The York BID

York Ice Trail
2024-02-03 - 2024-02-04
The UK’s biggest outdoor Ice Trail, and one of York’s best loved events, is back for more family-friendly fun on 3rd and 4th February 2024, with a range of magnificent ice sculptures transforming the city centre.
Get ready for an icy adventure as you walk through history and enjoy the ‘coolest’ sculptures lining the streets.
The Ice Trail is a fantastic day out with endless photo opportunities and interactive activities galore!
A Make It York event.

York Quest Santa Search
2023-11-24 - 2024-01-06
16th Nov – 6th Jan. We need your help! Santa and Mrs Claus brought some of their festive friends to York to see the lights and get in the festive spirit, but now they’re lost in the City Centre.
Join the Santa Search and discover 7 jolly augmented reality virtual characters along the way at magical locations around York. Use the GPS-enabled map to find and collect each one. We wish you a very merry time!

The York Quest app is free to use and is available now on Google Play Store or App Store.

York Nutcracker Trail
2023-11-16 - 2024-01-06
From 16th November 2023 to 6th January 2024, celebrate the winter season with the memorable York Nutcracker Trail. York BID has partnered with local charities, schools and artist Sian Ellis to bring you 10 bespoke nutcracker statues, dotted around the city.
What’s more, a giant illuminated post box in Museum Gardens gives you the opportunity to send a letter to Father Christmas! For more information, visit our the dedicated York Nutcracker Trail web page.

Winter Light Display
2023-11-16 - 2024-01-05
From 16th Nov throughout winter.
The city’s spectacular citywide light scheme brings joy to residents and visitors throughout the darker winter months.
The scheme is an elegant and immersive design in keeping with the rich and long history of the city, but with a modern touch to add to York’s star appeal.
Lights will be turned on to coincide with the start of St Nicholas market on 16th November.
The winter lights are delivered by the York BID in partnership with Make It York.

Reignite II: The Creative Economy
2023-11-09 18:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London)
Reignite: Economic Impact through Creative Industries launched in autumn 2023 to celebrate York’s creative sector and its significant impact on the local economy. The event brought together representatives across all sectors to unite under York’s UNESCO Media Arts designation, with the aim of encouraging all sectors in York, including hospitality, retail, and transport, to recognise the vast potential of York’s creative sector to transform the city’s economy.
Organisations Aesthetica, Viridian FX, Bright White, York Museums Trust, the National Railway Museum, and a panel of young creatives highlighted the need to embrace the city’s UNESCO designation to strengthen the local economy, with ambitions to create educational pathways, develop new skills and jobs, and attract investment.
The event is now returning as part of the BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival, which sees York become a cinematic playground for global giants in the media and gaming industries.
Reignite II: The Creative Economy will bring together key partners and industry leaders to explore the impact of large-scale cultural programming on York’s wider economy and will feature a film screening and Q&A with some of the UK’s most significant creative talent. The discussion will focus on the role of media arts in driving economic growth, attracting tourism, and fostering a vibrant and creative city for years to come.
Reignite II: The Creative Economy is on 9th November from 6-9pm at City Screen Picturehouse in York.
Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica, said: “Reignite II is an opportunity to discuss the economic impact of culture on our city and how bold cultural programming offers an uplift in the city centre through economic and social inclusion.”
“Through Reignite, we are looking to unite the city in support of the high growth and economic potential of York’s creative industries, and we’re committed to supporting the sector to reach its full potential.”
Rachel Bean, Project Manager at York BID, said: “We believe that media arts have a vital role to play in the city’s economic future, and we’re excited to build on the success of Reignite and continue to work closely with Aesthetica and partners to explore this potential.”
The event is supported by City of York Council, York Business Improvement District (BID), Aesthetica, Viridian FX, and York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.
Reignite II is free to attend, but registration is required. Reserve your place early to avoid disappointment.
To register, please visit Eventbrite.
Photo credits: Ben Porter

Safer Business Action Week
2023-10-16 08:00 - 2023-10-22 23:30
16th October 2023 marks the start of National Week of Action and ‘Safer Business Action Week’.

York BID are working in association with North Yorkshire Police and York City Council for National Week of Action and ‘Safer Business Action Week’. The initiative provides an opportunity for all police forces to highlight their support for the vital role that businesses play in our local communities through employment, services and leisure.
In recent years the business community, retail in particular, has experienced a range of new threats, with the prevention of violence against shopworkers now becoming the top priority for many retailers. As a sector, they have invested heavily in technology and security to prevent crime, and the collective will continue to work in partnership with those affected.
Purpose and objectives of the week:
• To put a focus on business crime, raise awareness of the issues affecting businesses and highlight the existing work taking place to support businesses
• To support the business community by prioritising and tackling business crime
• To promote collaborative working and strengthen the relationships between police and the business community
• To highlight and celebrate achievements and good news stories.
Here is a selection of guidance documents to help support the initiative:
Businesses Letter
Business Impact Statement
Preventing Violence and Abuse Within Retail Settings
10 Principles of Crime
Reporting a Business Crime
Theft From Shops
Reducing Violence Against Staff
