THE YORK BRIEF ⏰ WEEKEND WRAP UP Saturday, November 9, 2025

Happy Weekend, York!

Remembrance Sunday takes centre stage tomorrow as the city prepares to honour those who served. Meanwhile, Christmas Market plans are shifting after Blue Badge access concerns, and there’s been a major win for Yorkshire’s fraud-fighting team. Plus, a prolific York burglar is finally behind bars after giving residents nightmares.

Let’s get into it.

🌤️ WEEKEND WEATHER

Saturday: Mostly cloudy with brighter intervals. Chance of light rain 60%. Mild at 13°C (55°F). Light southerly winds.

Sunday: Cloudy with periods of rain, particularly later. Temps around 10°C (50°F). Breezy conditions.

📰 NEWS

🎖️ York’s Remembrance Sunday parade tomorrow - The city’s official parade departs Clifford’s Tower at 10:20am, making its way to the War Memorial via the Mansion House. Two-minute silence at 11am, gun salute, wreath-laying led by Lord Mayor Cllr Martin Rowley. The parade returns to St Helen’s Square where the Mansion House flag will be lowered to half-mast. York Minster holds its annual service at 10:30am with the Choir, followed by Fauré’s Requiem at 6pm. All welcome. City of York Council

🎄 Christmas Market U-turn on Blue Badge access - York Council has reversed its complete vehicle ban during the Christmas Market after backlash. Blue Badge holders will now get free mobility aid hire through a £5k grant to Shopmobility York, plus extra dedicated parking on Duncombe Place. Market now opens at 10:30am (instead of 10am) allowing half-hour extra access to banks and pharmacies. Gazette Live

“An urgent report was taken to a meeting of the Executive on Tuesday 7 October, following a formal recommendation from the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police that the council implements a temporary Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO), for the period of the York Christmas Market 2025

⚖️ Yorkshire fraud team jails copycat website scammers - A York and North Yorkshire-based National Trading Standards team has helped jail two men who ran 40+ misleading websites imitating government services. Thomas William Gall (42) got 2 years 3 months; Shezad Parvez (46) got a suspended 2-year sentence. The pair made over £2.25m charging inflated prices for services like Dartford Crossing (£7.50 instead of £2.50) and even charging £19.99 for free services like DVLA SORNs. City of York Council

🇨🇳 China’s Consul General visits York - Consul General Tang Rui met with City of York Council, University of York, and Chamber of Commerce representatives ahead of the 10th anniversary of York’s sister city relationship with Nanjing next year. The partnership, forged in 2016, focuses on mutual understanding, economic development, tourism, research, and academic collaboration between the two historic cities. City of York Council

🏘️ Mayor Launches Final High Street Fund Round - The third and final phase of Mayor David Skaith’s Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund opens in November across York and North Yorkshire. After investing £1.7m in 19 projects in Phase 2, this final round aims to inject fresh life into town centres with community-led regeneration schemes. Gazette & Herald.

💧 Yorkshire Water reservoir levels remain low - Despite recent rain, reservoir levels are still below average for this time of year. Yorkshire Water CEO Nicola Shaw says they’ve been “working around the clock” to help reservoirs fill back up through drought permits and tackling leaks. The recent wetter weather won’t immediately change eight months of dry weather, and hosepipe restrictions remain in place. Yorkshire Water is holding online chats with CEO Shaw starting Tuesday, November 11, for residents to discuss performance and future investment. Gazette Herald

🚔 CRIME

👤 Prolific York burglar jailed for 40 months - Sean Beard (33), who gave one victim “nightmares,” is starting 40 months behind bars after a two-and-a-half-hour burglary spree in Foxwood and Lowfield. Using a special lockpick key, he broke into garages and vehicles in seconds - police footage shows him in and out with a £300 Trek bike within moments. The serial offender has 97 previous convictions for 244 offences including 138 thefts. YorkMix | Gazette Herald

🔥 Spike in Scarcroft Road anti-social behaviour - There’s been a concerning increase in incidents around Scarcroft Road allotments, including 13 shed arsons since September. Ward Councillor Jonny Crawshaw warns “the ingredients are there for an absolute catastrophe” as rough sleepers are using some of the targeted sheds. The incidents are linked to a group of children and young people from “very difficult backgrounds.” Gazette Herald

🎭 ARTS & CULTURE

🎸 The Kinks musical hits York next week - Four-time Olivier Award-winning musical Sunny Afternoon arrives at Grand Opera House Tuesday 11 to Saturday 15 November. Featuring original story, music, and lyrics by Ray Davies, the show charts the euphoric highs and agonising lows of The Kinks’ rise to stardom. Davies says it’s “a story about resilience” that still resonates today. Tickets from £15. YorkMix

💡 Selby Abbey light installation coming in February - Selby Light will return from Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 February 2026, featuring spectacular light projections on the 955-year-old Abbey. Digital arts company imitating the dog will create a brand-new work with characters inspired by local residents. The installation will see stories projected onto the Abbey’s front, then continue inside with an original music score. YorkMix

🤖 York St John appoints AI design professor - Andrew McNamara, Generative AI lead for Cinesite with 30+ years in 3D computing and VFX, joins as Visiting Professor for Design in AI. He’s worked on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Spectre, and campaigns for Nike, Versace, and Burberry. York St John University

🏛️ POLITICS

🌹 Rachael Maskell back in Labour Party - York Central MP Rachael Maskell has had the Labour whip restored after being suspended in July. She was one of four MPs suspended for repeatedly rebelling against the government - widely seen as the ringleader in the successful rebellion against welfare reforms. YorkMix

“I have always believed Rachael is a hardworking MP, and I look forward to continuing to work with her in the years ahead. Only Labour can stop Reform.” York Outer MP Luke Charters welcomed the news.

💼 BUSINESS

💊 York life sciences firm lands £617k pharmaceutical deal - Aptamer Group has secured a £617,000 contract with a top-five pharmaceutical company - the third project with this partner. The York-based firm will develop its Optimer® binders against three drug targets to support drug validation and potential clinical trials. CEO. The Business Desk | European Pharmaceutical Manufacturer

Dr Arron Tolley says: “This contract represents significant commercial validation and increasing traction of our Optimer technology platform.”

🍻 Copper Horse Returns with New Extension
The Copper Horse pub in Seamer near Scarborough is set to reopen with shiny new restaurant facilities after North Yorkshire Council approved plans for a single-storey rear extension. The historic pub closed in 2023 but is being revived with contemporary additions while respecting its conservation area location. York Mix

🥃 Spirit of Yorkshire marks decade with whisky range expansion - The Hunmanby-based distillery is approaching its tenth year and has added two new releases to its core range: Moscatel Sherry Cask and STR Red Wine Cask whiskies, joining Filey Bay Flagship. Whisky director Joe Clark says these were the standout favourites from their limited edition batches. Filey Bay Moscatel Sherry Cask (47.3%) offers Spanish sweetness with Yorkshire character - citrus, honey, chocolate, and apricot. The STR Red Wine Cask (47.3%) delivers soft, malty flavours with biscuit, marzipan, and red fruits. Both are single estate, field-to-bottle with 100% homegrown regeneratively farmed barley. Yahoo News UK

💔 Pub Couple’s Early Farewell - A bittersweet goodbye at The Ship Inn in Acaster Malbis as Phill and Vicky announce they’re leaving earlier than planned due to health reasons. The couple transformed the flood-prone riverside pub into a thriving venue, and customers are rallying with warm wishes for their next chapter.

🎓 EDUCATION

🏫 Woldgate School appoints new head teacher - Lauren Adams will become the new head at Woldgate School in Pocklington from January 2026. Mrs Adams brings more than 15 years of education experience and a strong leadership track record. Current head Luke Sloman is moving to serve as Chief Operating Officer of Wonder Learning Partnership, the trust to which the school belongs, but will continue to support the new head throughout the transition. Gazette Herald

She said: “From my very first visit, I was struck by the warmth, pride, and sense of community that defines Woldgate School.”

🎬 Festival Inspires 150+ Young Filmmakers: More than 150 students from seven York high schools are getting hands-on filmmaking experience through the Aesthetica Film Festival‘s initiative, learning everything from directing to editing. The BAFTA-qualifying festival’s commitment to nurturing York’s next generation of creative talent continues this weekend.

⚽Sports

⚽ York St John’s Movember Match - York St John University is hosting a charity football match to support Movember, raising funds and awareness for men’s health. The event brings together students and staff in friendly competition for a vital cause.

⚽ York City Midfielder Heads Out on Loan - York City midfielder Ricky Aguiar has joined National League South side Horsham FC on loan until January. The 24-year-old, who signed from Swindon Town in summer 2024, has made 30 league appearances this season with 2 goals and 2 assists. York City FC

📌WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKEND

🎬 Aesthetica Film Festival Grand Finale
The BAFTA-qualifying festival wraps up Sunday with final screenings, VR experiences, and industry masterclasses across 15 York venues. A cinematic celebration you won’t want to miss!

🎭 Bugsy Malone Brings the Splurge
Pick Me Up Theatre presents Alan Parker’s world-famous Bugsy Malone this weekend with a cast of 40 young performers. Prohibition-era New York, custard pies flying, and all those classic songs including “You Give A Little Love.” More Info

🏡 Dolls House Fair (Sunday)
The Dolls House & Miniatures Fair returns to York Racecourse on Sunday 9th November. Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of tiny treasures. Updates

🔮 Mystic Market at The Crescent
Free entry to this witchy weekend market featuring healing Reiki, Tarot readings, palm reading, and plenty of mystical stalls. Start your Christmas shopping with a magical twist! Schedule and Updates.

🎄 Indoor Festive Market
Browse local businesses showcasing gifts, fudges, toys and more across York’s staterooms this weekend. Stock up and treat yourselves or loved ones! More Info.

🎵 Ultra 90’s Daytime Clubbing
The ultimate daytime clubbing event hits Circuit in York! Live band, stunning visuals, and a massive light show celebrating the best of the 90s and 00s. Home by 9pm, fresh as a daisy for Sunday. More Info.

🎂 Great British Bake Off Musical
Baking battles, singing sponges, and hilarity at Joseph Rowntree Theatre. It’s your favourite TV show with more jazz hands and jubilant tunes!

🛍️ Big York Vintage Flea Market
Hunt for vintage treasures and unique finds at this weekend’s flea market. One person’s junk is another’s treasure! More Info.

That’s your weekend sorted.

Remember to pause tomorrow at 11am - wherever you are in York. Lest we forget.

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