THE YORK BRIEF ⏰ Thursday, March 5, 2026

Good morning, York. A properly packed edition today - a major bookshop signing papers, a royal plaque getting quietly altered, trolley waits reaching their worst yet, and a building on Coney Street that has gone very yellow. There's plenty more besides. Let's crack on.

🏙️ TOP STORIES

📚 York's new mega-bookshop moves a step closer - and it'll be something special - A sign application has been submitted for Topping & Company's planned flagship store at the Grade II-listed corner of Museum Street and Blake Street. The 1860 building is being converted into what promises to be one of the most significant bookshops in the north of England, with around 75,000 titles, 30 new jobs, and a mid-2026 opening date on the horizon.

Projections suggest the store could draw more than a million visitors annually. That's not hyperbole, Topping's shops in Bath, Edinburgh, Ely and St Andrews have each transformed their streets into genuine destinations. York will be in excellent company.

🪧 York Council moves to alter the Millennium Bridge's Andrew plaque - City of York Council is altering the commemorative plaque on the Millennium Bridge, the beloved Ouse footbridge opened in April 2001 by Prince Andrew, then Duke of York. Following his arrest last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office and the formal stripping of his royal titles in 2025, the council joins a growing national list of institutions removing or amending references to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

🚑 Trolley waits keep rising at York and Scarborough Trust - The numbers are bleak, and going in the wrong direction. York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust recorded 930 patients waiting 12 hours or more on a trolley in January 2026, up from 759 in December and 453 in November. in Nearly a thousand people in a single month spend half a day or more waiting for a bed. The Trust has apologised, citing high demand, increasingly complex cases, and delays discharging medically fit patients.

🏪 CITY CENTRE

🦊 British heritage brand Aubin eyes up 36 Stonegate; Aubin - the British heritage menswear label known for chunky knits, waxed jackets, and a distinctive fox logo - has applied for planning permission to open at 36 Stonegate, the unit previously occupied by Weird Fish. Plans show the brand's signature look: black gloss exterior, gold detailing, polished brass panelling. It's a smart fit for Stonegate's premium-independent mix, and if approved, a welcome addition to one of York's most character-filled shopping streets.

💛 Why that building on Coney Street has gone full yellow — and it's historically correct; You may have done a double-take walking past 20 Coney Street. The Grade II*-listed building has been repainted in a striking yellow ochre, and far from being an eccentric design decision, this is its original 1500s colour, faithfully restored. Contractor M Wormersley uncovered evidence of the original finish during restoration work, and traditional limewash will naturally soften and weather over time. History is firmly on the side of the yellow.

Also worth knowing: Poetry Pharmacy, a bookshop, opened its doors on the ground floor this week. Two new bookshops heading to York in the same week - not a bad time to be a reader.

🎄 Christmas Market could have shorter hours and fewer days under new access proposals - City of York Council approved proposals on Monday that could see this year's Christmas Market operating on fewer days or reduced hours, aimed at improving city centre access during the busiest period of the year. The plans include extra Blue Badge parking, dedicated rest areas, and a review of the Anti-Terror Traffic Regulation Order's impact on disabled visitors. The market contributes an estimated £80–100 million to York's economy annually, so the council is walking a careful line between economic and accessibility priorities.

💼 BUSINESS

🏗️ Scaffolding down at Clifton Hall care home as spring opening nears - The scaffolding has come down at Clifton Hall, the new £6 million, 60-room care home on Shipton Road in Clifton Moor, next to York Sports Club. Built by Hobson & Porter on behalf of Brough-based Yorkare Homes, the three-storey development offers en-suite rooms across all floors and is on track to be completed this spring. Work began early last year, the bare exterior now gives a clear impression of what's arriving, and it's a substantial addition to York's care capacity.

💻 Making Tax Digital driving a 337% surge in enquiries at Mollan & Co - York-based accountancy firm Mollan & Co has seen enquiries for tax return support rise by 337% since 2023, with a 3% year-on-year increase on top of that. The data spans all the firm's key services, account preparations, VAT returns and bookkeeping, but tax return support has seen the biggest three-year rise. Account preparation is up 237% over three years, with an 8% year-on-year surge.

Managing Director Rob Mollan said the spike is driven largely by Making Tax Digital: "There seems to be a little more awareness of the changes and people are suddenly realising they need to get ready."

From 6 April 2026, MTD for Income Tax becomes mandatory for anyone with relevant income over £50,000. The threshold drops to £30,000 from April 2027. Hospitality businesses, restaurants, hotels and bars have been a particular source of new enquiries. If you haven't started thinking about digital record-keeping, the clock is ticking.

🚀 Thinking of starting a business in York? There's a free, fully funded course with your name on it - A fully funded start-up course for York and North Yorkshire entrepreneurs is currently open for applications, supported through the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority's Adult Skills Fund. The Strive Live incubator blends weekly live online training with one-to-one support and on-demand learning, and participants can win up to £2,500 in microgrants at the end of the programme. Open to anyone looking to launch or grow a business in the region. Apply at ynygrowthhub.com

🎭 ARTS & CULTURE

🎭 York International Shakespeare Festival returns for its eighth edition - The York International Shakespeare Festival runs 21 April – 3 May 2026, bringing together York Theatre Royal, the University of York, and theatre company Parrabbola in a city-wide celebration of the Bard. Now in its eighth year and part of the European Shakespeare Festivals Network, it draws productions and audiences from across the continent. Full programme details are being announced; watch York Theatre Royal's website for the full lineup.

👻 2:22 - A Ghost Story brings proper frights to the Grand Opera House - Danny Robins' hit supernatural thriller arrives at the Grand Opera House 30 March – 4 April, starring James Bye, Natalie Casey, Gary Lucy, and Shvorne Marks. The show follows a woman who believes her new home is haunted and a husband who very much doesn't, tense, jump-scare-laden, and tremendously good fun. It's toured to rave reviews, and the Grand Opera House is the perfect venue for it. Tickets at atgtickets.com

🐛 The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show chomps its way to York Theatre Royal - The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show arrives at York Theatre Royal on 9–11 April 2026, bringing four Eric Carle stories to life with 75 stunning puppets. Visually gorgeous, touring to excellent reviews, and the kind of family theatre that justifies getting out on a school holiday. Book early, family shows at the Theatre Royal sell fast. Tickets at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

🎰 Bongo's Bingo is bringing a nostalgia night to York Barbican -Bongo's Bingo, the chaotic, high-energy reinvention of everyone's favourite retirement-hall pastime, is heading to York Barbican with a nostalgia-themed night. Expect throwback bangers, rave rounds, prize chaos, and the kind of Friday night out that's genuinely hard to explain the next morning. Check bongosbingo.co.uk for the date and tickets.

🎨 Aesthetica and York St John bring back the Business Academy for creatives - Aesthetica and York St John University are partnering again for the Aesthetica Business Academy 2026, aimed at creative professionals and students building sustainable careers in the arts. Workshops, mentoring, and industry access from one of York's most internationally respected creative institutions. Details at aestheticamagazine.com

Applications Now Open: Creative Business Skills Academy Are you a creative founder or small business owner based in York or North Yorkshire? Aesthetica, in partnership with York Business School at… | Aesthetica Magazine

Applications Now Open: Creative Business Skills Academy Are you a creative founder or small business owner based in York or North Yorkshire? Aesthetica, in partnership with York Business School at York St. John University, is offering 12 fully funded places on the Creative Business Skills Academy: a 12-week in-person programme designed to help creatives at the crucial early stages of starting, growing and scaling their businesses. The Academy supports founders working across architecture, film, fine art, gaming, XR, textiles, fashion and related disciplines – equipping participants with the practical tools, strategic frameworks and industry networks required to build sustainable businesses. We are delighted to welcome speakers whose collective expertise spans enterprise, publishing, immersive technology, networking and global brand building. These include: Alison Grade, founder of Mission Accomplished; Farah Hussain, founder of Farah Networking; Kit Monkman, co-founder of Viridian FX; and Cherie Federico of Aesthetica, amongst others. York’s UNESCO City of Media Arts designation is not simply a title. It is a commitment to nurturing talent, strengthening infrastructure and creating long-term cultural and economic impact. This programme is part of that work. • The Academy will run 6 May-29 July 2026 (Wednesdays, 6-9pm) • 12 fully funded places • Applications close: 12 April 2026 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eG_Wq8_c Brendan Paddison, Cherie Federico, Mat Lazenby, Ann Gurnell FRSA FTS, Ronke Lawal, Louise Saw, Farah Hussain, Helena Jones, Phil Birchenall, Jessica Wright, Kit Monkman, Dr. Alison Norrington, Catherine Ellington, Suzanne Livingston, Dr., Oswin Wan, 🌟Andrea Morrison🌟, Chris Walker, Dr Winojith Sanjeewa ,Ph.D, SFHEA, Alison Grade

LinkedInAlison Grade

🎓 EDUCATION

🏫 Archbishop Holgate's School praised under Ofsted's new report card system - Archbishop Holgate's School on Hull Road has received positive recognition under Ofsted's new report card framework, which replaced single-word judgements in January 2026. The CoE academy, rated Outstanding in all areas at its last full inspection in October 2021, consistently ranks among York's most highly regarded secondaries, known for strong exam results, a broad curriculum, and deep community roots through Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust. It was also one of two Pathfinder schools formally recognised by the Education Secretary in February. Good to see the track record holding up under the new system.

🤝 COMMUNITY

👩 International Women's Day: over 60 events in York this week - here's your guide - International Women's Day falls on Sunday 8 March, and York has an entire week built around it. More than 60 events are happening across the city, including poetry workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions, networking evenings, and University of York programmes. YorkMix's own networking event takes place on Monday, 9 March at The Hospitium in Museum Gardens. Head to YorkMix for the full guide.

💛 York's inspiring Shelby McCloud begins her 21 Jobs challenge at Ebor Court - Shelby McCloud, the young York woman from Stillingfleet who has Down Syndrome, has launched a remarkable challenge: visiting more than 20 different workplaces in just three months to raise funds and awareness for charities supporting people with Down Syndrome.

Denise Cooper said: "Shelby was fantastic with our residents. She was so natural, jumped straight in with the activities, brought so much energy to the room, and made everyone feel included. It was wonderful to see the smiles and laughter she created."

Shelby is fundraising for three charities: Down Syndrome UK, the Down Syndrome Association, and Shine 21. You can support her at gvwhl.com/ZX5JT. She has 20 more jobs to go — watch this space.

🐄 Great Yorkshire Show farmer tickets are on sale — and prices are holding steady - Farmer tickets for the Great Yorkshire Show (14–17 July 2026) are now on sale, with prices unchanged from 2025: £27.50 adults · £10 children · £65 family. An approved farm ID is required. Available online and at selected outlets.

🚂 Yorkshire Wolds Railway Model Show returns to Driffield, Saturday 14 March - The Yorkshire Wolds Railway's annual model show is back for its 9th year on Saturday 14 March, at the Rix Pavilion, Driffield Showground, 10am to 4pm. Sixteen model railways on show (including plenty of new ones), plus trade stands. This is the YWR's main fundraising event of the year, all proceeds go straight back into restoring East Yorkshire's only heritage railway.

Adults £10 · Under-16s free · YWR members free. A genuinely great day out for families and enthusiasts alike.

🏉 SPORT

🏉 York Knights name their 21-man squad for Friday night's trip to Warrington - York Knights have named their squad for tomorrow's clash with Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. Kieran Buchanan returns to the side, coming in for Myles Harrison, while Paul Vaughan will face his former club. A tough test against one of Super League's better-resourced sides — but the Knights head over with a full complement to pick from. Kick-off Friday 6 March. Come on York.