Creative Industries Growth Accelerates as Reignite XVI Strengthens the North’s Screen Economy
York continues to establish itself as a leading centre for the creative industries, screen production, cultural exchange and sector development as the Reignite network surpasses 3,500 attendees and builds momentum ahead of the BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival.
The North’s creative industries continue to strengthen their position as a nationally and internationally significant engine of economic and cultural growth, with York increasingly acting as a focal point for collaboration, talent development, and cross-sector innovation. The next edition of Reignite VXI: Screen Industries & the North, organised by Aesthetica in partnership with York BID, further reinforces this trajectory, bringing together industry leaders, filmmakers, and regional stakeholders at City Screen York.
The Reignite series has, to date, welcomed more than 3,500 attendees, establishing itself as the largest sector development network of its kind in the region. Its continued growth reflects both the demand for structured industry dialogue and the increasing importance of the North as a centre for screen production, creative enterprise, and cultural investment.
This latest gathering adds to a growing portfolio of significant activity designed to support sector development across film, television, and the wider screen ecosystem. From major television productions such as Bridgerton, Peaky Blinders, and Patience, to internationally recognised projects like Adolescence, filmed at Production Park, the North’s screen industries are now firmly embedded within both the UK’s production landscape and global content pipelines.
Importantly, the impact of this growth extends far beyond the screen itself. Production activity continues to generate value across hospitality, tourism, retail, construction, transport, education, and the wider visitor economy. It also supports the development of long-term infrastructure, skills pipelines, and business ecosystems that strengthen the region’s creative resilience.
The event arrives at a pivotal moment, serving as a key prelude to the forthcoming BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival, which annually transforms York into an international hub for film, music, games, and podcasting. The festival attracts thousands of visitors and welcomes leading global organisations including Audible, Ridley Scott Associates, Aardman Animations, BBC, Film4, Industrial Light & Magic, Universal Music Group, EMI, Domino Recording Company, and Rough Trade, reinforcing York’s position as a globally significant centre for creative exchange and industry development.
We are delighted to welcome Jen Barfield from Film Hub North and Caroline Cooper-Charles from Screen Yorkshire, to share insight into the scale of the opportunity ahead and the practical steps needed to ensure the North competes confidently on a national and international stage. We will also hear from award-winning filmmakers discussing working in the region.
The evening programme includes a curated screening of short films selected by Film Hub North, featuring Meat Raffle (Stuart Armstrong), Safe (Debbie Howard), Giants (Andy Berriman), and Rocket Fuel (Jordan Scot Kennedy), followed by a filmmaker Q&A and networking session.
Speaking on the significance of the Reignite network, Director of Aesthetica, Cherie Federico, said:
“The North is no longer operating at the margins of the screen industries; it is actively shaping them. What we are seeing is a region that is increasingly confident in its creative identity, its infrastructure, and its ability to compete globally across film, television, music, and digital media. Reignite exists to connect that ambition with action.”
Rachel Bean, Project Manager at York BID, added:
“York is experiencing a sustained period of creative and economic growth driven by the screen industries. The strength of Reignite lies in its ability to bring together businesses, institutions, and practitioners to ensure that growth is coordinated, inclusive, and long-term. This is about building a resilient creative economy that delivers real benefit to the city and the wider region.”
Book Your Tickets: Reignite XVI: Screen Industries & the North Tickets, Wednesday, September 23 • 6 PM – 9 PM | Eventbrite