THE YORK BRIEF ⏰ Friday, January 1st, 2026

🎉 HAPPY NEW YEAR, YORK!

Welcome to 2026 and our very first edition of the year! Apologies, we’re rolling out a few hours late – blame it on the New Year celebrations – but we’re back with all the York news you need to start your year right. From cinema brawls to royal honours, frozen pitches to festival announcements, here’s everything that happened as York kicked off 2026!

🌤️ TODAY’S WEATHER

Bitterly cold Friday ahead with temperatures struggling to reach 6°C during the day, dropping to a freezing 2°C tonight. Yellow snow and ice warnings remain in place across North Yorkshire, with an amber cold health alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency. Arctic air continues to grip the region – wrap up warm, check on elderly neighbours, and watch out for icy patches on roads and pavements. Source: Met Office

🚨 NEWS

👊 Fight breaks out at York cinema on New Year’s Day - Police are investigating a fight that erupted during a cinema screening at Cineworld at York Community Stadium yesterday afternoon. The altercation at 1.45 pm on January 1st involved two men inside one of the screens. Neither man suffered serious injuries, but authorities are appealing for witnesses who saw the incident. Contact PC Toby Spencer on 101 (option 2), quoting reference 12260000304. YorkMix & York Press

🚌 Woman in 80s seriously injured in York bus crash - A woman in her 80s suffered a broken pelvis when a single-decker bus collided with an orangey-red car at the junction of Station Avenue and Leeman Road. The incident occurred between 11.25 am and 11.35 am on Tuesday, December 30th. The car driver fled the scene and may not have realised they were involved in a serious injury collision. The victim is being treated in the hospital. Police urgently need witnesses, dashcam footage, or anyone who recognises the vehicle. Contact PC Mark Davey on 101 (option 2), quoting reference 12250244292. Source: YorkMix

🏅 Three York professors honoured by the King - Three University of York academics have been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours list. Professor Avtar Matharu (Chemistry) and Professor Brian Ferguson (Health Sciences) received MBEs, while Professor Dee Dyas, Emeritus Professor of the History of Christianity, was awarded an OBE. Matharu was honoured for equality, diversity and interfaith work in York, Dyas for research into pilgrimage and heritage, and Ferguson for four decades shaping public health policy. Vice-Chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery praised their “extraordinary expertise and compassion.” Source: The Tab & The University of York

“These honours reflect the extraordinary expertise and compassion at York, with our academics really making a difference to people’s lives and the world around us,”

💼 Employers warned about new Fair Work Agency - Business advisory firm Azets is warning York employers to prepare for the Fair Work Agency launching in April 2026. Hannah-Jane Dobbie from Azets York called it “a step change in the Government’s attitude towards employment rights.” The agency will have powers including workplace inspections, financial penalties backdated up to six years, and the ability to publicly name non-compliant businesses. Employers could face fines for failures around statutory sick pay, holiday entitlement, and agency worker protections. Source: York Press

❄️ Snow warning and amber cold health alert issued - A yellow cold health alert is in place for Yorkshire and the Humber, with temperatures expected to remain between 4-6°C through next week. The UK Health Security Agency warns the cold weather is “likely” to cause significant impacts across health and social care services, with increased risk for those aged 65+ and people with pre-existing health conditions. Snow and ice warnings remain active across parts of North Yorkshire. Check on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours. Source: YorkMix

🏭 Data centre plans submitted for Drax Power Station - Plans for a major data centre at Drax Power Station near Selby have been submitted to North Yorkshire Council. The proposal includes two three-storey buildings totalling 4,960 square metres on land currently used for storage. The 100MW facility could be running by 2027 and is part of York and North Yorkshire’s bid to become an AI Growth Zone. Drax says the development could protect 2,500 jobs in Yorkshire. Planning documents state the development is “major in scale” but would not result in “significant environmental effects.” Source: YorkMix

🏘️ Village housing scheme includes affordable homes - Eight affordable homes would be included in a proposed 24-house development in Wombleton, near Helmsley. The 1.1-hectare site, located off Main Street and Hungerhill Lane, would feature a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom properties, including detached, semi-detached houses, and bungalows. However, the proposal has received 24 consultation responses with concerns about the 15-20% increase in village housing stock and congestion issues. North Yorkshire Council is currently assessing the application. Sources: YorkMix & York Press

🏃 SPORT

⚽ York City’s New Year fixture frozen out - York City’s first match of 2026 has been postponed after a Friday morning pitch inspection at Boreham Wood found the surface frozen and unsafe. The top-of-the-table clash between league leaders Boreham Wood and second-placed York was called off early, sparing traveling fans the long journey to Hertfordshire. No rescheduled date has been set. The Minstermen will now face Sutton United away on January 10th for their first match of the new year. Sources: YorkMix & York Press

👔 York City stalwart Scott Kerr appointed Bridlington head coach - Former York City midfielder Scott Kerr has been named head coach of Bridlington Town, with ex-teammate Mark Hotte as assistant. Kerr, who made over 400 senior appearances including spells with Bradford City, Lincoln City and York, brings extensive experience to Queensgate. The 43-year-old told fans to “get behind the lads” as Bridlington aim to challenge for the top six. However, his reign began with a 4-0 New Year’s Day defeat to league leaders Redcar Athletic. Source: York Press

🏃 Yorkshire Marathon returns to York streets in October - The Altra Yorkshire Marathon is returning to York’s streets in October 2026, bringing thousands of runners through the historic city. The popular event will once again showcase York’s stunning architecture and landmarks as participants tackle the 26.2-mile course. More details on registration and route information to be announced. Source: York Press

🎨 WHAT’S ON

🎫 York Residents Festival returns this month - Mark your calendars! York Residents Festival is back on January 31st - February 1st, 2026 with free entry to top attractions and exclusive discounts across the city. Pre-booking opens Friday, January 9th at midday via visityork.org/resfest. Free attractions include Beningbrough Hall, Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, and open-top bus tours with Golden Tours. Food lovers can enjoy 25% off at Rio Steakhouse and free chocolate bar-making at York Cocoa Works. Remember to bring your York Card or proof of residency! Source: YorkMix & Visit York

🎤 Nine big concerts coming to North Yorkshire in 2026 - Music fans have an incredible year ahead! Major acts confirmed for North Yorkshire include Pixies at York Barbican (May 20th), James Morrison at York Barbican (May 13th), Blue performing in April, Billy Ocean at Scarborough (June 28th), and Deacon Blue hitting Halifax and Scarborough in July. York will also host Disney Animation in Concert, York Blues Festival, and York Proms returns to Museum Gardens on July 26th with live orchestra and fireworks. Early Music Festival and The Magpies Festival are also back. Sources: York Press & YorkMix

🎸 The Big Deal band reunion for York charities - Local band The Big Deal are hosting a reunion gig to raise funds for two York charities. The nostalgic event promises to bring together fans for a night of music while supporting worthy local causes. Details on venue and date to be confirmed. Source: York Press

👥 COMMUNITY

💪 Zumbathon to support York mum’s cancer treatment - A 12-hour Zumbathon is taking place this Saturday, January 3rd, at Poppleton Centre (8 am-8 pm) to raise funds for Emma Ward, a 47-year-old York mum battling an aggressive brain tumour. Organised by Sophia Fisher of York Zumba with Sophia, the event welcomes drop-ins – no experience necessary, just pay on the door. Emma, given 12-15 months to live after her March diagnosis, has already raised over £117,000 towards her £150,000 target for treatment in Germany. Come dance for a cause! Source: YorkMix

🍽️ FOOD & DRINK

🍺 Angel On The Green closing for major revamp - Popular Bishopthorpe Road bar Angel On The Green threw a mega New Year’s Eve party before closing on January 1st for about a month of renovations. The independent venue is doubling its bar area, adding a new cocktail bar, and creating more seating without losing its intimate atmosphere. A grand reopening celebration is planned for February. The venue has become known for its community feel, brunch, pizzas, and support for local DJs and musicians. Source: YorkMix

📣 WE NEED YOU!

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