The York BID

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The York BID

A Business Improvement District for York - working together for a stronger city The current BID term levy is based on 2010 business rates evaluation.

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.

21/08/2026

They’re back… 👻

Ghosts After Dark returns to York Museum Gardens this November for five spectacular nights.

From 4-8 November 2026, all 70 ghosts from the Ghosts in the Gardens trail will come together after dark, with new spaces to explore, new stories to discover and we’re planning a few new surprises along the way too.

🎟️ Tickets go on sale Tuesday 25 August.

Ghosts After Dark is delivered in partnership by York BID and York Museums Trust.

17/08/2026

Thank you so much to everyone who joined us for some family-friendly fun on Parliament Street on Saturday! 🎉

Getting stuck in at the Actual Reality Arcade and free face painting, as well as meeting our emergency services and free bike marking, there was plenty to get involved with.

It was all part of our Family-Friendly Saturdays, brought to you by York BID.

Did you come along? We’d love to see your photos - don’t forget to tag us! 📸

York Rescue Boat
North Yorkshire Police
North Yorkshire Fire Service

09/08/2026

Three completely free family-friendly activities you can do in York city centre this week!

07/08/2026

Just a week to go!

🎮 Ever wanted to step inside a real-life arcade game?

The Actual Reality Arcade is returning to Parliament Street next month, with seven larger-than-life versions of retro favourites to play - including a huge laser run, a giant Tetris wall and whack-a-mole with human volunteers!

Perfect for the whole family! 🙌

You can also explore emergency and service vehicles, meet the teams who help keep York safe, register your bike for free with North Yorkshire Police and enjoy free face painting!

📅 Saturday 15 August, 12pm-6pm 📍 Parliament Street, York 🎟️ Completely FREE!

05/08/2026

Our Night Safe Officers are back in York city centre 🌙

Every Friday and Saturday night, from 8pm until 2am, two officers will patrol the city centre, providing a visible and reassuring presence for residents, visitors and those working across York’s evening and nighttime economy.

The officers are trained to spot and de-escalate emerging issues, support vulnerable people, administer first aid and provide an important link between the public, businesses, door staff and emergency services.

During the programme’s previous run, the team engaged with more than 4,200 people and responded to 144 hostile incidents, 176 instances of disorderly behaviour and 48 first-aid cases.

The Night Safe Officers will be in place until New Year’s Day, with additional coverage planned for busy bank holidays.

The programme is delivered by York BID, with support from David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, and funding from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Community Safety Serious Violence Fund.

04/08/2026

Don’t miss The Tempest on Parliament Street! 🌋

York city centre’s FREE pop-up play area is here for little adventurers to explore and let their imaginations run wild.

Inspired by York-born volcanologist Tempest Anderson, the play space combines imaginative play with a little of York’s history.

Everything you need to know:
📍 Parliament Street, York ⏰ Open daily, 9am-6pm 🎟️ Completely FREE ☀️ Here throughout the summer 🌋 Perfect for families and little adventurers

There’s seating around the play area too, so grown-ups can take a breather while they watch their apprentice volcanologists get to work!

The Tempest has been delivered by York BID in partnership with Playscheme, Make It York, THOR’S 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.

23/07/2026

Important update for all Apprentice Volcanologists! 🌋

We’re adding the final features to complete The Tempest play area, so our lava-dodging adventures will begin a little later at 12noon on Friday 24 July.

Thank you for bearing with us while we get everything ready for even more exploring! 🔥✨

The Tempest has been delivered by York BID in partnership with Playscheme, Make It York, THOR’S 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.

Address

Duncombe Place
York
YO107ED

Website

http://www.theyorkbid.com/

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