How to Book an Event
York city centre offers a range of high profile public spaces for events, promotions and activations. Whether you’re launching a new product, promoting a campaign or hosting a cultural activity, our city centre locations provide an opportunity to engage with residents and visitors throughout the year.
York attracts millions of visitors annually, while its vibrant city centre is also enjoyed by more than 200,000 local residents. Events taking place in these spaces benefit from high footfall and excellent visibility.
Suitable events include:
- Arts and cultural activities
- Charity and fundraising events
- Community awareness campaigns
- Product launches
- Brand activations
- Product sampling
- Seasonal promotions
- Charity and community groups
We welcome applications from local charities and community organisations.
King’s Square (see location map) is available for eligible charity and community activities free of charge, subject to availability and the time of year.
Parliament Street
Our most prestigious promotional area is Parliament Street and is home to Marks & Spencer, independent shops and several high street banks. Offering a fully pedestrianised area for your promotion between 10.30am and 5.00pm. The average weekly footfall is over 168,000.
St Sampson’s Square
St Sampson’s Square is one of the most vibrant and popular areas within the city centre being an important link between Parliament Street and Davygate. The square hosts a variety of markets and entertainment throughout the year, whilst providing outdoor seating areas for some local catering businesses during the summer months.
St Helen’s Square
St Helen’s Square in an important junction in the city of York, with Coney Street, Lendal, Blake Street, Stonegate and Davygate all leading from it. The square is the location for the city’s Christmas Tree and has previously been used for the Christmas Light switching on ceremony. Occupiers of the square include the Mansion House, Betty’s Tea Rooms, The Ivy and various eateries. There is also access to the York Guildhall via the square.
Exhibition Square
Exhibition Square is one of York’s most recognisable public spaces, offering a versatile outdoor venue for exhibitions, promotional activities and community events. Surrounded by world class attractions, cafés and museums, it provides a high profile location with excellent visibility and year round footfall.
Shambles Market
Shambles Market in York is a bustling open air venue framed by medieval timber‑framed buildings, blending rich history with lively atmosphere. With over 80 stalls, it offers excellent visibility and adaptability. The market’s central Silver Street location puts it at the heart of the city. Use of this space is limited to evenings following the departure of daily traders.
Kings Square
King’s Square is a welcoming public space in the heart of York city centre, ideal for community events, charity fundraisers, small performances and promotional activities. Its central location and open layout make it a versatile venue for engaging with residents and visitors throughout the year.
Eye of York
Positioned between the Castle Museum (York Museums Trust), Clifford’s Tower (English Heritage) and York Crown Court, the Eye of York is a historic landmark for the city. The available space is the green circular area surrounded by an access road. Holds a premises licence with Tower Gardens for entertainment and sale of alcohol.
Tower Gardens
Tower Gardens is a picturesque green space beside the River Ouse, offering a peaceful yet prominent location in the heart of York. With open lawns, mature trees, and views of nearby historic landmarks, it provides a flexible and inviting setting.
If you’re planning an event, product launch, brand activation or promotional activity, complete the application form below.
For any guidance on organising an event, explore our Festivals and Events Toolkit ▸