York’s St Nicholas Fair

York’s eagerly awaited St Nicholas Fair launched today (Thursday 27 November) with the award for The Best Dressed Stand going to Paula Snowdon from Millies Designs. St-Nicholas-Fayre

Paula, who can usually be found in Shambles Market on Saturdays and Sundays, is launching a new range of high quality decorations and shabby chic gifts at the Fair.

The Christmas Fair, part of York St Nicolas Christmas Festival, opens on Parliament Street and continues for over 3 weeks until Sunday 21 December. This year over 60 winter-white chalets, selling a huge variety of different produce, crafts, gifts and Christmassy decorations, will open every day from 9am to 6pm. Late night shopping will be available on Thursdays until 8pm.

 
(more…)

Military Freedom Parade in York this morning

The Civic Party will attend a special parade taking place in the city on Saturday 22 November.

Following a special Thanksgiving ceremony in York Minster which over 200 medics from 65 units in all three Armed Forces will attend the forces will parade through the city centre.

Among the 65 units recognised will be the 34 Field Hospital from Strensall Barracks who returned from Afghanistan last month where they closed down the field hospital in Camp Bastion.

The parade will go through Duncombe Place at 10.50 am where they will be inspected and 80 Operational Service medals will be presented by Director General of the Army Medical Services, Major General Jeremy Rowan OBE QHS and the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Ian Gillies.

They will then march down Parliament Street, led by the Band of the Royal Armoured Corps and return via Coney Street where the salute will be taken by Major General Rowan accompanied by the Lord Mayor on the steps of the historic Mansion House.

The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Ian Gillies said: “I am delighted to officially welcome 34 Field Hospital back to York, following their recent deployment, heading up the UK Medical Group in Afghanistan.

“We will join them on Duncombe Place for their Freedom of Entry Parade and medals presentation and hope that many people will join us in welcoming them safely back home.”

Traffic restrictions will be in place between 7am and 1.30pm at Duncombe Place, Blake Street, St Helen’s Square, Davygate, New Street, St Sampson’s Square, High Petergate, Church Street, Parliament Street, High Ousegate, Spurriergate, Market Street, Feasegate and Coney Street.

York Christmas lights switch on this Thursday

A sparkling evening in York is promised for Thursday 20 November, when the Christmas lights will be switched on by the Lord Mayor and younger members of his family, as well as favourite characters from this year’s pantomime at York Theatre Royal. The event will be compered by Adam Tomlinson and Anna Wallace, presenters at BBC Radio York.

Merry Christmas 2013 smaller

The Lord Mayor will be joined in St Helen’s Square by his four grandchildren who will together perform the countdown to illuminating the St Leonard’s Hospice Light up a Life Christmas Tree and Christmas lights around the square. Panto favourites funny-man Martin Barrass and much-loved baddie David Leonard will also be on hand to add to the fun and bring a little of York Theatre Royal’s Mother Goose style to the evening.

Frank Woods, Chair of the York Retail Forum said: “Here we are again, on the verge of Christmas, and approaching the start of the festive period with an official switch on of the lights at St Helens Square. This is a fabulous time of year, hard work in the retail sector, but very rewarding as we all see our clients leaving the shops happy with the purchases, ready for placing under the tree. It is, of course, also a vital time for retailers, which can make a trading year really successful. The lights switch on, and St Nicholas Fair/festival is the perfect way to kick-star Christmas, especially as, this year, the St Nicholas Fair is to be extended over a month.”

Retailers throughout York will be open until 8pm on the evening of 20 November and on each Thursday evening up until Christmas.

Approximate timings for the switch on will be:

  • · From 5.30pm: The University of York Brass Band play Christmas carols and favourite Christmas music in St Helen’s Square
  • · 6.10pm: The Lord Mayor and pantomime characters will be briefly interviewed by BBC Radio York and will start the public countdown
  • · 6.15pm/6.20pm: The St Leonard’s Hospice Christmas tree lights will be officially switched on. The University of York Brass Band continues playing and local choirs, including Haxby Road Academy, Supersingers and York Music Centre Girls Chamber Choir will sing around the city throughout the evening, bringing musical magic to different retailers.

Residents and visitors can also see the new Christmas lights at the Coppergate Shopping Centre which promise to thrill and delight whilst also raising money for York based charity, Jessie’s Fund. A magical, musical Christmas tree comes alive each hour and, on receipt of a donation, will play music and change colours. On Sunday 30 November from 3pm shoppers and families who have benefitted from Jessie’s Fund together with local retailers will be celebrating Christmas with singing around the tree.

Meanwhile, Gillygate is organising more Christmas celebrations when the street is transformed into ‘Jollygate’ between 5pm and 8pm on Thursday 11 December. The Gillygate Traders association, in partnership with Access to Music, will be presenting an extravaganza of sound and shopping as shops come alive with the beautiful sounds and talent from Access to Music students past and present. Shops will host their own bespoke gigs and the musical mayhem culminates in a headline act at The Gillygate pub after-party from 8pm onwards. Everyone’s welcome!

Local Group? Looking for a free meeting venue? Gale Farm Court may be the answer

The residents of Gale Farm Court, the sheltered accommodation unit for older people which is located on Front Street, have come up with a novel way of making better use of their community room.Rock band

They are offering free use of the room – which can accommodate up to 40 people – to local groups who need a meeting space.

The residents will permit free use of the room with priority being given to groups who might let residents join in with their activities.

Obviously this offer is likely to be of particular interest to craft, further education and discussion groups who are in need of additional participants, but it may also go some way to satisfying the demand for space at places like Energise and the Library which are sometimes over subscribed.

Any group that is interested should communicate their details and requirements to:

Kerrie Smith|Sheltered Housing Scheme Manager

t: 01904 552298 |m: 07825680637| e: kerrie.smith@york.gov.uk