The York Brief ⏰ Thursday, 23rd October, 2025

Morning! Bit breezy out there today, innit? Storm Benjamin’s arrived with yellow weather warnings across Yorkshire. Batten down the hatches – here’s what’s happening.

⚠️ WEATHER ALERT

🌧️ Storm Benjamin batters Yorkshire – Driffield Market cancelled - Yellow weather warnings are in place across Yorkshire today until 9pm for rain, with up to 50mm expected in some areas. A separate wind warning runs until 11:59pm, with gusts reaching 70mph along the coast and up to 55mph inland.
Expect spray and flooding on roads, longer journey times, possible power cuts and disruption to public transport across the region. - Weather warning – Yorkshire Post

🛒 Driffield Market cancelled due to storm - Driffield’s popular Thursday market has been cancelled today due to Storm Benjamin. Organisers said the decision was made “with a heavy heart” but “safety must come first.” The market, which has been running since 2001 and typically sees about 20 stalls in the town centre, has grown to become one of the most popular in the East Riding. Traders come from local areas as well as further afield. The market will return next Thursday. - Driffield cancellation – Yorkshire Post

“We know how disappointing this is for all our traders and visitors and we don’t like to let you down but safety must come first,” organisers said on the Discover Driffield Facebook page.

🏛️ POLITICS

👑 York MP tables bill to strip Prince Andrew of Duke title - York Central MP Rachael Maskell has introduced legislation that would grant King Charles the power to formally remove Prince Andrew’s Duke of York title. While Andrew stopped using the title last week, an Act of Parliament is required to officially strip it. - Prince Andrew bill – Yorkshire Post

💼 BUSINESS & TECH

🤖 Yorkshire pushing for AI Growth Zone status - Yorkshire is making its case to become one of the UK’s AI Growth Zones, with business leaders telling a Turner & Townsend roundtable that the designation would make the region more attractive to tech giants like Google, Meta and Microsoft. - AI zones discussion – Yorkshire Post

“We must have power and infrastructure to make them work. We must make Leeds more desirable by creating areas like AI growth zones to make the process smoother.” - Project Director

🌱 Yorkshire economy can lead on climate action - Yorkshire’s economy stands to benefit significantly from the region leading the way on climate action, according to Asif Husain of Naviatti. The region’s established renewable energy infrastructure and industrial base position it well to capitalise on the transition to net zero. - Climate economy – Yorkshire Post

🌍 TRAVEL

✈️ Hull named in National Geographic’s top 25 places to visit in 2026 - Proper moment for Hull, this. National Geographic has named the Yorkshire city one of its 25 top global destinations for 2026, alongside Rio de Janeiro and Beijing. The magazine praised Hull’s “laid-back charm” and “defiant spirit”. - National Geographic feature – Yorkshire Post

The Hull Maritime Museum reopens in summer 2026 with revamped exhibits, connected to other maritime sites through a new heritage trail with multimedia art. Philip Larkin once called it “a frightful dump, chilly and smelling of fish” – but even he fell for the city’s gritty charms eventually.

📺 CULTURE

🎬 Yorkshire Great and Small finale – Trans Pennine Trail trek - Helen Skelton and Dan Walker conclude their Channel 5 series Yorkshire Great and Small with an epic journey along the Trans Pennine Trail. The final episode sees the presenting duo embark from Sheffield to Royd Moor Hill viewpoint, exploring the route that connects Yorkshire to the North West. - TV series – Yorkshire Post

🍽️ FOOD & DRINK

🍛 Dishoom confirms Yorkshire arrival - Planning permission has been granted for Dishoom to open its first Yorkshire restaurant in Leeds city centre. The acclaimed Bombay-style Indian chain will transform a Grade II-listed former Flannels store on Vicar Lane into a 7,300 sq ft restaurant.
Known for its bacon naan rolls and atmospheric Irani café aesthetic, Dishoom already has venues in Manchester, Edinburgh, and several London locations. Opening date to be confirmed. - Dishoom Leeds – Yorkshire Post

🍽️ Riverfront York launches supper club in riverside pods - The Riverfront in Bishopthorpe is launching a new supper club experience in their popular riverside pods, offering diners the chance to enjoy seasonal menus in the heated, all-weather dining spaces overlooking the Ouse. - Riverfront supper club – York Press

⚽ SPORT

⛳ Yorkshire duo fighting for DP World Tour play-off spots - Ben Schmidt and Joe Dean are in contention for DP World Tour play-off places as the season reaches its climax. The Yorkshire golfers are both chasing crucial ranking points in the final events. - Golf – Yorkshire Post

⚽ Bradford City injury updates ahead of Stevenage - Bradford City boss has provided updates on Bobby Pointon, Alex Pattison and Matt Pennington ahead of Saturday’s League Two clash with Stevenage. All three players are being assessed for fitness. - Bradford City – Yorkshire Post

🚗 TRANSPORT

🌉 Lendal Bridge closure worries York cafés - York’s Lendal Bridge is set to close to vehicles for eight weeks from April 2026 for urgent structural repairs. The £1.9 million project will tackle significant corrosion in the 150-year-old Grade II listed bridge, though pedestrians will still be able to cross. - Lendal Bridge concerns – York Press

🎃 WHAT’S ON

👻 Yorkshire Halloween Festival in full swing - The Yorkshire Halloween Festival runs through October 31st on Parliament Street in York. Hosted by Made in Yorkshire, the family-friendly celebration features local artisans, creative workshops with autumnal themes, and a Sensory Tipi offering accessible events.

Pop-up marquees showcase demonstrations from local blacksmiths creating metal roses, ceramic painting, stained glass workshops, and felt picture making – all with spooky seasonal twists. - Halloween Festival – Visit York

🏘️ IN BRIEF

🏠 500-year cruck house – The Yorkshire Post features an extraordinary home with five centuries of history. Read more

📍 Seismic survey – Roads may temporarily close in York for seismic survey work. York Press

📖 Poetry Pharmacy – New poetry-themed shop opens on Coney Street. York Press

⭐ Dark Skies Festival – North York Moors and Dales fringe festival celebrating dark skies. York Press

👮 Police eyesight checks – North Yorkshire Police conducting roadside eyesight tests. York Press

Right then, that’s your lot for today. Stay dry, stay safe, and check that brolly’s still in one piece.

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