Step outside as York Walking Festival returns for 2026
York’s Walking Festival is back this September so why not come and join us? Starting on Saturday 19 September and running through to Sunday 4 October, you’ll find a wide range of events to help you explore the city and countryside around us. You might be keen on local history, nature, wildlife, archaeology or just…
North Yorkshire homebuilders to install 10,000 Swift bricks
With swifts back in UK skies this summer, Barratt and David Wilson Homes, part of Barratt Redrow, has purchased for installation over 9,000 swift nesting bricks for its homes since 2016. Having smashed through its previous goal of 7,000 swift bricks for its homes by 2025, the developers have announced a new uprated target of…
A magical evening of film and family favourites
From iconic movie and television soundtracks to cherished family classics, experience the magic of live music at Price Hall, Bradford Grammar School with the British Police Symphony Orchestra. From the moment the first chord strikes, audiences will be transported into a world of adventure, imagination and nostalgia. This incredible volunteer orchestra brings the legendary music…
Hundreds of NHS staff across West Yorkshire take on 24-Hour Therapy Dash
More than 200 NHS staff from across West Yorkshire will run, row and cycle non-stop for 24 hours on 18 September to raise money for local hospital charities. The 24-Hour Therapy Dash began at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in 2025 and has since grown into a region-wide challenge, with NHS colleagues across West…
North Yorkshire housebuilder sets new standard for healthier, liveable communities
Barratt Redrow, the UK’s largest housebuilder, has launched Great Places, a new placemaking framework that provides a measurable approach to designing healthier, greener, and better-connected places across its future developments. This builds on the housebuilder’s existing placemaking efforts, with the framework representing the next phase of its strategy across its three brands, Barratt Homes, David Wilson…
‘Yorkshire’s Finest’ – Photobook of famous faces from Yorkshire to raise funds for York Against Cancer
Local award-winning photographer, David Charles, has captured stunning portrait photographs of some of the most well-known Yorkshire celebrities, put together in a superb hardback book – ‘Yorkshire’s Finest.’ ‘Yorkshire’s Finest’ has been created over the past 10 years and features photos from celebrities including Dame Judi Dench, Sean Bean and Gaynor Faye. All proceeds from…
New Council homes and £1m of improvements set to regenerate Walmgate
Work planned to regenerate the South Walmgate area with 36 new Council homes and new landscaping are just some of the improvements planned for a city centre community. A Neighbourhood Improvement Plan (NIP) has been taking shape following a series of consultations involving local residents, and is being presented to Executive for approval in early…
Make a difference in York with a rewarding career in adult social care
People looking for a rewarding new career are being encouraged to explore a wide range of opportunities within City of York Council’s Adult Social Care services. Whether you’re looking for a career change, already working in care and support, or are just starting out in your working life, there are a variety of opportunities available that help people in…
St George’s Crypt joins West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and invites businesses to help change lives across Leeds
St George’s Crypt, one of Leeds’ longest-established charities, is proud to announce its membership of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce as it looks to build stronger partnerships with businesses across the region. For more than 90 years, St George’s Crypt has been providing care, compassion and hope to people experiencing homelessness, addiction…
Castle Howard introduces rare ancient breed cattle to major nature restoration project
Castle Howard has reached a major milestone in their 30-year Bog Hall Habitat Bank nature restoration project, by introducing a herd of rare White Park Cattle to the newly sown meadows areas. The Bog Hall Habitat Bank project is a large-scale 30-year restoration and rewilding project on the Castle Howard Estate, designed and delivered in…
TWC Facilities teams up with Tackle Prostate Cancer to boost awareness and support
TWC Facilities Ltd has partnered with Tackle Prostate Cancer, a UK charity that supports people affected by prostate cancer. As part of this, QR code stickers are being added to male hygiene bins across the sites TWC Facilities looks after. It’s a small, practical step that gives people quick and discreet access to information about…
University of Bradford ranked 1st (again) in England for improving access to higher education
Pictured above: Professor Gillian Murray, University of Bradford Vice-Chancellor. Credit: University of Bradford. The University of Bradford has been ranked first in England by the Social Mobility Commission for recruiting the most disadvantaged students, when location is factored in. The report covers universities across England and is designed to measure which universities do the most to improve access…
Major Transpennine Route Upgrade works to drive forward Huddersfield station transformation this autumn
Customers will soon benefit from a more reliable, accessible and greener railway as the Transpennine Route Upgrade takes another significant step towards the transformation of Huddersfield station and the wider railway this autumn. From Saturday 19 September until Sunday 4 October 2026, engineers will be working around the clock to deliver a significant package of improvements in and around Huddersfield, helping improve reliability, increase capacity and support…
Council launches public consultation over proposed extension of PSPO
City of York Council is seeking residents’ views on the extension of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in the city centre. A PSPO is a legal power available to local authorities under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and is designed to help address behaviours that have a detrimental effect on the…
Enrolment Hotline opens at Kirklees College for 2026/2027 academic year
For over 200 years, Kirklees College has been at the forefront of vocational and technical education, and it’s time for new students to join this historic institution. This morning, Kirklees College officially opened its Enrolment Hotline call centre, taking queries from the public who want to join a course starting in September. The hotline number…
TRU launches communication cards as part of its commitment to delivering a more accessible railway
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has placed accessibility at the heart of its transformation of the railway across the North since its inception. The latest example of this commitment is the introduction of new Customer Communication Cards, designed to help break down communication barriers between customers and railway staff. The cards include simple prompts and conversation starters to help…
New Cultural Passport scheme for young people in York and North Yorkshire appeals for project bids
Applications for proposals to help young people across York and North Yorkshire to benefit from arts, culture and heritage activities are now open. Developed by City of York Council, supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, Cultural Passports for Young People provide funding…
Core Telecom continues its support for The Endometriosis Foundation with laptop donation
At Core Telecom, we believe that businesses have a responsibility to support the communities and organisations that are making a real difference in people’s lives. That is why we are proud to continue our longstanding support of the Endometriosis Foundation through the donation of three laptops to help power the charity’s vital work. The Endometriosis…
School leavers and their families offered free online sessions to demystify Clearing ahead of A level results day
Pre-results day events aim to take some of the stress out of the rush for university places York St John University is pleased to be offering free online events designed to help prospective students and their families to navigate university entry. Taking place on Tuesday 4, Wednesday 5, and Thursday 6 August, the webinars will…
Kirklees College celebrates the impact of adult education as it launches its new adult course guide
Kirklees College has launched not only its new Adult Course Guide for September 2026, but also a brand-new video, ‘Your Next Chapter’, which highlights the meaningful impact of adult and community education at the college. Produced in collaboration with Sam Teale Productions, an award-winning production company based in Kirklees, the new video shines a spotlight…
Leading North Yorkshire homebuilder highlights part exchange guarantee scheme
Barratt Homes is helping existing homeowners to move this spring with a helping hand from its Part Exchange Guarantee scheme. The housebuilder is encouraging families looking for more space, second-steppers and downsizers to consider its popular Russet Park development in Copmanthorpe. Homeowners looking to move to a new, energy-efficient home can take advantage of Barratt Homes’ Part Exchange…
Homecoming honour for organisation founder supporting the vulnerable
The co-founder of an organisation tackling health inequalities among vulnerable people has returned to her home city to receive an honorary award from the University of Bradford. Yvonne Stocks DL is co-founder, director and chairperson of Palm Cove Society (PCS), which address disadvantage, inequalities, education, community bias and health needs experienced by vulnerable people, including…
Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centre are driving local growth, contributing over £308m to the local economy and supporting more than 6,300 jobs
Landsec, owner of one of the UK’s leading retail destination portfolios, has released its annual social and economic impact report revealing how Trinity Leeds and White Rose are helping to drive local growth, contributing £308,095,816 to the local economy and supporting 6,347 jobs in 2025.* Together, Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centre play an important…
Hull Road Park awarded the coveted Green Flag Award as it is officially recognised as one of the country’s best parks
Hull Road Park in York raises prestigious Green Flag Award after achieving international quality mark for parks and green spaces City of York Council is celebrating today after receiving a Green Flag Award for Hull Road Park. It comes as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year. Hull Road…
Council’s new housing sweeps the board in design awards
City of York Council’s first Passivhaus development at Duncombe Square has won three awards at the annual York Design Awards this week. Lowfield Green has also won a Commendation in the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) 2026 awards. Winners of the York Design Awards were announced on Tuesday 7 July, and are for developments which…
York rivers trail launches to connect people, place and flood resilience
A new way to explore York’s rivers has launched this summer, inviting residents and visitors to discover how water shapes the city, its communities and its future. The York rivers trail: the rivers and us is a walking and wheeling trail along the River Ouse in York, combining art, storytelling and digital experiences to help people understand…
Craven College celebrates excellent Ofsted report
Craven College is celebrating the publication of its latest Ofsted report, which has recognised the College’s excellence across a number of key areas under the inspectorate’s new education inspection framework. The College achieved an impressive four ‘Strong’ judgements, recognising the quality of its education, student experience and employer-focused approach. Underpinned by expert teaching and industry-standard…
North Yorkshire housebuilder donates £3,000 to homelessness charity
Barratt and David Wilson Homes has donated £3,000 to Sleepsafe Selby, helping to support vulnerable adults experiencing homelessness. Established in 2018, Sleepsafe Selby aims to support local rough sleepers and help individuals to overcome challenges that prevent them from maintaining safe and secure housing. Providing accommodation for up to 10 people at a time, the…
Kirklees College and The Arcade Group are helping to make a difference in Dewsbury
Over the last four years, The Arcade Group in Dewsbury has been one of Kirklees College’s most valued employer partners, helping to provide our students with career-enhancing placements and opportunities. Since 2022, the group has worked with students and staff from a variety of subject areas to create some amazing opportunities. When speaking about the…
North Yorkshire river project delivers 9 ways to drive positive environmental change
York St John University report highlights the power of community engagement, spending time in nature and sharing local know-how across generations. A pioneering environmental initiative working across the River Esk and Coastal Streams Catchment is helping communities reconnect with nature while building a stronger foundation for long-term conservation and biodiversity recovery. The River Esk catchment…
TRU celebrates successful Community Fund projects across route
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is showcasing some of the organisations from its 2025 Community Fund round, who have used their grants to improve local spaces and places. Launched in 2024, the TRU Community Fund aims to help local community groups, schools and charities to create or enhance community-focused facilities across the 70-mile route. The second iteration in 2025 saw 35 successful applicants offered small, medium and large…
The Institute for Equity, University Centre launches major strategic expansion on its 6th birthday
On its 6th Birthday, the Institute for Equity, University Centre launches Major Strategic Expansion with Three New Academic Schools to Drive Global Leadership and Social Transformation Marking exactly six years of delivering pioneering education, the Institute for Equity, University Centre (IEUC) has today unveiled a bold and historic expansion of its academic architecture. Moving dynamically…
Volunteers improve Fulford Cemetery as its future management is considered
Dedicated volunteers are helping to keep Fulford Cemetery in good order, since City of York Council took over its management last year. Options for the future of the cemetery are being discussed this summer at public meetings. The proposals, which include the Council permanently managing the cemetery, were supported by the council’s Corporate Scrutiny Committee…
£130,000 invested to help Bradford communities thrive together
GiveBradford have invested nearly £130,000 in 9 Bradford community organisations through The Thrive Together Fund! The programme is our partnership with The National Lottery Community Fund, made possible thanks to National Lottery players. The Thrive Together Fund aims to develop inclusive places, spaces and activities for people who are least able to come together. The…
Colleagues conquer Snowdon at night to reach £1 million milestone for the Felix Project & FareShare
Colleagues from Yorkshire Building Society are celebrating raising over £1 million for the Society’s charity partner, The Felix Project & FareShare. The team’s fundraising total tipped over the £1 million mark after more than 200 colleagues from across the Society, completed a challenging, yet unforgettable overnight climb of Mount Snowdon, Wales’ highest mountain. Together, the…
York Health Trainers create quick tips to stay healthy during this Men’s World Cup
York Health Trainers are encouraging residents to look after their health and wellbeing as the largest-ever FIFA Men’s World Cup kicks off this week. With 104 matches taking place across Mexico, Canada and the USA over the next five weeks, thousands of football fans will be tuning in – often late into the night –…
York families urged to reapply for free school meals
Families whose children receive free school lunches are being urged to reapply for the meals this term, following changes to the national scheme. Everyone must reapply for their child or children before the start of the new school year in September. City of York Council has sent information and application forms to schools across the city to…
York rivers trail gathers momentum as community helps shape new experience on the River Ouse
A new riverside experience for York took a significant step forward last week, as residents, partners and contributors came together on the River Ouse to help shape the York rivers trail. The event, held as part of the York Festival of Ideas, invited participants onto the water for a curated journey through the city. From…
We want your views to shape accessible and inclusive play areas in York
We are inviting people across York to help shape the future of the city’s play areas, as part of our major investment in parks and green spaces. We have launched the Accessible and Inclusive Play Areas Survey 2026 to gather views from disabled children and young people and their parents and carers, so we can…
A value-added boost for Yorkshire charities
A long-standing tax levied on businesses donating to charities has now been removed, a major accountancy and advisory firm in Yorkshire has said. Azets, with offices in Leeds, Bradford and York, wants to remind businesses that they can now give goods to registered charities without paying VAT. The news comes at a time of falling…
York leads the way as air quality targets met for second year running
As Clean Air Day (Thursday 18 June) approaches, City of York Council has confirmed that the city has met national air pollution targets for the second consecutive year. New monitoring data for 2025, presented at the Combined Executive Member Decision Session on 2 June 2026, shows that the significantly lower nitrogen dioxide levels recorded in 2024…
Skopes and Astonish show support for St Gemma’s Winter Ball
Skopes and Astonish have joined as partners for the St Gemma’s Winter Ball this November. Their backing will help bring to life one of the hospice’s flagship fundraising events and raise vital funds for end-of-life care across the city. Skopes, the Leeds menswear brand, is supporting the hospice event for the fourth year. The circus-themed…
Further Education College of the Year
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College is delighted to announce that it has been awarded Further Education College of the Year 2026 at the prestigious Educate North Awards 2026. The award recognises the College’s exceptional educational outcomes, transformational impact, and unwavering commitment to supporting students from highly disadvantaged and diverse communities. In their citation, the…
City of York Council proud to support LGBTQIA+ communities
City of York Council will once again show its support for LGBTQIA+ communities by taking part in York Pride, celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion across the city. Council teams will have a strong and visible presence at York Pride, taking place on Saturday 30 May, where thousands of residents and visitors are expected to come…
Plans to reform provision for children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities in York
Children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) in York will find it easier to get early support and have their needs met in mainstream schools if proposed changes to SEND provision are approved next month (2 June). City of York Council’s Executive will consider York’s draft Local SEND Reform Plan, which outlines the city’s…
Saint Catherine’s and York Against Cancer team up to provide specialist lymphoedema care locally
Saint Catherine’s and York Against Cancer have teamed up to provide specialist lymphoedema care in York. Lymphoedema is a long term condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues, due to lymphatic fluid accumulating. Lymphoedema develops when the lymphatic system (a network of channels and glands throughout the body that helps fight infection and remove…
Michael Crawford CBE marks groundbreaking of new Bradford ‘Home from Home’
Construction begins on new home for families with a baby in neonatal intensive care at Bradford Royal Infirmary, which will open in 2027 Stage and screen legend Michael Crawford CBE joined supporters, families, hospital staff and dignitaries as work officially began on a new ‘Home from Home’ for families with premature or ill baby at Bradford Royal Infirmary. The landmark moment marks the start of construction on the new home, which is being delivered…
100 Bradford businesses back local hospital charity
From takeaways to pharmacies, businesses unite behind families with babies on the neonatal intensive care unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary. More than 100 businesses and faith organisations across Bradford have committed to supporting Bradford Hospitals Charity, showing strong community backing for local healthcare. The money raised and donated will help build a ‘Home from Home’,…