Member News Subjects

Alice’s Christmas Wonderland at Castle Howard

Fall down the rabbit hole into an experience like no other: Castle Howard opens their jaw-dropping Christmas extravaganza The iconic North Yorkshire stately home is transformed into Wonderland, until 5th January Castle Howard has opened their 2024 Christmas event, Alice’s Christmas Wonderland. The 300-year-old House becomes an immersive Christmas experience, dressed in set pieces, decorations,…

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Yorkshire Garden Centre group donates over £11,000 to community groups and charities

A ‘Kindness Pot’ set up by a Bradford-based garden centre group has supported over 200 local causes and donated over £11,000 since launch. The Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) initiative was established in 2022 to support local causes nominated by team members at the group’s sites throughout West Yorkshire. In the last year, Otley Garden Centre…

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All Aboard: White Rose Express Christmas grotto returns to shopping centre

White Rose Shopping Centre’s magnificent ‘White Rose Express’ Christmas grotto has returned this weekend, with enchanting steam train-themed decorations adorning the centre with festive magic. Guests are immersed in the spectacle the moment they enter the centre, and are invited to follow the enchanted train track to meet Santa in his vintage train carriage en…

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The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa

Nestled in the heart of a 1,400-acre estate, The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa is where you’ll find delicious dining showcasing Yorkshire roots, an award-winning luxury spa, a wealth of country pursuits and beautiful accommodation that boasts stunning views of the Yorkshire Dales. Owned by the Bannister family and having started life as a…

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Preparations underway at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland as HARIBO Goldbear arrives at the ice rink

It may have been a mild autumn, but it’s turned chilly at York Designer Outlet as construction of the outdoor ice rink at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is underway.  The countdown is on for the opening of the award-winning event this Friday, 15th November 2024, with festive fun guaranteed for all ages. This Year, Yorkshire’s Winter…

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Trinity Leeds announces pioneering new SignLive service ahead of Purple Tuesday

Trinity Leeds is the first shopping centre in the UK to team up with a pioneering new service to help support the deaf community and improve their experience. SignLive is now available at Guest Services and more than 40 brands at the centre, and provides access to live British Sign Language interpreters quickly and easily…

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Final phase of construction project brings rooftop reading space to the Leeds Library

The final phase of capital works project The Next Chapter is underway at The Leeds Library. In the biggest expansion in its 255-year-history, completion of the project will make the library accessible for the first time, unite its collection and archive, and create a new event space and a rooftop reading terrace. The library acquired…

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Yorkshire garden centre group’s fundraising acknowledged at Recognition Awards Evening

A Bradford headquartered garden centre group was commended recently for raising over £24,000 for a leading regional charity. Yorkshire Garden Centres was presented with a Corporate Supporter of the Year award following its year of fundraising for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Yorkshire Garden Centres’ Group People and Culture Manager, Steph Harrison and People and Culture…

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Richard Hawley, Asian Dub Foundation, Bassline DJs and brass bands are all part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture

Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture (Bradford 2025), is set to electrify audiences next year with a packed music programme, featuring a blend of world-class talent and local legends. Tickets for the first wave of performances, including must-see events like The Big Brass Blowout and Bassline Symphony will go on sale this Thursday 7 November….

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Iconic Leeds artist returns to The Merrion Centre

The Return of Burley Banksy: Leeds’ Iconic Artist Brings Back Pop Up Store to the Merrion Centre Urban Art Returns to the Merrion Centre with city centre Burley Banksy Pop Up Studio Leeds – November 2023 – Following the success of last year’s pop-up art studio, Leeds-based artist Andy McVeigh, known as Burley Banksy, is…

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‘Leeds’ Biggest Christmas tree’ unveiled as Trinity Leeds shines bright with stunning new festive decorations

Trinity Leeds is lighting up the city centre in spectacular style with an impressive 12-metre tree – believed to be the biggest Christmas tree in Leeds.    The elegant new Christmas tree features nearly 100 bespoke light tubes and dazzling star toppers and has taken centre stage beneath Trinity Leeds’ main atrium.   The contemporary installation…

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South Leeds adventure play attraction reaches the final of a regional tourism award

The team at a South Leeds adventure play attraction is celebrating after being shortlisted for a Yorkshire tourism award. Mission Out, based at Tingley Garden Centre, has reached the final of the Kids First award in the Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards. Tingley Garden Centre is part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres family. Group Play Manager,…

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Bradford garden centre group reaches final in three categories of a regional business award

The team at a Bradford-based garden centre group is celebrating after reaching the final of three regional business awards. Yorkshire Garden Centres, owner of Tong, Tingley, Bingley and Otley Garden Centres, plus Dean’s York and Scarborough, has been shortlisted in the Sustainability, the Large Business and the Rob Burrow Outstanding Contribution to Charity categories of…

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Ghost-inspired York Gin relaunches in ‘Europe’s most haunted city’

A gin inspired by one of York’s most famous ghosts has reappeared in time for Halloween. York Gin Grey Lady takes its name from the Medieval ghost who reportedly haunts the city’s Theatre Royal. The friendly ghost is said to haunt the dress circle of the theatre. Mad Alice, York’s top tour guide, who knows…

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River Island announces Trinity Leeds store upgrade

River Island announces the re-opening of its Trinity Leeds store on Saturday 12th October. The latest of River Island’s fleet to be part of its optimisation plan, the upgraded store will offer 14,000 square feet of design-led fashion set across three floors, promising a fully integrated shopping experience; combining physical and digital, with interactive fitting…

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Otley pet store to open its first concession at a Bradford Garden Centre

The latest concession to open at a Bradford garden centre is an established family pet and animal supplies business. The Blue Barn opened its first site outside its Pool in Wharfedale headquarters at Tong Garden Centre on 26th September. The 1500 sq ft concession stocks a wide range of pet supplies and animal feed covering…

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Record student footfall at The Merrion Centre

Merrion experiences surge in student visitors For the second year in a row, The Merrion Centre has seen an exceptional surge in student footfall, with more than 415,000 visitors flocking through its doors during the start of the new term. This represents a growth of more than 36% year-on-year (YOY), an achievement the Centre attributes…

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Bradford gift card launches new design and collaboration with Bradford 2025

Bradford BID is proud to announce the launch of the new look Bradford City Centre Gift Card, marking an exciting milestone as it celebrates reaching £150,000 in gift card sales. In addition to the new design, the Bradford Gift Card will soon be available for purchase through the Bradford 2025 ticket + info point, following…

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Love Handmade Cakes reveal spooktacular foodservice treats

Leeds based bakery, Love Handmade Cakes are rolling out a selection of spooky bakery treats ahead of Halloween celebrations. Featuring classics such as gingerbread, parkin and caramel shortbread, along with spooktacular NPD including a spider themed cookies and cream gateau, the collection promises something new and exciting for customers. The collection of Halloween treats is…

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Leeds Beckett University supporting Wakefield greetings card company’s growth with innovative use of RFID technology

The rollout of new patented Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, supported by Leeds Beckett University experts, is helping Wakefield-based Riverside Greetings realise their ambition to become the largest supplier of greetings cards to convenience and forecourt stores in the UK. The RFID technology has been piloted, and patented, as part of a two-year Knowledge Transfer…

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New Autumn arrivals announced for Trinity Kitchen

Trinity Kitchen has announced an exciting line-up of street food vendors, bringing back some old favourites whilst also welcoming exciting new concepts. Guests can explore a range of options including Tonkatsu, Spuds ‘n’ Bros, Luigi Street Food Italiano, Little Red Food Truck and Tikk’s Thai Kitchen, which will be taking over the iconic converted VW…

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Primark unveils new £6m Bradford store in The Broadway

Primark has today unveiled its newly enhanced Bradford store, located at The Broadway shopping centre in the heart of the city. The new store features the same quality fashion at great value prices that Primark is known and loved for, with a fresh new look and feel. The new Bradford store represents an investment of…

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Otley garden centre welcomes Bradford balustrade and decking business

A Yorkshire business specialising in glass balustrades has opened a display area at Otley Garden Centre. Headed up by skilled tradesman Mark Ross, the Baildon-based British Balustrade Co. supplies and fits balustrades for decking projects, balconies, and staircases. “As a premium provider of glass balustrades throughout the UK, British Balustrade Co boasts a team of skilled…

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Last chance to see world class Tony Cragg exhibition at Castle Howard

Tony Cragg’s major sculpture exhibition at Castle Howard closes on 22nd September. The internationally renowned sculptor’s landmark exhibition opened on the 3 May 2024, and has been the first major exhibition by a leading contemporary artist to be held across the house and grounds of the historic estate. Castle Howard is Britain’s most famous country…

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Stephenson presents Durosoft – Natural ingredients, uncompromised performance

Stephenson, an innovation leader and manufacturer of a wide range of soap bases and ingredients for the beauty and personal care market introduces Durosoft, its range of naturally derived polyglyceryl esters for the formulation of sustainable skincare, cosmetic, and hair care products.   Durosoft was developed to aid in the demand for natural products and green…

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A Night Under the Stars with Olly Murs

We are thrilled to be hosting the ‘A Night Under the Stars’ event on Saturday 21st September 2024. Featuring a spectacular performance from Olly Murs, the black-tie evening will be set in a stunning orangery, beautifully decorated by ‘Party Architect’ Johnny Roxburgh and florist to the stars, Fulford Flowers. Indulge in a Champagne reception, fine…

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Yorkshire garden centre group supports running challenge for gardening charity

Two members of a Bradford-based garden centre group have joined a runner who is running every day to raise money for charity. Yorkshire Garden Centres’ Commercial Director, Sharon McNair and Head of Finance, Katie Young, joined runner Kate Ebbens for a 5k run to celebrate the group’s support for the Greenfingers charity which is dedicated…

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Retirement prompts recruitment at Yorkshire garden centre group

A Bradford headquartered garden centre group has appointed two new managers to lead newly acquired sites in North Yorkshire. Yorkshire Garden Centres acquired Dean’s of York and Scarborough following the retirement of Richard, Helen and Sarah Dean earlier this year. Their retirement, plus that of Jim Cockerton from the Scarborough centre, created vacancies for managers…

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£15m expansion plans for Trinity Kitchen

£15m Expansion Plans for Trinity Kitchen Set to Be Centre’s Biggest Investment Since Opening New 6,000 sq ft roof terrace to be added, offering views over city centre Trinity Leeds owner, Landsec, has submitted exciting new plans to invest £15m into the expansion of its popular Trinity Kitchen concept. Should the application be successful, it…

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Cards Direct opens first Leeds store at the Merrion Centre

Leading Greeting Card Operator Brings Affordable Celebration Essentials to Leeds with new store opening Cards Direct, a leading family-owned retailer specialising in high-quality greeting cards, gifts, gift packaging, balloons and partyware, has officially opened its first store in Leeds at the Merrion Centre.  The new store will create 8 jobs for the city. This new…

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South Leeds adventure park hosts Castleford Tigers’ summer party

An adventure park at a South Leeds garden centre hosted a summer party for Castleford Tigers recently. 91 of the rugby league club’s season ticket holders, players and families enjoyed an afternoon of fun with mascot JT at Mission Out at Tingley Garden Centre. Among the people enjoying the fun was first team prop forward…

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Castle Howard collaborates with gothic Yorkshire baker and writer Helena Garcia on spook-tacular Halloween events

Iconic Yorkshire stately home Castle Howard has partnered with popular baker, writer, and Great British Bake Off star Helena Garcia to create a series of events for Halloween. Helena starred on Series 10 of Bake Off in 2019, delighting the judges and viewers alike with her spooky style. She has since written multiple baking and…

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Wingstop UK expands in Leeds with opening at White Rose

Wingstop UK, the ultimate experience for iconic wing flavours to enjoy with family and friends, is set to open at White Rose Shopping Centre on Monday 12 August, marking the third Leeds site for the brand. Due to popular demand, Wingstop UK is excited to expand its presence to the people of Leeds, building on…

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Yorkshire garden centre group creates new roles to support growth

A Bradford headquartered garden centre group has created three new roles to support growth at its six sites. Yorkshire Garden Centres has sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley and has recently acquired Dean’s of York and Scarborough. The new roles of Group People and Culture Manager, Group Catering Operations Manager and Giftware and Christmas…

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The power of premium packaging to enhance your bottom line

Packaging often plays a pivotal role in competitive business-to-business (B2B) commerce. While its primary function is to protect products, premium packaging goes beyond mere protection, serving as a strategic tool that can significantly enhance a company’s customer retention and profitability. This article delves into the benefits of high-quality packaging and how it can drive business…

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Launch date announced for flagship Zara store at Trinity Leeds

After much anticipation, Zara will launch its new flagship store at Trinity Leeds on Thursday, August 8th, at the former Topshop unit on Briggate. The new 46,000 sq ft store will include Zara’s Woman, Man, and Kids collections over three floors, showcasing the latest technological innovations from Zara’s integrated online and physical store platform to…

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Bradford garden centre partners with Science and Media Museum for drop in play sessions 

Tong Garden Centre has collaborated with the National  Science and Media Museum to offer a series of summer holiday drop in activity sessions this summer. On August 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th, visitors to Grass Hoppers indoor and outdoor play at Tong Garden will be able to participate in fun activities and science demonstrations led…

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Andrew Jackson advises Flamingo Land on lease for Alpamare Waterpark

North Bay attraction reopens its doors to the public after several months’ closure Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is delighted to have advised Malton-based leisure company Flamingo Land on the lease of Scarborough’s Alpamare Waterpark, which has recently reopened to the public in time for the summer tourism season. Earlier this year, North Yorkshire Council named…

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Popular fruit and veg stall at a Bradford garden centre extends opening hours

A family run fruit and veg stall at a Bradford garden centre has extended its opening hours due to public demand. Porters Fruit and Vegetable stalls have been a familiar sight outside hospitals in the region since 2016 and they recently trialled a stall at Tong Garden Centre in Bradford. Such was the success of…

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Summer holidays begin with the launch of ‘Shared City Manifesto’ to keep York residents and tourists in harmony  

York St John University’s Institute for Social Justice partners with Good Organisation on project to amplify residents’ voices As Europe sees a wave of anti–tourism protests, academics and community groups have teamed up to safeguard York against becoming such a flashpoint. York St John University’s Institute for Social Justice and Business School have partnered with…

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Castle Howard partner with York Pullman to offer direct travel to the historic Estate from York City Centre

Castle Howard and York Pullman are partnering up to offer direct transport from York City Centre over the summer period. Inclusive House, Gardens and Return Travel tickets provide a greener, car-free, convenient and comfortable option for visitors who either don’t have their own transport or are travelling to York by train. The House, Gardens and…

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Sizzling new Summer arrivals at Trinity Kitchen

Trinity Kitchen has announced an exciting line-up of street food vendors just in time for the summer, bringing back some old favourites while welcoming a new burger vendor. Guests can explore a huge range of options including Burgerarti, Yard Dog, Cheesy Chip Shop, Hong Bao Asian Street Food and Yoi Fried Chicken, which will be…

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Cheers to Pennine Pale! TPE’s very own IPA beer now available on-board

TransPennine Express (TPE) has partnered with Leeds-based brewery Northern Monk to introduce ‘Pennine Pale’ as part of its new menu offering. The bespoke beer has been specially created for customers travelling on TPE services and is described as a crisp and refreshing 4.1% session IPA, craft brewed with northern pride and bursting with hoppy citrus…

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Trinity Leeds to host ‘Tree of Pride’

In celebration of Leeds Pride (21st July), Trinity Leeds is hosting a ‘Tree of Pride’, inviting guests to decorate the tree with their pledges to work toward a more inclusive and caring future. The community art piece will be touring the country gathering the public’s messages of love, unity, and acceptance on its journey. Guests can…

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City Cruises York sets sail with prestigious 2024 Travellers’ Choice Award!

City Cruises York is thrilled to announce it has been recognized with a prestigious 2024 Travellers’ Choice Award by TripAdvisor! This esteemed honour is awarded only to the top 10% of attractions worldwide for consistently exceeding traveller expectations. Earning a Travellers’ Choice Award is a true testament to the exceptional service and unforgettable experiences City…

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Regal Foods expands in chilled desserts sector with Love Cheesecakes acquisition

Yorkshire-based food group, Regal Food Products Group Plc is set to boost its chilled desserts offer with the acquisition of artisan cheesecake makers, Love Cheesecakes. Based in Lancaster, Love Cheesecakes specialises in handcrafting over 100 premium cheesecakes for wholesale, food services and the hospitality sector. Focusing on single serve and canapé style cheesecakes, the bakery…

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Bettys to open their first ever pop-up shop at Castle Howard this Christmas

Castle Howard is hosting a pop-up Bettys shop in their historic Stable Courtyard this Christmas. Synonymous with Yorkshire and celebrated internationally, Bettys is known for mouthwatering confectionary, chocolates, teas and coffees and has never before created a pop-up shop. The shop will be situated inside the stately home’s Stable Courtyard for the duration of their…

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Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture Uniform Tender

Request for Proposals Provider of Volunteer and Staff Uniforms & Related Items Date issued: Thursday 1 July 2024 Deadline for responses: Monday 5 August 2024, 5pm Introduction Bradford Culture Company (BCC) operating as Bradford 2025 (the Company) is seeking to appoint a suitably experienced and qualified partner (the Provider) to design and supply a range…

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