THE YORK BRIEF ⏰ Friday, 27 March 2026

The Guildhall made global news last night. There's also a void under Micklegate, a Ghost Stories thriller heading to the Theatre Royal, and Haxby finally gets its post office back. Friday sorted.

📰 NEWS

👑 Sarah Ferguson Stripped of Freedom of York

City of York Council voted unanimously last night to strip Sarah Ferguson of her Freedom of the City of York title over her links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The honour was originally given to Ferguson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as a wedding gift in 1987. The vote follows the release of emails showing Ferguson continued to correspond warmly with Epstein years after his 2008 conviction. Lib Dem councillor Darryl Smalley told the meeting: "We don't expect recipients of York's highest honour to be saints. We simply do not want them to be best friends of convicted paedophiles." The vote was unanimous. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had his own Freedom removed in 2022. Sarah Ferguson has not been convicted of any wrongdoing. (Source: Sky News)

🌊 Flood Alert Lifted for Central York

An Environment Agency flood alert was issued for the Upper River Ouse yesterday morning, with river levels lapping over the edge of South Esplanade and King's Staith and Queen's Staith also among the areas at risk. The alert has since been lifted, with levels falling back towards their normal range. Worth keeping an eye on through the weekend given the rain forecast — but no cause for concern right now. (Source: York Press via Yahoo News / Environment Agency)

🕳️ Void Found Under Micklegate — Road Closed to Vehicles

City of York Council discovered a void under Micklegate during routine highways maintenance inspections and has temporarily closed the bottom of Micklegate to vehicles while the issue is investigated and fixed. Pedestrians, mobility aid users and cyclists can still use the road, with signed diversions in place. Businesses along the road will remain open as usual. Another day, another York road with a surprise underneath it. (Source: York Press)

💰 Council Grants: Good Causes, Murky Process

City of York Council has published its full list of City-Wide Ward Grants for 2025/26, with individual awards ranging from £500 to over £13,000. On the surface, the list is full of organisations doing undeniably valuable work: supporting bereaved children, young carers, isolated older people, men at risk of suicide, vulnerable families, people struggling with hoarding, SEND children, rough sleepers, and more. Nobody disputes the worthiness of the causes. But former councillor Steve Galloway raises pointed questions about the process — residents' associations across York have seen their long-standing grants withdrawn entirely, while £150,000 has been awarded to a wide range of organisations without public consultation or a transparent application process. Worth reading in full. (Source: Westfield News Focus)

🔪 Vandal Attacks Marrakesh Restaurant After Being Refused Entry

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for information after a man who was refused entry to the Marrakesh restaurant on Low Ousegate grabbed a wooden advertising board and threw it against the building. The incident happened on 13 March and police have released an image of a man they believe can assist their investigation. If you recognise him, contact PC 1223 Irvine on 101 or email colin.irvine@northyorkshire.police.uk quoting reference 12260045649. The Marrakesh — which opened in 2024 after a £500,000 transformation of a Grade II listed building — is one of York's most distinctive recent additions to the restaurant scene. (Source: Gazette & Herald)

🏆 COMMUNITY

🌍 York's Archaeology Department Ranked 16th in the World

Genuinely impressive news from Heslington. The University of York has moved into the global top 50 for Arts and Humanities in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject, with Archaeology rising nine places to 16th in the world and 5th in the UK. English Language & Literature also climbed into the top 50 at 28th globally, and Social Policy & Administration sits at joint 38th. For a city that is essentially built on archaeology, it's particularly fitting. (Source: University of York)

🍽️ Young Hospitality Talent Celebrated Across York and North Yorkshire

A landmark week for hospitality talent in the region saw two major initiatives champion the next generation of industry leaders. More than 130 young professionals and college students gathered at Rudding Park in Harrogate for Hospitality: The Leaders of Tomorrow, a day of workshops, networking and leadership development for under-30s. The event was headlined by Shanice Childerley, Founder of Haus of SC, whose keynote drew on a career spanning The Walt Disney Company, international cruise lines and royal households. Alongside it, the Rise & Serve programme — run in partnership with The Cookery School at The Grand, York — brought 16 young people through eight weeks of hands-on hospitality training, culminating in a live pop-up event at the hotel. Good news for a sector that needs it. (Source: York Press)

📮 Haxby Gets Its Post Office Back — Monday 30 March

After months of campaigning, petitions and a temporary setup at Oaken Grove Community Centre, a permanent post office is opening in Haxby on Monday 30 March at 1pm, at the former Dutch Nurseries store on The Village. Local councillors visited this week to meet postmaster Aran Singh ahead of the opening. The campaign was backed by more than 2,000 residents who signed a petition, and funded by City of York Council and Haxby Town Council. Small win. Proper win. (Source: York Press)

🎭 CULTURE

👻 Cast Announced for World Premiere Thriller at York Theatre Royal

Exciting news for those who like their theatre with genuine chills. York Theatre Royal has announced the full cast for The Psychic — the new play from League of Gentlemen and Ghost Stories creators Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman, which has its world premiere at York Theatre Royal on 6 May 2026, with previews from 29 April. Frances Barber and Eileen Walsh lead the cast, joined by Megan Placito, Dave Hearn, Jaz Singh Deol, Nikhita Lesler and Charlie Blanshard. Following the international success of Ghost Stories, this is a big deal — and it's premiering right here. Tickets at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk. (Source: YorkMix)

⚽ SPORT

🏉 Knights vs Wakefield — Tonight, 8pm, LNER Community Stadium

York Knights host Wakefield Trinity tonight in Round 6 of Super League — the round marking the competition's 30th birthday. Kick-off is 8pm at the LNER Community Stadium, with the match live on Sky Sports+. BBC Radio York will also have full match commentary. Tickets available on the door from 5pm. (Source: York RLFC)

⚽ Minstermen Host Woking Tomorrow — Three Points Needed

York City are back at the LNER Community Stadium tomorrow afternoon, hosting Woking in the National League at 3pm. After Tuesday's 3-1 defeat at Gateshead, York need a win to keep the pressure on Rochdale, who now sit three points clear at the top with six games remaining. Woking arrive unbeaten in their last seven fixtures under interim management, so it won't be straightforward — but York's home record is formidable: the Minstermen are unbeaten in their last 15 league games at the LNER Community Stadium. Ollie Pearce, with 31 league goals, will be the one to watch. (Source: York City FC)

🔄 Aguiar Leaves on Loan

In a small but notable piece of squad news, Ricky Aguiar has joined Eastleigh on loan for the remainder of the season — freeing up a squad place with five league games still to play. No further details given by the club at this stage. (Source: York City FC)