The York BID

Reignite IV: The Next Generation
2024-05-15 08:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
Reignite is returning for its fourth event ‘The Next Generation’ at the end of this month. This exciting event features presentations from York graduates who have gone on to work for global organisations, and a showcase of exceptional work from 60 graduating artists across Fine Art, Photography, and Illustration as part of the York St John University Degree Show. Reignite IV: The Next Generation takes place on Thursday 30th May from 5.30-9pm at the Creative Centre, York St John University.
Reignite is an ambition and vision for the city to leverage its UNESCO Media Arts designation to attract inward investment, develop educational pathways, retain graduates, create more jobs, and quantify the economic impact of the sector on the wider economy of York.
Reignite III looked at global stages and organisations exporting ideas around the world. Now, organisers are going back to the start, looking at the new talent in our city. You are invited to come and show your support for those starting out in the sector.
Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica, said: “We must champion the next generation of talent and show them that they have the support of the city. Reignite, alongside the Creative Business Skills Academy launching in June, sends a message that York is proud of and nurtures its new talent, recognising the vast potential this has for the city as a whole.”
Guests will hear from recent graduates that have gone on to work for organisations such as HarperCollins, Ravensburger, Lottie Shaw, Guinness, Adidas, Puma, and Pepsi, as well as a panel of artists who are starting out. We will also hear more about York’s new Creative Business Skills Academy.
The focus of Reignite IV is to shine a light on York’s next generation of talent and how they contribute to the future ecosystem of the city. This will be followed by the Reignite Party, which includes Art Tours, a DJ, drinks, and networking with a range of businesses from all sectors in the city.
This event is supported by Aesthetica, York St John University, City of York Council, UKSPF, York BID, and Viridian FX.
Places are limited, so register to one of the sessions to secure your ticket. After the talks, head to the gardens to enjoy an evening of networking, drinks and music.
SESSION ONE TALKS 5.30-6.15: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/895139705957?aff=oddtdtcreator
SESSION TWO TALKS 6.30-7.15: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/895166817047?aff=oddtdtcreator

Reignite III: Global Stages - Reframing the Creative Industries in York
2024-04-11 18:00 - 23:00
Reignite is back for its third event ‘Global Stages – Reframing the Creative Industries’ on Thursday 11th April from 6pm. The event begins at the Yorkshire Museum with informative talks and Q&As, followed by an interactive programme at York Art Gallery from 7:15pm, marking the gallery’s first-ever LATE event.
Reignite III brings together leading figures from York’s business and cultural sectors to explore the city’s rise as a global hub for creative industries and businesses. Building on York’s prestigious UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts designation (one of only 25 globally), the event will shine a light on the city’s thriving creative exports and how it can further position itself on the international stage. As the city approaches its 10th year of this designation, Reignite III explores how York can better leverage this recognition to boost creative industries, fostering opportunities, economic growth, and careers.
Reignite III promises an evening packed with thought-provoking presentations from York BID and Make It York, as well as Aesthetica, creators of the BAFTA-Qualifying Film Festival, International Magazine and award-winning Art Prize; Pilot Theatre, an award-winning, international touring theatre based in York exhibiting across the globe; and Button Down Productions, a Yorkshire-based independent television company, working with the likes of BBC, Channel 4, Wired, Cadbury, and Sky. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how businesses can utilise the city’s UNESCO status to their advantage and contribute to York’s international creative profile.
Following the presentations, York Art Gallery will come alive with a dynamic after-hours programme. Guests can enjoy a live DJ and refreshments while exploring the gallery’s exhibitions after dark. A dedicated drawing studio will provide a space for artistic expression, while a bespoke Audio-Visual experience will show how sound and light can interact with the body, created by Viridian FX (House of the Dragon, Netflix, HBO, Amazon).
The evening will also celebrate the winners of the prestigious Aesthetica Art Prize, providing a unique opportunity to meet this year’s finalists.
Places are limited, so register now to secure your ticket.

York Chocolate Festival
2024-03-27 - 2024-03-31
York is set to be transformed into a chocolate lover’s dream as the annual Chocolate Festival returns.
The five-day festival celebrates York’s rich chocolate heritage, and will feature a bustling market of chocolatiers and confectioners, as well as hands-on activities, taste trails, Easter egg hunts, and much more.
Where? Parliament Street, York
When? 27th to 31st March 2024.

Festival-goers will be able to witness the skilled craftsmanship of ‘extreme chocolatier’ Ashley McCarthy (pictured) as he constructs his ‘Chocolate House’ throughout the event – which will be added to the event’s ‘Sculpture Gallery of Chocolate’.
Other highlights to look forward to include:

Central marketplace – featuring a diverse range of local chocolatiers and confectioners showcasing an array of sweet treats and some savoury foods with a chocolate twist
Chocolate food factory – try hands-on chocolate making at St Crux
Chocolate cafe-bar – Indulge in snacks and meals will be available to buy, including chilli con carne with cocoa, vegan flatbreads, and chocolate stout
Taste trail – Wander around the city with a self-guided taste trail, while sampling some tasty delights
Easter egg hunt – Families can enjoy a self-guided Easter Egg Hunt, exploring York, solving clues, and collecting mini eggs
Chocolate egg decorating – Decorate your own Easter-egg shaped chocolate bar with York Cocoa Works
York Cocoa Works – Throughout the festival, York Cocoa Works will host daily chocolate experiences, masterclasses, and workshops
Chocolate Beer and Gin tastings – Book an experience to remember with York Gin, Brew York and Fairfax House

Some of these activities require pre-booked tickets.
For more information and to book ticketed events, visit the Festival website.

Snooks - York's Character Trail
2024-02-28 08:00 - 2024-04-21 17:00
York BID are delighted to be sponsoring The Snooks Trail, an exciting new sculpture trail coming to York from early March to April 2024. Organized by Make It York in collaboration with charity partner St. Leonard’s Hospice, this trail will take you on a captivating journey through York’s historic cobbled streets and hidden gardens.
Prepare to be enchanted as you encounter 21 Snooks scattered throughout the city. These unique sculptures, sponsored by local businesses, will be brought to life by talented artists who will craft bespoke designs inspired by the world of literature.
Join us on this remarkable adventure, where literature and art blend seamlessly to create an unforgettable experience!

Colour & Light at York Art Gallery
2024-02-07 18:00 - 2024-02-25 21:00
York BID is excited to announce the return of Colour & Light from 7th – 25th February 2024. This project will transform part of the city with a vibrant light display during the colder winter months, creating a magical and memorable experience for visitors and residents alike.
This year, York BID is thrilled to be working with York Museums Trust to illuminate the façade of York Art Gallery. For more information, visit our dedicated Colour and Light webpage.

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
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

York Quest App
2023-02-21 - 2024-04-30
The ‘Travel Through Time’ trail on the York Quest app encourages families into the city to find a series of characters who are hidden around York’s historic streets.
The ‘Travel Through Time’ trail already features a host of characters associated with York’s rich past including Dick Turpin, Guy Fawkes, a Roman Legionary and Anne Lister and now has some new faces to discover.
Discover how Lady Anne Middleton helped the poor, why Margaret Clitherow was sainted, and uncover the exciting life of Wally Herbert!
The app takes you on a gentle walking route around the city, taking you to quieter areas away from the busy centre that you might not otherwise visit.
Once you have found a character there is a fun interactive element to enjoy, making it an ideal activity for children to enjoy.
The York Quest app is free to use and is available now on Google Play Store or App Store.
The York Quest App is supplied by the York BID as a year-round activity.
