The York BID

Reignite XV
2026-06-04 18:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | York St John University, Lord Mayor's Walk, York, YO31 7EX, United Kingdom
Join us for Reignite XV: Liftoff: Breaking In & Building Forward.
The event takes place on 4th June from 6pm to 9pm at Temple Hall, York St John University.
This year, we’re doing something different. In partnership with York St John Art & Design, Liftoff brings together over 150 new works from the next generation of creatives – a powerful snapshot of emerging talent at the very moment it steps into the world, alongside high-profile artists, such as Turner Prize nominee Heather Philipson, Larry Achiampong, Steve Messam, Joanne Coates, and Baff Akoto.
Together, we are building an ecosystem that actively supports growth. One that connects education to industry, talent to opportunity, and ambition to infrastructure. Most importantly, one that makes it clear: this city is a place where creative careers can begin, grow, and thrive.
Book your place HERE.

Jumbo the Elephant
2026-06-06 14:00 - 18:00 | St Martin le Grand, 13 Coney Street, York, YO1 9QL, United Kingdom
Meet Jumbo the Elephant in York! Standing at an incredible 2 metres tall and 1.3 metres wide, this life sized elephant puppet is a true show stopper.
Fully roaming and wonderfully lifelike, don’t miss this magical photo opportunity and memorable close-up encounter.
Meet Jumbo the Elephant at the clock on Coney Street on Saturday 6th June, with performances at 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm.

York Best Bar None Awards
2026-06-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Impossible, York, 3 St. Helen's Square, YO1 8QN
We’re thrilled to be hosting the inaugural York Best Bar None (BBN) Awards on Thursday 11th June. These awards recognise York’s pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues for excellence in safety, customer care, and community.
If you’re a licensed venue that would like to be in for a chance of winning an award, it’s not too late to get involved! Book your BBN assessment now – venues must be accredited by 15th May to be eligible for an award. Contact safetynetwork@theyorkbid.com for more information on BBN and your Awards sign up link.

Momentum York
2026-06-23 12:00 - 19:00 | York St John University, Lord Mayor's Walk, York, YO31 7EX, United Kingdom
We are thrilled to introduce Momentum York, the city’s brand-new conference dedicated to the Professional Services Sector.
Join us for a dynamic half‑day conference featuring an expo of small to medium‑sized professional service businesses, insightful presentations, and valuable opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the sector.
This inaugural conference has been co-designed with professional service businesses to celebrate the diversity and strength of the sector in York, bringing businesses together with city and regional leaders to connect, learn, and grow.
The conference takes place on Tuesday 23rd June, from 12pm to 7pm, at York St John Creative Centre.
Register your place through Eventbrite: Momentum York – York’s Professional Services Conference Tickets, Tuesday, June 23 • 12 PM – 7 PM | Eventbrite
Find out more here: Momentum York | York BID

York BID Annual General Meeting
2026-07-16 18:00 - 21:00 | Radisson Hotel York, North Street, York, YO1 6JF
Join us for York BID’s AGM on Thursday 16th July 2026, from 6pm to 9pm, at the Radisson York Hotel.
This year’s AGM marks the beginning of the BID’s third term, giving us the opportunity to celebrate what we’ve achieved together over the past year, share what’s coming next, and hear about the projects, events, and initiatives that will help shape York city centre in the years ahead.
We’ll hear from Ojay McDonald, Chief Executive of the Association of Town & City Management, on the future of our high streets and the opportunities facing town and city centres across the UK.
We’ll also hear from Andrew Lowson, Executive Director of York BID, who will present a review of the past year’s achievements and share exciting plans for the year ahead.
In accordance with the AGM timetable and notice requirements, the agenda and meeting papers are now available to download, including details of the formal business to be conducted and the resolutions to be considered by members.
👉 Download the AGM agenda and papers
The formal proceedings will be followed by an informal networking reception, with drinks and refreshments served in the hotel’s bar and restaurant area.
Register your place on Eventbrite: York BID AGM

The Tempest Play Park
2026-07-21 09:00 - 2026-09-03 18:00 | Parliament Street, Parliament Street, York
Don’t miss The Tempest, a brand new, imaginative pop-up children’s play area on Parliament Street. Open from 9am to 6pm every day until Thursday 3rd September, the pop-up installation includes climbing and balancing equipment, sensory play features, bridges, interactive elements and accessible play equipment.
This new free temporary attraction, brought to the city by York BID, has been inspired by York-born scientist and volcanologist Tempest Anderson, blending exciting play features with local heritage to create a unique experience for children and families in the city centre.
The project has been delivered by York BID in partnership with Playscheme, Make It York, Thors and York Civic Trust, with funding from David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, through the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Vibrant & Sustainable High Streets Fund. York Civic Trust has worked with the project team to develop the educational elements, helping bring Tempest Anderson’s story to life for a new generation.

The Actual Reality Arcade
2026-08-15 12:00 - 18:00 | Parliament Street, Parliament Street, York
Enjoy a spectacular free city-centre experience this summer as the Actual Reality Arcade returns to Parliament Street for the latest Family Friendly Saturday event.
Taking place on Saturday 15th August from 12pm to 6pm on Parliament Street, the event promises a packed programme of activities and fun for all ages. At the heart of the day is the Actual Reality Arcade, a hands-on experience where iconic retro games are brought to life. Families can step into seven larger than life games including a huge-scale laser run, a giant Tetris wall, and whack-a-mole with human volunteers.
Parliament Street will also be buzzing with opportunities to meet and chat with the teams who keep York safe every day. Families can explore emergency and service vehicles, learn about vital work carried out across the city, and discover how local organisations support the community.

Rejuvenation Days
2026-09-02 09:00 - 2026-09-08 13:00
Join York BID to help keep York looking its best by cleaning and repainting street furniture like bike racks, benches, bollards, and more on Wednesday 2nd, Friday 4th, and Tuesday 8th. Each volunteering session runs from 9am to 1pm in St Helen’s Square.
To take part, register your place here.

Ghosts in the Gardens
2026-09-19 - 2026-11-01
From September, York’s streets and green spaces will once again play host to a city-wide gathering of ghostly figures as our Ghosts in the Gardens take their places across historic sites.
Ghosts in the Gardens will return from 19th September to 1st November. Stay tuned for more information.

Reignite XVI: Screen Industries & The North
2026-09-23 18:00 - 21:00 | City Screen York
Join us for Reignite XVI: Screen Industries & The North on Wednesday 23rd September from 6pm to 9pm at City Screen York.
Attendees will enjoy a curated screening of short films selected by Film Hub North, followed by a filmmaker Q&A and networking session. Jen Barfield from Film Hub North and Caroline Cooper-Charles from Screen Yorkshire will share insight into the scale of opportunity ahead and the practical steps needed to ensure the North competes confidently on a national and international stage.
Register your place on Eventbrite: Reignite XVI: Screen Industries & the North Tickets, Wednesday, September 23 • 6 PM – 9 PM | Eventbrite

Ghosts After Dark
2026-11-04 17:30 - 2026-11-08 21:30 | York Museum Gardens
Ghosts After Dark is returns to York with its biggest event yet.
Running from Wednesday 4th to Sunday 8th November 2026, Ghosts After Dark will see all 70 sculptures from York BID’s Ghosts in the Gardens trail brought together in one spectacular setting, giving visitors the chance to see the ghosts, and the gardens, in a completely different light.
Dynamically lit among the trees, ruins and hidden corners of the gardens, the ghosts will be joined by six live storytellers, a new interactive experience and the event’s first night market.
Find out more and book your tickets: https://www.theyorkbid.com/ghosts-after-dark/
Tickets go on sale on Tuesday 25th August 2026, priced at £10 for adults and £2 for children.
Ghosts After Dark is delivered in partnership by York BID and York Museums Trust.
