THE YORK BRIEF ⏰Friday, November 28, 2025

✨ GOOD MORNING, YORK!

Happy Black Friday, York! It’s a packed day with Dame Judi lending her star power to a local charity, good news for rail commuters’ wallets, and our Knights making Super League history. Plus, if you’re planning festive travel, we’ve got essential updates about those Christmas rail works. Grab your coffee and let’s go!

🌤️ WEATHER

Today in York: Highs of 10°C with less than 5% chance of rain. Mostly cloudy with winds up to 27mph. Feels like temperature between 7-10°C. via Met Office

📰 NEWS

🌟 Dame Judi Dench Becomes Age UK York Patron - Award-winning actress Dame Judi Dench has become patron of Age UK York at what charity bosses call a “crucial time” as winter approaches. The York-born star said she’s “delighted” to support the local charity that’s helped older people in York for over 50 years, lending her voice to the national ‘Stamp Out Loneliness’ campaign. YorkMix

🎄 Advent Wreath Raised at York Minster - Archbishop Stephen Cottrell helped suspend York Minster’s spectacular three-metre-wide Advent Wreath beneath the Central Tower this week. Created by the Minster’s volunteer Flower Arrangers using locally sourced holly and ivy, the wreath sits 30 feet above ground with candles to be lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas Eve. Archbishop of York

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the talented team of Flower Arrangers, whose skill and devotion each year create this remarkable centrepiece in this beautiful cathedral.

🚧 Major City Centre Road Closures Coming in January - Coney Street will face significant disruption from January 6 to February 14, 2025, as gas network works close the road between Market Street and St Helens Square. The works will be completed in phases, with New Street’s one-way direction reversed and Coney Street operating two-way during closures. Diversions will be signed. Public Notice Portal

🏆 Julie Russell Honoured at York Press Business Awards - Local business leader Julie Russell was recognized at this year’s York Press Business Awards, part of the annual celebration highlighting outstanding achievement across York and North Yorkshire’s business community. The awards took place at York Racecourse on November 27. York Press

🎫 York MP Backs Rail Fare Freeze - Saves Commuters Hundreds - York Outer MP Luke Charters has welcomed the government’s first rail fare freeze in 30 years, calling it “a game-changer for commuters and families alike.” A York-Leeds commuter travelling three days a week will save £139.50 annually, while annual season ticket holders save £176. The freeze applies to all regulated fares across England. Gazette & Herald

🚂 32 Days of Rail Disruption Coming This Christmas - York-Leeds rail passengers face major disruption from December 25 to January 25 as Network Rail deploys 45 engineering trains, three cranes, and installs 70 new signals as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade. Rail replacement buses will operate during the 32-day period, with services diverted via Castleford. Passengers urged to check nationalrail.co.uk before travelling. Gazette & Herald

🏦 University of York Partners with NatWest for Student Enterprise - The University of York has launched a new partnership with NatWest to support student entrepreneurs through the Entrepreneurship Centre. The collaboration will provide business advice, financial education, and networking opportunities for students looking to launch startups or develop business skills. University of York

🚨 CRIME

🎨 Vandals Target City Centre Church - North Yorkshire Police are investigating after vandals sprayed graffiti at St Michael le Belfrey in Minster Yard on November 9. Officers have released CCTV images of two people who may assist with the investigation. Gazette & Herald

🏍️ Motorbike Stolen in Clifton - A red, white and blue Honda NSR125 (registration L735PTO) was stolen from Brompton Road in the early hours of November 23. Police are asking anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact PC 1864 Wilding. Gazette & Herald

⚖️ Man Charged with GBH After Police Chase Near York - Jack Wilks, 20, of Kelleythorpe, appeared at Hull Magistrates’ Court charged with multiple offences after failing to stop for police in Holme on Spalding Moor south of York on Tuesday. He faces charges including GBH without intent, dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. YorkMix

⚖️ Freemason Admits Charity Fraud - Martin Andrew Grant, 54, pleaded guilty to stealing £12,355 from the Eboracum Lodge’s charity bank account over six months while serving as charity steward. The Easingwold man made 33 fraudulent transactions from the benevolent fund that supports local charities. Gazette & Herald

🎨 ARTS & CULTURE

🎨 York Artist’s 2026 Calendar Celebrates Indie Shops - York illustrator Ric Liptrot has released his 2026 calendar featuring hand-drawn illustrations of the city’s beloved independent shops, pubs, and cafés. The PICA Studios-based artist, known for his architectural work, uses collage and stencil techniques to capture York’s characterful buildings. Available at £14.99 from featured shops and online. Living North

📚 Baroque Around Books Events Coming to York Libraries - York’s libraries will host a series of Baroque-themed events celebrating literature and music. The program brings classical music performances and book discussions to community spaces across the city, making cultural experiences more accessible to residents. York Press

🎵 York Early Music Christmas Festival Lineup Revealed - The 2025 York Early Music Christmas Festival has announced its program of concerts and performances celebrating seasonal music from across the centuries. The festival showcases period instruments and traditional repertoire in York’s historic venues. York Press Visit York

🍺 FOOD & DRINK

🍻 First Look: Brew York’s £50K Tap Room Transformation - Brew York reopens its transformed Tap Room today with a stunning 30ft bar, 22 taps, and fresh beer tanks holding over 3,500 pints. Co-founder Wayne Smith says the refurb creates a more engaging customer experience with an 8ft glass screen showcasing the brewery in action, inspired by American brewing culture. YorkMix

👥 COMMUNITY

🏥 York Council to Boost Free NHS Health Checks - City of York Council plans to recommission its NHS Health Checks programme from April 2026, offering free cardiovascular and metabolic health screenings for residents aged 40-74. The programme aims to prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and dementia through early detection, particularly targeting deprived areas where CVD deaths are nearly twice as high. City of York Council

🎁 Food Bank Launches Bumper Christmas Raffle - John McGall’s I am Reusable food bank on Leeman Road has organized a Christmas raffle with over 70 prizes to help families in need. Tickets are just £1 each, with all funds going toward food and gift hampers this festive season. YO1 Radio

“The more we raise the more families we can help. There are more than 70 fabulous prizes and raffle tickets are just £1 each.

🏉 SPORT

🏟️ York Knights Reveal Historic Super League Fixtures - York Knights will kick off their first-ever Super League campaign on February 12, 2026, hosting reigning champions Hull KR under lights at the LNER Community Stadium. The season includes exciting trips to Toulouse (July 18) and Catalans Dragons (September 5), with tickets for the opener going on sale November 27. YO1 Radio

⚽ York City Progress in North Riding Senior Cup - York City advanced in the North Riding Senior Cup with a victory over Yarm & Eaglescliffe. The Minstermen used the match to rotate their squad and give opportunities to fringe players ahead of their league campaign. York Press

🎭 WHAT’S ON

🌸 Chinese Gardens Exhibition Opens at Castle Howard - Castle Howard’s new exhibition explores the artistry and philosophy of Chinese garden design. The display runs through winter, offering visitors insight into centuries-old landscaping traditions and their influence on English garden design. York Press

🎤 Ruby Wax Brings “Absolutely Famous” to Grand Opera House - Comedian and mental health advocate Ruby Wax will perform at York’s Grand Opera House. Her show “Absolutely Famous” combines stand-up comedy with her experiences in television and advocacy work. Tickets available now. York Press

🎄 Festive crafts tonight - Shine21 Christmas Wreath Fair at Patch York (6-8pm, £40 includes wreath base, decorations, nibbles and mince pies) - funds support families with children with Down Syndrome across York and North Yorkshire.

🎭 Christmas musical magic - Some Voices Christmas Show presents “A Christmas Choral” at Theatre@41 (7:30pm) with stunning harmonies and epic mash-ups giving Dickens’ classic the full Some Voices rework - from classic Christmas crowd-pleasers to future festive floorfillers.

That’s your Friday briefing, York!

Have a brilliant Black Friday and a wonderful weekend. Whether you’re hitting the festive markets, catching a show, or simply enjoying a pint at Brew York’s newly transformed tap room – make it count.

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