York’s 100 year-old D-Day veteran receives prestigious city honour
Ken Cooke, who took part in D-Day in 1944 and fought in Europe during World War Two, has joined an illustrious group in becoming an Honorary Freeman of York. Conferring the honour took place at an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council, at the city’s Guildhall yesterday (Thursday 16 July). Mr Cooke, aged 100, was a…
Hidden historic space at St Leonard’s to open to the public this summer
Visitors to York will soon be able to enjoy access to a rarely seen section of the city’s historic monastic hospital, as partners across the city come together to open the usually closed area at St Leonard’s for the summer season. City of York Council has been working alongside Explore York, York Museum Trust, York BID and York Archaeology to make…
The best of the best: Site Manager wins Quality Award
A site manager overseeing the construction at Bramble Wood in North Yorkshire has won a top national award for the quality of the homes being built onsite. David Wilson Homes’ site manager, Ricky Coulter-Bell (32), has won a Pride in the Job Quality Award from the National House Building Council (NHBC), an award known as the ‘Oscars’ of the…
Aesthetica marks 20 years with landmark programme exploring the future of contemporary art
Aesthetica announces Aesthetica 20, a major anniversary programme redefining how contemporary art is made, experienced, and understood, culminating in the Aesthetica Art Prize 2026 exhibition at York Art Gallery. Contemporary art is undergoing a profound shift in how it is produced, circulated, and interpreted. At Aesthetica, this moment is being met with clarity and ambition…
Three new partners strengthen law firm’s senior team
Lincolnshire and Yorkshire law firm Wilkin Chapman Rollits has strengthened its senior team by hiring a new partner and promoting two of its lawyers to partnership. Employment law specialist Sara Ellison is the latest partner to join the firm’s Lincoln office, while family lawyer Stacey Heeley and insolvency expert Louisa Shilleto have been promoted to…
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…
Brand-new homes in Whitby provide the perfect setting for modern living
Barratt and David Wilson Homes is highlighting Whitby’s growing appeal among house hunters, showcasing the many qualities that make it an ideal place to live. The new community taking shape at the housebuilder’s Abbey View and Chaloners Green developments offer an appealing location, alongside a choice of three and four bedroom homes designed to suit a wide range of…
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…
Growth for Andrew Marr International with acquisition of Seafish UK
Fastnet Fish Holdings (“Fastnet”), a subsidiary company of Andrew Marr International, has strengthened its position as one of the UK’s leading seafood businesses with the acquisition of Seafish U.K. Limited (“Seafish”), a long-established Hull-based manufacturer of frozen seafood products and bespoke sauce solutions. The acquisition brings together two businesses with deep roots in the Humber…
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…
Andrew Jackson strengthens corporate team with latest appointment
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has welcomed solicitor Dan Burton to its corporate team, further strengthening the firm’s offering to businesses across the Yorkshire and Humber region and beyond. Dan has several years’ experience advising corporate clients on a broad range of matters, with a particular focus on mergers and acquisitions. His work…
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…
Aesthetica marks 20 years with landmark programme exploring the future of contemporary art
Aesthetica announces Aesthetica 20, a major anniversary programme redefining how contemporary art is made, experienced, and understood, culminating in the Aesthetica Art Prize 2026 exhibition at York Art Gallery. Contemporary art is undergoing a profound shift in how it is produced, circulated, and interpreted. At Aesthetica, this moment is being met with clarity and ambition…
Over one million tickets sold to LNER York Community Stadium events
Picture caption – L-R – Phil Donhay – Chief Executive (Designate) GLL, Peter Bundey – Chief Executive GLL, Cllr Claire Douglas Leader of City of York Council, Justin Jardine – Chief Officer Corporate Development GLL. City of York Council is celebrating a major milestone as more than one million tickets have now been sold to…
Family Football Festival to celebrate our Armed Forces in York
City of York Council is joining partners across the city and the UK to celebrate and recognise the contribution of our Armed Forces this summer. Here in York, the Council and partner organisations will be showing their support for currently serving personnel and their families, plus veterans and cadets with a free, vibrant football festival,…
Night works see progress on Station Gateway highway works
Councillors will receive an update on the Station Gateway project at a meeting next week (7 July). Executive will hear the latest on the project, including its financial position, as part of the Capital Programme Monitor which provides details around the delays to the project which have increased the spend on the programme by £5.4m….
Checks to start on Council Tax discount recipients
Checks by the Council will start next month on households claiming a single person’s discount on their Council Tax. From July this year, the Council will start a regular review of who is getting and who is still eligible for the single person’s discount. This is a 25 per cent reduction in Council Tax for…
City of York Council marks Armed Forces Day and honours service community
City of York Council is joining communities across the UK to mark Armed Forces Day on Saturday 27 June, recognising the vital contribution of serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and their families. The council is proud to support the Armed Forces community through its commitment as a Gold Award signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant,…
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…
Industrial waste management firm named York and North Yorkshire’s top ranked business for 2026
The region’s business community gathers at York St John University for the prestigious Top 100 awards. The best performing and most impactful businesses in York and North Yorkshire have been unveiled at a high-profile event at York St John University this afternoon. Hosted by York Business School in partnership with York Press, the York and…
Experienced Head of Compliance launches Quinn Oath Advisory to support growing and regulated firms
Quinn Oath Advisory Limited has launched to provide practical compliance, governance, risk and senior advisory support to businesses that need experienced expertise without the cost or commitment of a permanent hire. Founded by experienced Head of Compliance, Helen Quinn, the firm has been created to support financial services and regulated businesses with the increasing demands…
Pack your bags. We’ll do the rest.
Planning a trip should feel exciting, especially when visiting a historic and vibrant destination like York. While online booking platforms may offer convenience, many travellers are now seeking a more personal experience by choosing a trusted local travel agency in York city centre that provides expert advice, tailored recommendations, and genuine customer support. Whether you…
Poetry in Motion: Creative Writing lecturer’s work connects passengers with the history of reopened railway
Dr John Challis ‘honoured’ to see his verse brought to life at stations along the Northumberland Line. Dr John Challis, Poet and Lecturer in Creative Writing at York St John University says it’s a ‘great honour’ for his poetry to be selected to celebrate the reopened Northumberland Line. His specially commissioned poem The Journey has…
York Youth Festival returns to Rowntree Park this summer
Young people across the city are invited to take part in the York Youth Festival, returning to Rowntree Park on Wednesday 22 July, from 2pm to 5pm. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the festival will once again provide a free, fun and welcoming space for young people to come together, enjoy activities,…
Es Devlin responds to Vanbrugh with new artwork for Castle Howard
Internationally renowned artist and designer Es Devlin presents Library of the Four Winds, a new public sculpture in the Temple of the Four Winds at Castle Howard. The work is on show from 13 June – 27 September and is conceived to mark the tricentenary of Sir John Vanbrugh (1664-1726), the visionary architect behind Castle…
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 –…
All aboard for York’s Festival of Ideas as City Cruises leads journey towards York’s river trails launch on River Ouse
One of York attraction staple City Cruises’ boats became home to a new experience 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 a City Cruise for a curated journey through…
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…
New waiting room for York crematorium
Mourners and visitors to York Crematorium will have a second waiting room to use from this autumn. It will be more accessible and have toilet facilities. Visitors may see workers, their vehicles and equipment on the site at Bishopthorpe, as the building and other maintenance work takes place. No work will take place during services:…
Teachers, educators, parents and policymakers invited to online showcase of education research
From preparing school students for the workplace to new ways to boost engagement and attendance for neurodivergent pupils York St John University’s Institute for Social Justice is pleased to invite anyone with an interest in school education to a unique showcase of Innovations in Education Policy. Taking place online on Monday 29 June, this specialist session will…
Castle to host free Employer Update for Yorkshire businesses ahead of Employment Rights Act changes
Yorkshire businesses are being encouraged to prepare early for major employment law changes that could affect how they recruit, manage and retain staff from 2026 onwards. Castle HR & Training Solutions and Castle Employment Solutions are hosting a free face-to-face Employer Update on 25 June to help employers understand the upcoming Employment Rights Act changes…
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…
Three new partners appointed at Wilkin Chapman Rollits
Law firm Wilkin Chapman Rollits has further strengthened its senior team with the appointment of three new partners, including one in its York office. Experienced commercial litigator Dean Hill has joined the Lincolnshire and Yorkshire firm as a partner in the dispute resolution team, based in York. Dean joins as a lateral hire from Ramsdens…
England v Germany veterans game marks 1966 World Cup anniversary with powerful message about later life fitness
Documentary follows England’s Veteran Over 75s as they overcome strokes, cancer and bypass surgery to be fit for historic rematch with Germany this July. England’s Veteran Over 75s football team have announced they will mark the 60th anniversary of England’s victory over Germany with a commemorative match against their European rivals. The game was the…
Chippy on the house: North Yorkshire housebuilder prepares to celebrate National Fish and Chip Day
In line with National Fish and Chip Day (5th June), Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ Abbey View and Chaloners Green developments in Whitby are preparing to celebrate in true seaside style. Barratt and David Wilson Homes are inviting prospective buyers in North Yorkshire, or those considering a move to Whitby, to visit its Abbey View and Chaloners Green developments. To mark National Fish and…
James Sweeting shares lessons from 30 years in business at Humber Business Week
Andrew Jackson Solicitors hosts more than 120 delegates for flagship event James Sweeting, co-founder of Pipers Crisps, Lincoln & York, and Sumo UK, was keynote speaker at a flagship event hosted by Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP this morning, marking the start of Humber Business Week. More than 120 business leaders and professionals from across the…
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…
Yorkshire Recruitment and HR Group Recognised in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026
Independent recruitment and HR business Castle Employment Group has been named in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 rankings. The annual nationwide survey, published in partnership with employee experience platform WorkL, recognises organisations with outstanding levels of employee engagement, workplace culture and employee experience. The recognition places the Scarborough-based business alongside nationally recognised…
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…
Play installation by Yorkshire artist opens at Castle Howard
An interactive art installation designed to encourage people of all ages to play has opened at Castle Howard, Yorkshire’s most famous stately home. Open to the public from today, Playshapes: Castle Constructors is a large-scale, hands-on installation made from five one-metre coloured cubes that can be broken down into steps, triangles, polygons, cylinders and prisms….
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…
Council shares transport information as York Station Gateway Highway works set to complete
City of York Council has published travel information for residents and visitors to assist them to get to the city centre and station in advance of upcoming road closures around York Station. Work to finish the carriageway surfacing around York Station will start on 1 June and be carried out in four stages. Details for…
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…
York welcomes new Lord Mayor for 26/27
City of York Council’s Annual Council and Mayor Making meeting has seen the appointment of a new Lord Mayor of York, with Councillor Margaret Wells officially appointed as the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of York. Councillor Wells is returning for her second tenure of the highly prestigious and historic office, which is second only…
Archbishop Holgate’s School triumphs at York Young Citizen’s Public Speaking Competition
Archbishop Holgate’s School has won this year’s prestigious York Young Citizen’s Public Speaking Competition. Secondary school pupils from schools across the city battled it out for the top slot, going head-to-head to debate one of four topics: Smart phones make present day life much better for children. York is a city with a past but…