Markets

Meet the Shambles Market Trader: Black Yak

Case Studies, Markets, Shambles Market / By Make It York

Black Yak, a unique Fair Trade importer, wholesaler and manufacturer, will this year celebrate twenty-five years of being in business, and of trading on Shambles Market. With a loyal customer base from all over the world, Black Yak sells a range of sustainable clothing and crafts that are handmade in Nepal.

Offering everything from woolly hats, jumpers and gloves through to beautiful summer clothing – the brand has most recently had fantastic national media coverage with a piece in The Independent, following a viral meme being shared online of Bernie Sanders wearing wool mittens at the inauguration of Joe Biden.

During lockdown, Black Yak continues to operate as an online business – shipping their high-quality clothing in a range of sizes and designs to customers across the world. Visit www.blackyak.co.uk to browse Black Yak’s selection of hand-made clothing, crafts and accessories and to find out more about how their goods are ethically produced.

Recognised by BAFTS, (The British Association for Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers) as a Fair Trade importer and seller, an ethos of fairness and equality is at the heart of the Black Yak business – alongside a commitment to providing long-lasting high-quality products to their customers.

Rupert Harrison of Black Yak explains: “The ethos behind the business is to only buy fairly and ethically produced goods from our workers in Nepal – with a focus on ensuring that they earn an honest wage and are looked after all year round. This is hugely important, especially now during the pandemic when we are doing everything we can to ensure that the workers in our supply chain continue to be taken care of.

“Whilst Covid-19 has had a big impact on our business and we were sad not to have been able to see customers face to face on the Shambles Market and at York’s St. Nicholas Christmas Fair, it’s been positive to see that our website remains popular. Coverage like the recent piece in The Independent all helps and we’ve seen a great increase in traffic to our site and sales of the mittens featured.

“Over the last twenty-five years we’ve seen real changes in Shambles Market and it has been great to see how it has grown in recent years as a major tourist attraction in its own right. The quality and diversity of the traders on the market is fantastic, and I really enjoy being part of that and meeting such a diverse range of people on a daily basis.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart to our customers who continue to support Black Yak and in turn help the artisan workers in Nepal who make our products. Buying from us really does help to make a difference, and we look forward to be able to see customers in person again when it’s safe to do so!”

Find out more about Black Yak here: https://www.blackyak.co.uk/

Meet the Shambles Market Trader: Cycle Culture

Case Studies, Markets, Shambles Market / By Make It York

Set up in July 2020 Cycle Culture is a York-based business providing customers with high quality and reliable bicycle repair and servicing. Offering a highly personalised service, Cycle Culture provide a mobile bike service to customers across York and the surrounding areas (including everywhere from Malton and Easingwold out to Selby and Stamford Bridge.)

With a stall on Shambles Market every Friday, Cycle Culture are also on hand to provide a wide range of bicycle parts and accessories, as well as offering basic bike servicing on the stall whilst customers wait. Appointments for repairs and home collection can be made in person on Shambles Market or via their website.

During lockdown, Cycle Culture have continued to be busy helping customers with their bike repair and servicing – bringing their high levels of service, expertise and knowledge to people across York and surrounding areas. Cycle Culture are also proud members of The Association of Cycle Traders, giving customers peace of mind that they meet the highest standards of bicycle repair.

Luke Suff, Owner of Cycle Culture said: “I set up the business in the summer of 2020, coinciding our launch with the Government ‘Fix Your Bike’ scheme which really encouraged people to get back out cycling again. Since launch we’ve had a huge amount of support and lots of new customers finding out about us through recommendations from family and friends.

“The main focus for our business is providing a really personalised and bespoke service for each customer, allowing us to cater to everyone’s unique needs. We have over 10 years experience in this area and we pride ourselves on our personal and friendly service – ensuring customers are kept fully up to date throughout the repair process and keeping costs as low as possible. We’ve also been working hard to ensure we provide a safe service for all our customers – with systems in place to adhere to social distancing rules at all times, so that everyone can feel confident and secure with our service.

“There has been a huge surge in cycling recently with people using it as a way to get out and about more and exercise, and this has been great to see. With us being able to go out to help customers in the surrounding villages and rural areas just outside of York this has been a real lifeline for many – helping them to get back out cycling again and enjoy the outdoors.

“We started trading on Shambles Market in October last year and we’ve been made to feel so welcome – both by the other traders and the Make It York team who’ve been on hand to provide any help and guidance we’ve needed. We are really looking forward to continuing to build our business through 2021 and working with customers old and new!”

Areas covered include York and out to Boroughbridge, Easingwold, Malton, Pocklington, Selby, Tadcaster and Stamford Bridge. The cost for the bike pick-up is £10 for anywhere in central York or near the ring road, and up to £20 for places further out.

Find out more about Cycle Culture here: https://www.cyclecultureyork.com/ and follow their Facebook page for their latest updates and offers: https://www.facebook.com/CycleCultureYork/.

Meet the Shambles Market Trader: Wigginton Road Nurseries

Case Studies, Markets, Shambles Market / By Make It York

A family-run business since 1976, Wigginton Road Nurseries is run by brothers, Gary and Andrew – specialising in a wide range of high-quality cut flowers and plants.

With a base on Shambles Market for many years, the Wigginton Road Nurseries stall located on Jubbergate has always offered a year-round selection of the very best seasonal flowers and plants. Hand-picked in Holland, the stall offers a fantastic range of fresh flowers, providing customers with some of the more unusual and unique options not available in supermarkets.

During lockdown the brothers have been busy with a bespoke delivery service – driving across York to deliver fresh flowers direct to people’s homes and bring some much-needed positivity and cheer!

Gary said: “It has been wonderful to see how people have been really getting behind local businesses and the support we’ve had with our flower delivery service over the last week has been absolutely superb. Customers have said it really helps to brighten their day, and how lovely it is to have a local delivery service like this, especially during lockdown.

“With our stock being purchased direct from Dutch wholesalers, the fresh flowers and plants are auctioned every day and prices will of course fluctuate with supply and demand. Over the coming weeks stock levels may also be limited by what we are able to get from our suppliers – however, we are keen to do everything we can to continue to provide this service where possible. When lockdown is over, this may continue to be something we offer our customers, along with the option to order for weddings and events.

“We’ve been on Shambles Market for a long time and seen many changes and improvements in recent years. Being part of the Shambles Market community is great – seeing new traders coming in and developments like the introduction of the Food Court has been really positive and people seem to really love the shopping experience and supporting their local traders.

I’d like to say a huge thank you to all our customers past and present for their outstanding support – it really is appreciated, and we look forward to returning to our stall when lockdown is over and seeing everyone again!”

Find out more about Wigginton Road Nurseries here: https://www.instagram.com/wiggintonroadnurseries/?hl=en

Shop Local at new ‘LoveYork Virtual Market’ and support York Businesses

Make It York News, Markets / By Make It York

Make It York have today (12th January 2021) launched a new ‘LoveYork Virtual Market’ on visityork.org – promoting the online products, gift vouchers and offers from a wide range of York businesses. With over 35 local traders, retailers, hotels and attractions currently on site, the platform offers a diverse selection of products from York’s array of independent businesses.

With all but ‘essential’ shops now closed, online sales are now more important than ever for so many businesses across the city and Make It York are calling for residents and virtual visitors to ‘shop local’ and support York’s traders during this challenging time. With many attractions and hotels offering vouchers to book ahead for experiences, alongside the wide range of online retail offers and businesses providing UK-wide delivery on products – the virtual market will bring these all together in one place.

Building on the success of the virtual Christmas market which was visited over 33,000 times during the festive period, this new virtual market platform is open to any York business offering online products and experiences – including gift vouchers, food/drink and retail offers. Businesses who would like to add their products to the site can contact the Make It York team on membership@makeityork.com for information about how to get involved.

The platform includes a range of different businesses including everything from city centre retailers and traders on Shambles Market, to attractions such as York Minster, JORVIK and the York City FC club shop.

Sean Bullick, Managing Director of Make It York said:

“Shopping local and supporting York’s independent businesses is vital and with the current lockdown restrictions is more important than ever before. Make It York’s new virtual market brings some of York’s wonderful indie businesses together in one place so that residents and virtual visitors can browse what is on offer and support York’s local traders. We are very lucky to have such a diverse range of businesses on our doorstep here in York and we are keen to ensure they thrive in 2021 and beyond.”

Visit the ‘virtual market’ here: https://www.visityork.org/whats-on/loveyork-virtual-market

ENDS

Notes to Editor

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, festivals and events, business support and inward investment.

One of Make It York’s strategic aims is to promote York as a brilliant place to do business, helping to support business growth and innovation across a range of business sectors, such as financial & professional services, rail and high value manufacturing and to stimulate greater inward investment.

For further information please contact:

Amy Goodman – Consumer Communications Manager Email: amy.goodman@makeityork.com

Ana Ignatova – Communications Executive Email: ana.ignatova@makeityork.com

Visit York brings festive cheer into the homes of York residents and fans of the city this Christmas Eve

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

York residents and people from all across the globe are invited to join Visit York in celebrating Christmas this year – virtually. A surprise Visit York Christmas Special video will premiere at 2PM on Christmas Eve (December 24^th) across Visit York social media channels and on YouTube, bringing festive cheer into homes across the city.

The video will bring to life what makes our city so special, particularly at this time of year – with a real community Christmas feel. Local businesses and personalities will come together to bring a combination of theatre, music, performances, stories and a special sing-along for all to enjoy this Christmas Eve from the comfort of their own homes.

The Visit York Christmas Special video will be presented by the city’s favourite Town Crier and this year’s Visit York Tourism Champion – Ben Fry. Resident Spookologist and expert storyteller of York’s ghoulish past, Dr Dorian Deathly, will open the Visit York Christmas Special with a phantasmagorical tale to add some mystery to the Christmas celebrations.

The Visit York Christmas Special will feature a number of musical performances including York’s very own singer-songwriter and BBC’s Fame Academy star, Alistair Griffin, and York based SONY Award winning songwriter, folk musician and Radio 4 “Open Country” presenter, Jez Lowe. Viewers will be able to enjoy a very special performance of “Silent Night” from year ones at Westfield Primary Community School, while the National Centre for Early Music will also share a part of their “York Christmas at Home” festival with a special musical performance from the Palisander ensemble.

Two of York’s theatres will show snippets of their latest performances. Badapple Theatre Company will perform a section of their production of “The Snow Dancer” – a touching winter fairy tale with a furry tail. The popular “Travelling Pantomime” from York Theatre Royal have also taken a break from their Christmas tour around the city and sent a snippet of their festive show to bring plenty of laughs and fun into the homes of everyone this Christmas.

The video will also have a special message from the Archbishop of York, followed by the York Minster Choir performance. And, to make this year very special to all in York, Visit York have got the biggest Christmas celebrity there is to wish all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and they are inviting everyone to join the Visit York Christmas Special premiere to find out who this is!

Helen Apsey, Head of Culture and Wellbeing, Marketing and Communications at Make It York said:

“Our team has been working hard behind the scenes with our local community to create this Visit York Christmas Special. Even though Christmas may look a little different this year, we wanted to do something to spread some Christmas cheer and it’s great to see so many people contributing to this film, to do just that. We hope that this film will bring some festive magic into people’s homes on Christmas Eve, so please do tune in to watch the Visit York Christmas Special – and a very Merry Christmas from all of us here at Make It York.”

The Visit York Christmas Special will premiere at 2PM on Thursday 24 December on Visit York Facebook and YouTube channels. It will then be available to watch again on @VisitYork Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The Visit York Christmas Special will also be broadcast live on YorkMix Radio at 2PM.

ENDS

Notes to Editor

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, festivals and events, business support and inward investment. 

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. 

For more information please contact:

Ana Ignatova – Communications Executive
Email: ana.ignatova@makeityork.com

Festive plans for York city centre this Christmas season

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

Following the news that York will be moving into tier two from 2^nd December, Make It York is working with York’s retail, hospitality and tourism businesses, York BID and City of York Council to create a welcoming and safe Christmas experience to enjoy in the city for residents and people who can visit safely. Plans to animate the city centre space include seasonal food vendors on Parliament Street, festive street performers over the weekends on the run up to Christmas and the return of the much- loved ‘vintage carousel’.

From 2^nd December, many of York’s businesses including local retailers, attractions, restaurants, cafes and more, will be back open in the city centre. Shambles Market will also be reopening – with a wide variety of independent traders offering local produce, festive gifts and delicious street food. The focus for the city’s Christmas marketing this year will be to support York’s diverse and vibrant local business community by creating a welcoming festive ambience in the city centre. Activity will aim to encourage a sense of community, promote shopping local, and support York’s local traders – recognising the individual and unique offers of York’s businesses who have worked so hard to continue keeping the city safe.

From 2^nd December until 10^th January (excluding bank holidays), there will be a variety of local street food vendors spread out on Parliament Street serving seasonal food, mulled wine and hot chocolate. Traders will include KREP and Shambles Kitchen (who can also be found on the Shambles Market Food Court), The Treehouse, Vines Mulled wine and The Cattle Shed (who can also be found on Coppergate). Children (and adults!) are invited to take a ride on the vintage carousel which will be operating throughout the festive period.

Festive roaming street performers will also be in the city centre on the weekends of the 12^th-13^th and 19^th-20^th December – moving around key areas of the city to create a fun, visually engaging experience for visitors into the city centre.

Sean Bullick, Managing Director of Make It York said, “The Christmas period is hugely important for traders and businesses across the city, especially as we come out of this second national lockdown. Our marketing activity focuses on championing York’s local businesses and delivering plans to ensure a welcoming and safe Christmas experience for residents and visitors. Our team have been working hard with partners across the city to create a magical city centre experience, with all the ambience you’d expect from a traditional York Christmas, and festive initiatives to get people moving around the city.”

Cllr Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning, said:

“York is known worldwide as a city with a fantastic festive atmosphere at Christmas time. This year’s celebrations will be different to those we have enjoyed in previous years, but the festive spirit will still be strong in the city.

“We are lucky enough to be home to an amazing range of independent retailers in the city, and they have put in a great effort to ensure they meet all the covid secure guidelines. Our stores are ready to welcome shoppers back in a safe way as they prepare for Christmas.

If we all continue to follow hands, face, space guidance we can continue to shop locally, support our independent retailers and give back to the local economy this Christmas.”

A York Quest augmented reality app is also being launched by York BID with co-funding from Make It York this week. The app features a Santa search, encouraging families to find seven Christmas characters who have taken up residence on York’s historic streets. They can then take a fun photo with the character and share on social media. The York Quest app is available from Thursday, December 3 on Google Play Store or App Store.

Throughout the city centre the winter lights are also up, giving a special festive back drop for residents and visitors to the city centre to enjoy. Organised by York BID and Make It York, the winter light scheme this year includes beautiful Christmas trees on St Helen’s Square, Parliament Street and Shambles Market and York’s historic bars illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights.

The city’s many attractions and venues will also be offering a range of festive experiences for people to enjoy – from chocolate making with Santa at York’s Chocolate Story, Christmas themed walking tours, Santa experiences with City Cruises and a ‘Christmas Spectacular’ on Kirkgate at York Castle Museum – there is something for all ages and interests.

A virtual Christmas market is also taking place on visityork.org until 4^th January to celebrate the outstanding diversity of local traders, retailers and businesses across the city and bring the magic of St Nicholas Fair into homes across the country. The virtual markets will give people the chance to browse the markets from the comfort their own home, offering a safe and snug option for those looking to purchase their festive gifts online this year whilst also supporting their local traders and retailers.

For more information about York at Christmas visit: visityork.org/Christmas

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Make It York

For further information please contact:

Amy Goodman – Consumer Communications Manager
Email: amy.goodman@makeityork.com

Ana Ignatova – Communications Executive

Email: ana.ignatova@makeityork.com

Visit York’s new online shop launches in time for Christmas

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

Visit York have today (23^rd November) launched a new online shop with a range of York-themed gifts, and merchandise just in time for Christmas. Launching with over thirty high quality products, the shop features everything from beautiful York prints, mugs and candles, to iconic York Monopoly sets and a range of books about the city. The new e-shop is now live here: shop.visityork.org

The online shop includes a new range of bespoke designed sweatshirtrs and hoodies in partnership with Visit York member Good Trip Clothing, a local York business who offer high quality organic clothes, manufactured using ethical and sustainable practices. The beautifully designed York-themed sweatshirts and hoodies will be on offer exclusively on the site, made from a blend of super soft organic cotton and high-grade polyester recycled from plastic bottles.

The shop will also include a stunning range of Temple Island products – including York themed mugs, coaster, candles and keyrings, with something for all budgets available. Products from local artists including ‘Art by Jo’ and ‘Staves Art’ will include unique hand drawn cityscape illustrations available on prints, greetings cards and cushions – perfect gifts for Christmas for residents and lovers of York.

Visit York which is a part of Make It York, have launched the new shop area on visityork.org just in time for inclusion within the virtual Christmas market event which runs until 4^th January online. The virtual market showcases a range of local traders, independent businesses and attractions selling an assortment of unique and local festive York produce, gifts and experiences.

Russell McCartney, Head of Commercial at Make It York said: “We are delighted to launch our new online shop which features some of the very best in York themed gifts and merchandise. We are really proud of the range on offer and it is wonderful to be working with local business Good Trip Clothing on some new and exclusive York-themed clothes, which are all ethically sourced and sustainably made. We’ve hand-picked a range of high-quality products which will be ideal gifts for Christmas, or as souvenirs for those who love York.”

Danny Sullivan, Owner of Good Trip Clothing said, “It’s been great to partner with Visit York on this new range for their online shop – particularly as we both share the same goals to change how people perceive souvenir clothing and offer high quality sustainable products to our customers. The new hoodies and sweatshirts created for Visit York customers are made from organic cotton and high grade polyester which has been recycled from plastic bottles – and we are incredibly proud of the quality of these products.”

The shop is now live on the Visit York website here: shop.visityork.org.

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Make It York

For further information please contact:

Amy Goodman – Consumer Communications Manager
Email: amy.goodman@makeityork.com

Ana Ignatova – Communications Executive

Email: ana.ignatova@makeityork.com

Launch of York’s first Virtual Christmas Market

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

For the first time ever, York’s Christmas Market has gone virtual, with over fifty traders, craftspeople and local businesses getting involved to be a part of the online experience. From festive foods and Christmas decorations, to handmade jewellery and candles, the virtual market has a wide variety of gift ideas, seasonal products and festive treats from some of York’s best local businesses and independent traders.

Launching on visityork.org today (12^th November) the Virtual Christmas Market has been created by Make It York in response to the recent announcement that St Nicholas Fair had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The virtual event instead celebrates the outstanding diversity of local traders, retailers and businesses across the city, helping to bring the magic of St Nicholas Fair into homes across the country and offering a safe and snug option for those looking to purchase their festive gifts online this year, whilst also supporting York’s traders, retailers and attractions.

Businesses taking part this year include York Gin, The Grand York, Bradleys The Jewellers, JORVIK, The Chuckling Cheese Company, Ainsty Ales and The Hat Shop York – with more being added each day. ‘Visitors’ to the online market can purchase a wide variety of unique gifts to suit all tastes – from craft gins and homemade brownies, Viking drinking horns, handmade skin care products, stunning artwork and much more. Continuing throughout the entire festive period until 4^th January, the virtual market is now live for browsing here: https://www.visityork.org/whats-on/christmas/virtual-york-christmas-market.

Sean Bullick, Managing Director of Make It York, said:

“Our virtual Christmas Market – a York first – celebrates and promotes York’s diverse local traders, retailers and attractions, encouraging people to support local businesses with their Christmas shopping this year. With a wide variety of brilliant traders from the local area taking part and a huge array of unique and quirky gift ideas, the virtual ‘event’ offers a safe way for residents to support independent traders and businesses over the festive period.”

Emma Godivala, Director at York Gin, said:

“York Gin are delighted to be part of the virtual Christmas Market. It’s the perfect way for people to show their support for all our brilliant local businesses. During these strange times, our hearts have truly been warmed by the support of our local customers. And the virtual Christmas market gives everyone in the area the chance to get behind the local economy – and buy local.”

Kay Bradley, Owner of Bradley’s Jewellers York, said:

“We are delighted to be part of the York virtual Christmas Market this year as one of the city’s many independent retailers. During these challenging times, our family-owned and run jewellers rely on the support of the local community, as we work to continue bringing joy to our customers throughout the festive period. The virtual market is a great shared space for York’s shops to offer unique local products to customers from across the city and beyond, and it helps support the city’s economy when it is vitally important.”

Cllr Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning said:

“This year it’s even more important that residents support local businesses where they can. We can all play our part and think local when planning our Christmas shopping. Many of your favourite shops and services have moved their unique offerings online, so make sure you check their websites and social media accounts for ways to support them right now.
If we all continue to follow the guidance, and York’s infection rate continues to decline, we are hopeful that residents will be able to enjoy York’s magical Christmas atmosphere once restrictions are lifted.”

The launch of the virtual market coincides with the festive lights going up across the city today (12^th November) – with York BID and Make It York partnering to transform the city with magical winter lights and create a wonderful festive atmosphere. York’s four historic bars; Micklegate, Bootham, Monkbar and Walmgate, the traditional gateways to the city since medieval times, will once again be illuminated with thousands of tiny twinkling white lights. York Minster and St Michael le Belfrey will also be lit up once again this year and beautiful Christmas trees will adorn St Helen’s Square, Parliament Street and Shambles Market. For the first time, additional solar powered lights have also been added to the lighting scheme on streets which in previous years haven’t had any winter lights. These lights, which have been coordinated in partnership between York BID and Make It York, will brighten the city throughout the Christmas period and create a wonderful festive atmosphere for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Andrew Lowson, Executive Director of York BID said:

“The winter lights are a much-loved feature of Christmas in York. After such a challenging year it feels especially important to mark the festive season by bringing a bit of beauty and magic to the city, creating a special atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.”

A special live post this evening (12^th November) on the Visit York’s social media channels will capture the magic of the switching on of the lights, with residents and visitors encouraged to share their own lights and Christmas decorations going up over the next few weeks using #LightUpYork, for a chance to be featured on the channels.

Sean Bullick continued:

“Whilst sadly due to the coronavirus pandemic we have been unable to hold a physical ‘light switch on’ event this year, we are still working with York BID to jointly fund this year’s winter lights across the city. From today York will be transformed with beautiful winter lights to give it a magical, festive ambience and instead of a light switch on event, we will be sharing content across our social media channels from tonight which captures the magic of the lights going on in the city this festive season. We are also inviting residents and local businesses to get involved by sharing their own Christmas lights and decorations going up using #LightUpYork as part of a wider seasonal campaign.”

York’s first virtual market is now open here (until 4^th January). Businesses who would like to take part can contact faye.davis@makeityork.com

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Make It York

For further information please contact:

Amy Goodman – Consumer Communications Manager
Email: amy.goodman@makeityork.com

Ana Ignatova – Communications Executive
Email: ana.ignatova@makeityork.com

York’s St Nicholas Fair Christmas Markets cancelled for 2020

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

Make It York and City of York Council have today announced that York’s St Nicholas Fair will not be going ahead this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Following the announcement that the government’s three-tier restriction system has resulted in York being added to the ‘medium’ alert level, and with Covid-19 infection rates rising above the national average, this has resulted in a change to city-wide celebrations, including the city’s Christmas market.

Whilst the markets will not be going ahead as planned this year, Christmas is certainly not cancelled. Make It York and City of York Council will be working together with partners and businesses across the city to ensure Christmas in York remains a magical and unique experience for local residents.

The focus for the city’s festive marketing activity this year will now aim to encourage a sense of community, shopping local, and supporting our local traders – recognising the individual and unique offers of York’s businesses who have worked so hard to continue keeping the city safe.

Make It York and City of York Council will work closely alongside partners to support and promote the city’s retailers, hospitality and attraction businesses, promoting York in line with public health and Government guidance as a safe place for people to visit responsibly.

Sean Bullick, Managing Director of Make It York said:

“It is with deep sadness that we’ve had to cancel the 2020 Christmas market. This decision has not been taken lightly and we’ve been working hard behind the scenes with City of York Council and the Safety Advisory Group to consider all possible options and look at ways to run a safe event. We know how important this event is for the city however, our paramount priority continues to be the health and wellbeing of our residents, visitors, traders and the city as a whole. Safety considerations must come first, and the decision to cancel this year’s physical event is in line with the latest public health advice in this area.
We understand the impact this will have on local traders, retailers and other hospitality businesses across the city and we will be working hard to support them over the next few months and promote the unique festive offering that the city has.
Plans are underway for a virtual Christmas market hosted on the Visit York website which will celebrate the outstanding diversity of local traders, retailers and businesses across the city and allow people to experience a taste of what York has to offer from the comfort of their own home.
We are also developing plans for ways to promote York as a warm and welcoming place for residents to explore and enjoy over the festive season, working alongside City of York Council and other partners across the city to implement this activity.
We are already looking ahead to 2021 and planning for how we can work with City of York Council, and our traders and businesses across the city to bring the Christmas market back.”

Councillor Darryl Smalley, executive member for culture, leisure and communities, said:

“This is of course extremely disappointing, but public safety has to be at the heart of every decision. And while the way we celebrate has to be a little different this year, York will always be magical at Christmas.
The city’s fantastic businesses and responsible residents have already risen to the massive challenges of 2020. By continuing to work together we can protect the people and places we love while giving our residents and businesses a special festive season.”

Andrew Lowson, Executive Director of York BID said:

“There is still so much to enjoy in the city – the BID have started to install the 15km of lights which transform our beautiful city over the festive period, and our local businesses are making preparations to offer a quality festive experience in a safe and controlled environment. We hope that people will continue to support local businesses and soak up the unique atmosphere found in York at Christmas time.”

Martin Bradnam, Chair Person of Hospitality Association York, said:

“I feel Make It York’s approach to the Christmas Market was bold and forward thinking in both supporting York as a tourism destination, but also local business from retail to hospitality. The planning was collaborative, and detailed and its approach with public safety as a core pillar was sensible. The could have been the only Christmas market in operation this year in the UK. Whilst it is really disappointing that the market has now been cancelled, this is in the interests of public safety and is the right thing to do, in line with current Government guidelines at the current time”

More information about York at Christmas can be found here: www.visityork.org/whats-on/christmas

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Make It York

Shambles Market Traders and Make It York support three local charities with donation boost

Make It York News, Markets, Shambles Market / By Make It York

Three local charities – York Food Bank, York Against Cancer and My Sight York – have today each received a donation boost of £500 from Make It York and the Shambles Market traders that stayed open during lockdown. Following the partial closure of the market in March due to government guidelines, Make It York worked with the fresh food and takeaway traders who were able to stay open during the lockdown period to waive their pitch fees and instead make a donation to charity.

The six traders who have contributed to the donation alongside Make It York are Sheila’s Greengrocers, Mannion’s Fruit & Veg, Taylor Made Kitchen, Stam & Maria’s Greek Street Food, Krep and Na Na Noodle Bar. The traders who reopened to provide fresh produce and takeaway meals to residents during lockdown, came together to agree on the three charities to make the donations to.

A total donation of £1500 has been split between three York-based charities. The money will go to help York Food Bank who provide emergency food supplies for those in crisis situations, York Against Cancer who offer care, support and advice to local patients and My Sight York, a charity working to help people with sight loss stay independent.

Shambles Market reopened to all traders in June with Make It York putting in place new processes and systems to ensure the safety of all customers and traders and aid with social distancing. Measures introduced include a new one-way system and re-configuration of the stall layout to improve the flow of customers and minimise disruption to traders. New signage and barriers have also been introduced into the space to aid with social distancing. The market space has also been brightened up and refreshed with new branded gable ends installed throughout.

Russell McCartney, Head of Commercial at Make It York, said: “During lockdown, Shambles Market continued to play a hugely important role in the local community – providing residents with a safe outdoor market space to purchase their essential fresh food. Make It York were keen to see how we could work with traders to support them during lockdown and waive stall fees – instead giving them the option to donate a proportion to charity. It is great to be able to help three fantastic local charities who do such important work – and we are delighted to be able to work with traders to give something back and support them in this way.

Now the market has fully reopened, we’ve had some fantastic feedback about the new systems in place and it has been great to welcome all the traders and customers back. We plan to continue to working collaboratively with our traders to ensure Shambles remains a safe welcoming environment for residents and visitors to enjoy.“

Cllr Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic planning, said:

“The Coronavirus pandemic has been tough for everyone, none more so than charities who have seen donations drop significantly, when they are needed now more than ever. It’s great to see that several stall holders who provided a great service for residents throughout this time have extended their generosity and donated they fees that Make It York waived to these great causes.

I hope that people will continue to support the market traders, and support local businesses where possible to repay their support to the community during Lockdown. As always It’s important we all do our part to ensure everyone’s health and safety and follow guidance for wearing face coverings, where possible. We also must be mindful that not everyone can wear a face covering and be respectful of this.”

For more information on the Shambles Market traders visit: www.visityork.org/shamblesmarket and follow the Shambles Market social channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates.

ENDS

Image: Shambles Market Traders: Christian (Taylormade), John (Sheila’s Fruit & Veg), Sophie (Na Na Noodle Bar), Martha (KREP), John (Mannion’s Fruit & Veg), Nikos (Stam & Maria’s)

For further information please contact:

Amy Goodman, Consumer Communications Manager

Email: comms@makeityork.com

Notes to editors:

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 four corporate strategic priorities. These are:

City positioning and profile-raising
Inward Investment and network building
Ensuring an exciting city centre
Delivering the city’s ground-breaking Cultural Strategy

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