The York BID, Duncombe Place, York (2026)

A Business Improvement District is a specifically designated area where businesses within it work together to invest in services, special projects and events with the aim to increase economic development and growth. BID projects and programmes are in addition to services provided by the City of York Council and funded by an annual contribution of 1% of the rateable value from businesses that are w

ithin the BID area. Now one of 200 operational BIDs across the UK, the York BID was voted in by businesses by a 76% majority in November 2015. This establishes the BID to operate for five years requiring all businesses within the BID area (of rateable value threshold which is currently £12,500 and above) to pay the mandatory levy.

18/06/2026

Have you seen this cat before? 🐈‍⬛

Tell us where you’ve seen him hiding…

14/06/2026

We’re still smiling after Thursday night’s inaugural Best Bar None York Awards 🎉

We were incredibly proud to host an evening dedicated to celebrating the venues and teams that work so hard to make York’s evening and night-time economy safe, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.

Congratulations to all 26 Best Bar None accredited venues, and especially to this year’s award winners:
🏆 Best Hotel or Restaurant – Blake Street 🏆 Best Entertainment Venue –  🏆 Best Independent Venue –  🏆 Best National Venue – Riverside 🏆 Best Late Night Venue –
🏆 Special Recognition Award –  🏆 Best Overall Venue – Club Salvation

The awards were a fantastic opportunity to recognise the commitment, professionalism and partnership working that helps make York one of the UK’s safest and most welcoming destinations after dark.

A huge thank you to Apex Radio Systems Ltd for supporting the awards and helping us shine a spotlight on the businesses and people who go above and beyond every day.

Thank you too to for being a brilliant host, to The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of York, Margaret Wells, for presenting trophies to our accredited venues, and to Impossible York for hosting us so brilliantly.

And, of course, thank you to everyone who joined us, presented awards, collected trophies and helped make our very first Best Bar None York Awards such a special evening. It was wonderful to see so many businesses and partners coming together to celebrate the very best of York’s hospitality sector.

We’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year!

📸 Amy D’Agorne

07/06/2026

🌦️ Where has the sun gone?! 🌦️

While we wait for the weather to remember it’s meant to be summer, Tommy Treebark’s Wild Adventure is still bringing plenty of colour to York city centre 🦊🌳🐞

With 55 Yorkshire animals hidden on bright benches across the city, it’s the perfect free activity for families looking to get out of the house, stretch little legs and explore somewhere new - even on the greyest of days.

Pick up a trail leaflet from the Visit York Information Centre on Parliament Street, see how many animals you can find, and collect a free prize when you’ve finished.

And keep an eye out for Tommy’s brand-new fox friend while you’re out and about... 👀

📍 York city centre 🗺️ Free trail 🎁 Prize for completed leaflets (while stocks last)

01/06/2026

🐘 Jumbo the Elephant arrives in York THIS Saturday! 🐘

Standing up to 2 metres tall, this incredible roaming animatronic elephant will be stomping and exploring around Coney Street throughout the afternoon.

📍 Find Jumbo around St Martin's Clock, Coney Street
📅 Saturday 6 June 2026
🕑 Appearances at 2pm, 4pm & 6pm

29/05/2026

It’s been a whole year since the unveiling of the North Street Gardens Rowntree Mural 🎨

We worked with Art of Protest Projects, in North Street Gardens, to install this stunning 46ft mural celebrating the life and legacy of Joseph Rowntree.

The North Street Gardens were gifted to the city in 1959 via the Joseph Rowntree Village Trust, and this new project, marking 100 years since his passing, honours a life dedicated to community, equality, progress, and his contributions to York.

This mural was commissioned by York BID in partnership with York Cares, City of York Council, Nestlé, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and The Rowntree Society, and generously funded by Nestlé.

Find it along with so many more inspiring pops of colour on the York Art Trail - completely free! 🙌

22/05/2026

🙋 Hands up... who’s looking for a free family-friendly day out in York city centre this half term? 🌿🐾

Tommy Treebark needs your help… 👀

Hidden across York are 55 wild Yorkshire animals waiting to be discovered as part of Tommy Treebark’s Wild Adventure - from ladybirds to ponies 🐞🐴

It’s the perfect excuse to explore the city, keep the little ones moving, and turn a day in York into an adventure!

🗺️ Here’s how it works:
👉 Pick up your leaflet from the Visitor Information Centre on Parliament Street
👉 Hunt down the animals hidden on colourful benches across the city
👉 Hand in your completed leaflet to collect a prize 🎉

🦊 Plus - Tommy’s made a new fox friend… and your family can help choose its name!

📍 Across York city centre
📅 Running until 13 September

Address

Duncombe Place
York
YO107ED

Website

http://www.theyorkbid.com/

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