York Civic Party 2026/27

12/06/2026

We enjoyed a wonderful curry lunch at the Merchant Adventurers Hall.

This is the fourth year the Army Benevolent Fund, the British Army’s national charity has hosted this regional flagship fundraiser, following a suggestion by Ashley Mason, and each year it gets even better.

The lunch helps strengthens links between the city and the Army as well as raising vital funds to help support serving soldiers, veterans and their families.

Great to hear about the work of the charity and to meet members of the armed forces. It was lovely to see our very own York Waites who are alsyssupportive, look splendid and show our historic links with the military.

12/06/2026

We attended a really interesting event organised by the York independent State School Partnership (ISSP).

The ISSP brings young people together from across the education system to provide opportunities for everyone snd to promote social cohesion and break down disadvantages.

This event was the result of a six week programme where young people were put in groups and tasked into planning a festival aimed at school aged students. As well as working with people they didn’t really know, they needed to carry out research, look at venues, costings, pricing, advertising, supported by mentors, and finally a very short six weeks later make a presentation to a packed room at the iconic Merchant Adventurers Hall in a Dragon’s Den format.

We are pictured here with the judges (from the ISSP, Betty’s and the Merchant Adventurers) who had to make the very difficult decision of who had won. They were all so incredible we were grateful we didn’t have to make that judgement.

However we look forward to seeing the very bright future these junior entrepreneurs have!

11/06/2026

We welcomed our newest citizens and their families to the Mansion House on Tuesday.

This is one of the most wonderful and moving ceremonies we take part in and every former Civic Party agrees it is one of the most special things they do. It’s great when we meet these citizens later on in the year, seeing some of the incredible work they are doing here in our City.

These new citizens came from 14 different countries around the world. As well as paying thousands of pounds to become a citizen they have to complete a Life In The UK test, about British Culture and history. It’s not easy with questions such as “In what year was Habeus Corpus incorporated into Law?” And “when did Britain become permanently separated from the continent by the English Channel?”

So a huge congratulations to them all and of course Welcome to York!

(Just in case you are wondering - Habeus Corpus was 1679 and the English Channel was around 10,000 years ago!)

09/06/2026

On Saturday we had a Lovely afternoon spent with the Bereaved Children Support group celebrating their tenth birthday!
Such a wonderful York based charity providing support to young people and their families. What a friendly welcoming environment with LEGO, table tennis, all sorts of crafts and delicious home baking, inviting friendships and relaxed conversations.

It was then onto a 150th birthday year celebration of the York Musical Society celebrated with the Philharmonischer Chor Munster and the Ebor Singers with an amazing production of Elgar’s”The Dream of Gerontius on York Minster. Thanks to soloists: Sam Furness, Kate Symonds-Joy and James Cleverton and everyone who took part in this moving performance. We were totally blown away by the experience.

Sunday started with a Joint Guild Service at All The Parish Church of All Saints Pavement York followed by a presentation of the Billets at the Merchant Adventurers Hall. The Billets were traditionally presented to the Master of each of the Guilds by the Lord Mayor instructing them on which of the Mystery Plays they were responsible for producing and when they had to be performed. The billets also set out the fines the city imposed for the guilds not being properly prepared. We love seeing these old traditions being used which could result in quite a few ‘shillings’ for the civic purse but now not enough for a cup of tea between us!

We took part in the Corpus Christi Procession from St George’s Church in Peel Street to the York Oratory. Corpus Christi takes place after Trinity Sunday (8 weeks after Easter) and for the very first time all the Roman Catholic parishes in York took part in this year’s parade led by the Right Revd. Marcus Stock, the Bishop of Leeds

06/06/2026

Another fantastic few days!

Starting with a garden party to celebrate the ongoing passion and success of York Minster Fund Limited, this is an amazing project ensuring that the city’s crown Jewell is enjoyed by everyone today and future generations, thank you for Ashley Mason for inviting us and The Grand Hotel York for fantastic canapés.

We were then lucky enough to be invited to celebrate local charity OCAY’s achievement of 25 years as a charity and learn about the impact that they have had on the citizens of York over that time, here is to the next 25 years and raising 25,000 to celebrate the anniversary.

Next stop was then Theatre Royal, York to enjoy a 5 star performance of Die Fledermaus by local group York Opera - which we thoroughly enjoyed!

The weekend got off to the best start at YorkMix Hero Awards as we were just blown away by learning all the amazing stories and celebrating all finalist and winners. It is very true that not all hero’s wear capes and as always great hospitality from York Races.

01/06/2026

What a fantastic day we had at York Pride thousands came to show their support and and enjoy a fantastic free event in our historical city. The sun was shining and colours radiated with love and support as everyone was having an amazing time.

This event is an event where the city really comes together and is supported by many businesses, organisations, schools, colleges, universities and charities.

We can’t believe that a small number of core volunteers that make up the pride committee deliver this event and they truly deserve all the credit. Greg Greggles Stephenson, William Andrew, Colin McNichol,Tim Bradbury, Karl, Georgia, Charlie, James, Mike and Debbie.

We managed to visit many of the stalls after soaking up the atmosphere in the parade led by the Town Crier, Ben Fry. Plus the day started with an amazing breakfast at Bruks Cafe York.

We also loved catching up with Anika Gardiner, Fiona Fitzpatrick, David Smith and Paul Doughty.

29/05/2026

On Wednesday we met with Garrison Sergeant Major Brian Kiernan and Garrison Staff Officer Tony Welsh to discuss upcoming events with the Military.

York is proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and the City work closely with the armed forces to show our support.

Next month we will joining them for the 21 Gun Salute to mark the King’s Official Birthday. York holds the unique distinction of being one of only 9 saluting stations in England and the only one located outside of the South. This was granted to York in 1971 by Queen Elizabeth 11 to mark York’s 1900th birthday.

Other military leaders events later on in the year include raising the flag over the Mansion House to mark Armed Forces Day, a service of remembrance for those who fought at Kohima and of course Remembrance Sunday.

26/05/2026

Today was another special day meeting the team and service users at Family Fund in York.

For those not aware, Family Fund is a York based charity. It started in York but now helps families all over the country.

It supports families on low incomes with children and young people with a disability or who are seriously ill.

There are a lot of hidden expenses for these families and Family Fund supports them with grants for essential items and are able to signpost them to other organisations who may be able to help.

They are also one of the charities that YorkMix are championing at the York Mix Hero Awards on 5 June.

To find out more visit -

Family Fund deliver grants and services to families raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young people on a low income across the UK

25/05/2026

Two amazing events to start the civic year in style, meeting people at the heart of the city.

Calender Girls at Joseph Rowntrees Theatre by the talented York Musical Theatre Company!

This was a 5 star performance and showcase of local talent and effort.

Then Africa Day at Homestead park,york. celebrating the cities rich diverse community.

A fantastic community group that presented amazing dances, crafts, dress and much more.

25/05/2026

What a fantastic start to the civic year, a fun and traditional inauguration was held on Thursday 21st May at York Ask Restaurant with amazing food and service by the team.

Thanks to all at City of York Council and York Mansion House for their hard work and contributions and to everyone that were involved, supported and attended from Mad Alice to the Town Crier and York Guard.

Welcoming in Lord Mayor Margaret Wells and Sheriff of York Geoff Cossins and their consorts Trevor Gant and Stuart Jarman.

We are excited for the year ahead!