full costume.

20.00: Olivia Tingle

An unapologetically authentic duo playing a classy mixture of anthemic covers and soft sympathetic originals. Not to be missed!

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

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

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

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Sarah Foster and Brittany Guymer

Communications team at Make It York

Email: comms@makeityork.com

Notes to Editors:

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

About Make It York

Make It York

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.

York Busking Slots over the Christmas Period

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

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

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

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

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

Important Information:

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

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

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

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

Many thanks

The Events Team

Make it York.

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

Events, Make It York News / By Make It York

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

These are:

City positioning and profile-raising

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

Bonfire Night in the home of Guy Fawkes

Events, Make It York News / By Brittany Guymer

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Events, Make It York News / By Make It York

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ENDS

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Make It York Communications Team

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

Events, Make It York News / By Make It York

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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