There is no place like this home: Castle Howard opens their Oz-tastic Christmas extravaganza
The iconic North Yorkshire stately home is transformed into Oz, until 4th January Castle Howard has opened their 2025 Christmas event, Christmas at Castle Howard with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The 300-year-old House becomes an immersive Christmas experience, dressed in set pieces, decorations, floristry, projections, lighting and sound, set to delight tens of thousands of…
New guide for Armed Forces personnel published
In the week of Remembrance Day, a new guide to services for Armed Forces personnel in York and North Yorkshire has been published. The guide has been developed by North Yorkshire and City of York Councils for all veterans, serving members and reservists across our region. A central part of the Armed Forces Covenant agreement…
Project update: Roof conservation project on track – stonemasons add their own message to York’s Historic Walls
Work on York’s historic City Walls continues to progress smoothly as part of the Bootham Bar conservation project. City of York Council’s Ancient Monuments team and in-house stonemasons are carrying out essential works to replace the roof, which is now almost complete. The project remains on schedule to finish by mid-December, as originally planned. The…
Andrew Jackson appoints Chris Booth as partner and head of employment
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has strengthened its employment law practice for clients across the region with the appointment of Chris Booth as partner and head of employment. Jonathan Dale, who has led the firm’s employment team since 2007, has recruited Chris to the team to focus on the continued growth of the firm’s employment offering, and to…
Winners Announced at Aesthetica Film Festival 2025
The BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival has concluded its landmark 15th anniversary edition, announcing this year’s award-winning filmmakers — a new generation of talent poised to shape the future of screen culture. For 15 years, Aesthetica has been the home of new voices in film, where tomorrow’s BAFTA and Oscar nominees and winners are first discovered. Across five transformative days, from 5-9 November…
York Walls in Bloom: Celebrating the changing seasons
As part of the York Walls in Bloom initiative, the vibrant wildflowers across the city’s historic walls are carefully managed to reflect the natural rhythm of the seasons. Now the summer blooms are starting to fade, City of York Council and dedicated volunteers, led by St Nicks, are coming together to care for these unique spaces….
Azets announces Yorkshire promotions
Azets, the international accountancy and business advisory group, has announced 42 promotions across its Yorkshire business. The firm, one of the top ten accountants in the UK, has offices in Leeds, Bradford and York where it employs 335 people. There have been 26 promotions in its York office, 13 in Leeds and three in Bradford….
Consul General of China welcomed by York partners
Ahead of the tenth anniversary of the sister city relationship between Nanjing in China and York, City of York Council has welcomed a visit by the Consul General of China in Manchester. The relationship was forged in 2016 with a view to developing a mutual understanding and benefits to these two historic and prominent cities….
York celebrates its amazing care leavers as part of National Care Leavers’ Month
City of York Council is celebrating the positive impact young people leaving care have on communities across the city during National Care Leavers’ Month (November). The month-long event aims to raise awareness and celebrate care leavers, with this year’s theme being “Rising as Me: Overcoming challenges, transforming, and finding your identity”. Around 30 young people…
York’s smoking rates drop to one of the lowest in England
York continues to lead the way in public health, with adult smoking rates now at just 6.7 per cent — the 8th lowest in the country, according to the latest data from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. York’s Health Trainer Service has played a key role by offering free, personalised support to help residents quit smoking and improve…
A new home for the new year: North Yorkshire homebuilder promotes winter move
Home buyers wishing to put their best foot forward in 2026 are being encouraged to consider Barratt Homes’ Harclay Park development in Boroughbridge, where a selection of properties across South Yorkshire are ready to move into this winter. When the festive period wraps up, many people look forward to the new year with plans to move house….
Andrew Jackson Solicitors advises Falkland Islands Government on £109 million new port development
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has advised the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) on the signing of key contracts for the design, construction, and delivery of a substantial £109 million port facility at Stanley, which is one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the Islands’ history. The new port will replace the ageing…
Local sexual violence charity, Survive launches ’35 Years of Healing’ campaign
35 years of healing. Thousands supported. Hundreds still reaching Out. This November, Survive proudly marks 35 years of providing specialist support to adult survivors of rape, sexual assault, and Child Sexual Abuse. Many survivors of sexual violence and abuse experience psychological distress and PTSD symptoms including anxiety, panic attacks, nightmares and flashbacks. Suicidal thoughts and…
York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity’s first golf day raises over £10,000 for hospital breast unit
Eighty golfers from across the area teed off for a sell-out charity golf day supporting York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity. Held on Thursday 2 October at the stunning Sandburn Hall near York, the event was hailed a huge success by the Charity, with local businesses and community supporters uniting to make a real difference. Proceeds…
Aesthetica Film Festival 2025: The UK’s Premier Screen & Media Event Opens This Week
This November, the BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival celebrates its 15th anniversary, reaffirming its position as the UK’s leading screen and media event. Taking place from 5–9 November 2025, the festival brings together filmmakers, industry leaders, and audiences from across the country in a bold celebration of storytelling, innovation, and creative excellence. Transforming York into a national hub for the creative…
York’s Remembrance Sunday parade and service
The Rt Hon Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Martin Rowley BEM, the Civic Party and City of York Council will pay their respects at York’s official Remembrance Sunday service and parade. On Sunday 9 November, the parade will leave Clifford’s Tower at 10.20am and make its way to the City War Memorial via the Mansion House. The…
York Talk Money fortnight
York residents can access a wealth of information and support that could save them £1000s as part of this autumn’s York Talk Money fortnight (3-16 November). Run by City of York Council and partners across the city, including Citizens Advice, Peasholme Charity, Age UK, York Energy Advice and OCAY, the regular event aims to help…
Dog owner gets £1,000 charge and three-year Criminal Behaviour Order
The owner of an uncontrolled, un-microchipped and aggressive dog has been sentenced by York Magistrates Court. Following a number of incidents of a nine-year-old grey Staffordshire bull terrier called Lola attacking other dogs and straying, its owner Andrew Bartle (aged 53 of Foxwood Lane, York) has now been ordered to pay £1,098 and has been…
‘Tackling poverty today and turning the tide to create lasting change in York
A landmark anti-poverty strategy for York council will be reviewed by City of York Council’s Executive next month [4 November], before being considered for approval by Full Council [6 November]. The strategy – entitled ‘Tackling Poverty Today and Turning the Tide to Create Lasting Change’ – sets out to create a ten-year strategy and action plan to…
Going for growth- an ambitious new plan for York is announced
An ambitious new prospectus laying out York’s plans for growth, with innovation, culture and heritage at the heart of it, aims to attract billions in private and public sector investment to deliver more affordable housing and more better paid jobs will be taken to a public meeting for approval next week (4 November). York’s prospectus…
New heating systems could save residents up to £300 a year
62 homes for older residents in York have been upgraded with energy-efficient technology giving residents lower bills, more space and health benefits. This City of York Council project was funded by the region’s combined authority. Residents of the 35 apartments at Alex Lyon House in Tang Hall and the 27 apartments at Honeysuckle House in…
North Yorkshire housebuilder highlights benefits of buying off-plan
Leading housebuilder David Wilson Homes is encouraging people looking for a new home to consider the benefits of buying off-plan at its Grey Towers Village development in Nunthorpe. With a selection of four and five bedroom homes now available to reserve, the developer is highlighting the advantages of buying early in the construction process. Steven…
Final homes released at popular North Yorkshire development
Leading housebuilder Barratt Homes is urging home buyers in North Yorkshire to act quickly, as the final properties at the sought-after Harclay Park development near Boroughbridge have been released. With over 95% of homes already sold, Barratt Homes is prompting prospective buyers to act swiftly to avoid missing out on the final opportunity to secure a…
Have your say on York’s Local Flood Risk Management Strategy
City of York Council has worked with key partners including the Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water to prepare a draft Local Flood Risk Management strategy. The draft opened for consultation on 19 October and will run until the 11 January at www.york.gov.uk/consultations The strategy updates the 2014 strategy version and reflects learnings from major flood events, including those in…
North Yorkshire and Humber families urged to offer a ‘Welcome Home’ this National Adoption Week
City of York Council and One Adoption North and Humber — the regional adoption agency for York, North Yorkshire and the Humber — are calling on local people to think about giving a child a “welcome home” this National Adoption Week (20–26 October). This year’s campaign challenges the idea that adoptive families need to be…
Upcoming works on Tadcaster Road/Copmanthorpe Link Road West
The council will soon be carrying out works to make improvements on Tadcaster Road, between the Askham Bog car park and Askham Bar Park and Ride. This will include updates to the traffic signals at the junction of Tadcaster Road / Copmanthorpe Link Road West between 22 October and 17 November and night-time resurfacing works…
Statements from city leaders: York Knights promotion
Following the announcement that York Knights RLFC have been promoted to the Super League for 2026, city leaders have issued the statements below. Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council said: “This is absolutely fantastic news for our city. We are all be brimming with pride to be home to one of the…
Andrew Jackson Solicitors advises Whitaker Tankers on acquisition of oil tanker
Andrew Jackson Solicitors has recently advised long-standing client, John H Whitaker (Tankers) Ltd (“Whitakers”), on its acquisition of the oil tanker FORTUNA II, now renamed WHITPROGRESS. The transaction saw Hull-based Whitakers purchase the vessel from Prax Shipping III BV. Built in Turkey in 2009, the 86.71-metre vessel was previously registered under the Marshall Islands flag and has now…
York residents can now recycle more at kerbside
For the first time, residents across York can now recycle food and drink cartons and toothpaste tubes in the same container as glass, plastics and tins, thanks to an upgrade to the city’s kerbside recycling service. This change marks a significant step forward in simplifying household recycling and forms part of the UK Government’s new…
Christmas parking arrangements confirmed
In line with the council’s budget setting decision made in February 2025, parking charge rates for York’s Christmas Market are set to be implemented from 13 November. The changes will mean that while the Christmas Market is on, parking charges between Sunday and Thursday are lifted to the current rate for Fridays and Saturdays. This…
Green Business Forum focus on Energy bills as they celebrate their second anniversary
With October marking the second anniversary of the formation of the York Green Business Forum the group are celebrating by hosting their upcoming event focussing on energy bills. The event is taking place as part of York Environment Festival 2025, and aims to help businesses across the city tackle their energy bills and learn how…
Planned essential maintenance works on Lendal Bridge head to decision session
Plans to carry out essential maintenance works on Lendal Bridge will be discussed at a decision session next week (21 October). These structural repairs are needed to protect the bridge so it can continue to be used for decades to come. The proposed works consist of urgent structural repairs, re-waterproofing the structure and resurfacing the…
Inspiring commitment of York’s longest serving foster carers celebrated by the civic party
The inspiring life-changing work of some of York’s longest serving foster carers has been recognised at a special awards ceremony. Seven fostering households were welcomed to the Mansion House and awarded certificates by the Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Martin Rowley BEM, for completing 20, 30 and 40 years of fostering. Throughout…
Over 2,000 York residents still to claim £100 Household Support Fund payment
Over 2,000 eligible residents who have been contacted directly by the council have not yet claimed their one-off £100 Household Support Fund payment this winter. A total of 2,700 York residents have already responded to the letter sent out by City of York Council last month [September]. The payment is part of the Government’s Household…
York pupils celebrated for championing healthy lifestyles and well-being
Over 60 pupils from schools across York came together at New Earswick Folk Hall to celebrate their achievements in promoting health and well-being through the Healthy Schools Award Programme. The event, funded by City of York Council, marked the growing success of the scheme, which now includes more than a third of York’s schools. The…
York mum reaches her running goal and boosts her mental health, thanks to support from York Health Trainers
A York mum is preparing to complete this Sunday’s Yorkshire 10-mile just six months after starting running, thanks to support from City of York Council’s health trainer service. Kirsty Catterson, a domestic assistant at York Hospital’s maternity department, contacted the team back in March on the advice of her GP, when she fell into a…
Andrew Jackson announces further promotions across the firm
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is delighted to announce two further promotions in recognition of the hard work, expertise, and dedication demonstrated across the firm. Rikki Foster has become an associate within the firm’s litigation team. As an experienced solicitor, Rikki supports clients in the resolution of a wide variety of contentious matters including boundary disputes, right…
Care-experienced young people from York applauded at film’s world premiere
The contribution made by care-experienced young people from York to a film about fostering, was acknowledged at its world premiere yesterday (Thursday 9 October). Members of City of York Council’s Children’s Services teams and a local care-experienced young person attended the first screening of ‘The Run’, the seventh fostering awareness film produced by award-winning producers…
York secures £479k to help prevent homelessness
Recognising the needs of York residents facing homelessness, £479,438 has been secured to help the Council prevent homelessness and provide accommodation and support where it’s most needed. This Government funding supports the Council’s aim to make rough sleeping rare, brief and non-recurring. A proportion of this funding will be used to support homelessness prevention and…
New community wellbeing hub opens in York
A much-anticipated community wellbeing and mental health hub, based in Acomb Garth, York, is opening its doors to the public on 13 October. A much-anticipated community wellbeing and mental health hub, based in Acomb Garth, York, is opening its doors to the public on 13 October, the week after World Mental Health Day on Friday…
York celebrates the work of its amazing carers during Kinship Carers Week (6-12 October)
Kinship Care Week (6-12 October) is a national week of awareness, recognition and celebration of kinship families. Kinship care is when a child who cannot be raised by their parents lives with a relative or a close, connected adult, such as a friend or neighbour, instead of being placed into foster care or children’s home. Kinship…
York community shapes new rivers trail at soft launch walk
As part of York Walking Festival and York Environment Festival, York residents joined a creative riverside walk to help shape the new York rivers trail. The trail, co-designed with schools, stakeholders and local communities, will blend art, science and local voices to tell the city’s flood and climate story when it plans to launch in…
Major improvements set for York’s Park and Ride
Overnight parking and a host of other improvements to York’s Park and Ride services will be considered at a meeting next week (7 October). The meeting follows a citywide consultation earlier this year around how government funding through the Bus Service Improvement Plan could be best spent on the Park and Ride. Proposed improvements include:…
New strategy to support York children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and their families
City of York Council’s Executive will be asked to approve a new strategy to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families in York next month [7 October]. The five-year strategy, entitled Inclusion and Belonging, sets out to help every child and family in York feel that they belong…
New 1.5-acre park opens next to 78 new Passivhaus homes
A new green space for all to enjoy has been opened as part of work to build 78 ultra low-energy homes at Burnholme Green. A 1.5-acre park has been opened with play and exercise areas, meadows and coppices of trees, connected to the local communities by a network of paths dotted with benches. Across the…
Another key appointment for Andrew Jackson
Sarah Thomsen joins as partner and head of contentious probate Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Thomsen as a partner and head of the firm’s contentious probate team. A registered contentious trust and probate specialist and a full member of the ACTAPS (Association of Contentious Trust and Probate…
Beware QR codes in Council car parks and texted parking fines
City of York Council is warning drivers to stay vigilant after its car parks were targeted by a fake QR code parking scam and as a wider parking ticket scam hits the country. A widespread parking scam involving fake Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) has targeted people across the country in recent weeks. Scammers send text…
UK Small Business Commissioner to launch York Business Festival 2025
Speakers and themes announced for exciting and ambitious programme of public events this November York Business School at York St John University is delighted to announce a packed programme of events for York Business Festival 2025. Alongside invited expert speakers and hosts, the Festival is a showcase of the support that York Business School and…