Mr Cooke, who is 100 years old, was a member of the former infantry regiment, the Green Howards, officially known as The Green Howards (Alexandra, Princess of Wales’s Own Yorkshire Regiment). As part of the regiment’s 7th Battalion, Ken landed on Gold Beach on D-Day, 6 June 1944, when he was just 18 years old.

Decades after his wartime service, Ken remains deeply committed to honouring those who fought alongside him. At 98 years old, he returned to Normandy in June 2024 for the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Campaign. While there, he visited Gold Beach to spread the ashes of Flying Officer Douglas Petty and also visited Sword Beach to spread the ashes of Sid Metcalfe. Ken subsequently revisited the historic beaches in 2025.

It is Ken’s long service to honour his fellow soldiers and his dedicated commitment to volunteering, spending time in local schools educating younger generations on the realities of war, that led the Council to pass the motion to make him an Honorary Freeman of the City of York. Following a reception at the Mansion House, Ken walked to the Guildhall through a guard of honour formed by volunteers, veterans, and serving Armed Forces personnel.

At the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council, the motion was proposed by the city’s Armed Forces Advocate, Cllr Martin Rowley, and seconded by the city’s Armed Forces Champion and Council Leader, Cllr Claire Douglas.

Speaking about the achievement, Ken Cooke said: “I’m deeply honoured and very excited to receive this honour: I never thought it would happen to me. I accept becoming a Freeman for all the lads who never came home, in the spirit of remembrance and comradeship and to help keep their memory alive.”

The Rt Hon. The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Margaret Wells, said: “The title of Honorary Freeman is a mark of distinction upon the person whom the Council wishes to honour. The Freedom is an honour, reflecting the eminence of the person on whom it is conferred, and as a recognition of their significant and valuable services rendered to the city. I’m delighted to witness Ken’s Oath of Affirmation and welcome him into this group of extraordinary people.”

Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, added: “Few people earn this privilege, and I believe Ken is the oldest person to be conferred this honour in its illustrious history. I’ve met Ken a number of times and have been humbled by his commitment to our city, nation and communities. Ken is an Ambassador for the British Normandy Memorial and a long-term member of York Normandy Veterans. It’s a huge privilege for me to be a part of this decision to honour a person of such distinction and dedication. He’s a true inspiration to us all.”

By receiving the title, Mr Cooke joins a selective group of historical and modern figures to hold the Freedom of the City, with fellow Honorary Freemen including the actor Dame Judi Dench DBE and the composer John Barry.

The “Little Admiral” – a carved wooden figure that has monitored the shoppers of Coney Street from a lofty clock-top perch since 1778 – had been absent from his post for several years. It was initially feared that the 248-year-old landmark had fallen victim to a destructive deathwatch beetle infestation.

However, an in-depth investigation by specialists at York Archaeology revealed that the British climate was the primary culprit behind his severe deterioration.

The complex restoration process required the team to freeze the figure to eliminate any potential insect activity before conducting advanced X-ray scans to examine the internal structure. The figure is built from a combination of a carved wooden body and internal cast-iron structural supports.

Morgan Creed, Senior Conservator for York Archaeology, explained: “Whilst it was encouraging to see that the ironwork was still in good condition, the wood itself had been somewhat battered by the elements, with deep cracks appearing. Protective paintwork had failed, allowing fungi to penetrate and start breaking down the wood from within.”

Conservators meticulously cleaned the figure, stripped away subpar historic repairs, including modern screws and adhesives, and treated the wood to restore its structural integrity. The process uncovered the landmark’s earliest paint layers, proving its colour scheme had been altered over the centuries. To restore his original 18th-century majesty, the team primed the figure, applied traditional linseed paints, and re-gilded select details with fresh gold leaf.

Because the delicate wooden original is now too fragile to survive the outdoor elements, he has been permanently rehomed safely indoors at St Martin-le-Grand Church on Coney Street.

To ensure the famous clock doesn’t remain empty, the team has digitally scanned the original carving to create a highly durable, weather-resistant bronze replica cast, which will eventually take the Admiral’s traditional place above the high street.

The preservation project was funded by the Feoffees of St Martins and St Helens, primarily through the Potter Kirby Trust charity, which was established in memory of George Arthur Potter-Kirby.

This summer, the world-renowned museum is inviting families to collect a special museum passport and embark on a “summer holiday in a day.” Running from 20th July to 6th September 2026, the completely free programme of hands-on activities will take visitors on an imaginative journey to explore the British countryside, have fun at the seaside, and even head abroad – all without ever leaving the museum.

Upon arrival, young adventurers can grab their Summer Holiday Passport to collect stamps as they explore the vast halls and participate in various interactive experiences.

The journey begins at the station, where a miniature interactive ticket office lets children dress up, sell tickets, sort out lost luggage, and even make their own station announcements over a Tannoy® system. From there, families can journey to the “countryside” zone to try their hand at birdwatching and sketch the scenery, before heading to the “seaside” to design their own classic Punch and Judy puppet shows or traditional carousels to take home. For those looking for an international adventure, a bespoke card game will challenge kids to match iconic trains from around the globe with their respective countries.

Sarah Price, Head of Public Programming at the National Railway Museum, said: “Summer holidays are all about adventure, discovery and making memories together, and this year we’re bringing all of that to the National Railway Museum.

“With more families choosing to holiday in the UK this summer, we’re excited to offer something unique with our summer experience where visitors can grab their passport and explore the countryside, enjoy the seaside or even travel the world by rail, all in one place. Best of all, the activities are included with free museum admission, making it a fantastic, great value family day out during the summer holidays.”

Alongside the daily passport trail, the museum has lined up a blockbuster schedule of special, time-limited events running throughout August:

• Giant Track Layout (3rd–5th August): The Great Hall will be taken over by a massive track-building zone where mini-engineers can use challenge cards or pre-built sections to create epic layouts for motorised trains.
• Immersive Storytelling in the Shinkansen (11th–13th August): A rare chance to step aboard the legendary Japanese bullet train – the only preserved Shinkansen outside of Japan – for a bespoke, immersive storytelling adventure.
• Classic Punch and Judy Shows (18th, 21st, and 25th August): Bringing traditional British seaside magic directly into the South Yard and Station Hall.
• York Railway Institute Band Performance (29th August): A spectacular, hour-long live brass band performance at 2pm, playing holiday and train-inspired music in the Great Hall.

While admission to the National Railway Museum and all of its Summer Holiday activities is completely free, spaces fill up incredibly fast during the school holidays, so booking your free timed entry tickets in advance is highly recommended.

To secure your tickets and view the full schedule, head to railwaymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/summer-holiday-fun.

Valid for one day only on Father’s Day (Sunday 21st June 2026), the river travel provider has announced that dads can ride completely free on their iconic York sightseeing cruises. It is the perfect excuse for families to skip the usual generic shop-bought gifts and spend some quality time together on the River Ouse.

The sightseeing tours feature live, on-board commentary from local York skippers, who will share fascinating stories from the city’s past alongside their own insider knowledge, easily rivalling any sentence from Dad that starts with a “Did you know…”

Families will get to experience York from a completely fresh perspective, taking in spectacular riverside views of the city’s historic landmarks from the choice of open-air decks or comfortable, heated indoor saloons. It’s an ideal setting for Dad to kick back, relax, and subject the family to a few well-rehearsed dad jokes.

To claim the limited-time deal, dads must be accompanied by a full-paying child. The offer is not available online; to bag the free trip, simply head down to the City Cruises ticket booths at either King’s Staith Landing or Lendal Bridge Landing on Sunday, 21st June and quote the code FATHER.

The hit show has completely sold out during its previous runs at the venue. It offers an incredibly unique, intimate setting for the story of Ubbe Ragnarson, son of the legendary Ragnar Lothbrok, as he navigates the heavy burden of power, legacy, and a fateful encounter with Odin himself. The tale takes place in the tense aftermath of the Great Viking Army claiming victory over the Anglian settlement of Eoforwic in AD866.

No two nights will be the same, as audience interaction directly helps shape the path of the narrative. Audiences can expect compelling storytelling, intense live combat, and lively music right in the middle of Barley Hall’s remarkably atmospheric Great Hall, complete with its high tables and central fireplace.

Written by Hull-based creator Charlie Blanshard and performed alongside Oliver Strong, the production has earned rave reviews during its national tour, including a glowing four-star review from The Stage.

Richard Jones, Events Manager at York Archaeology, said:

“Each show has a limited number of tickets – the audience will feel as though they are part of the performance, and at times they are… This is the sister-attraction to JORVIK Viking Centre, and a wonderful place to see this Viking-themed play performed.”

The performance schedule includes two showings an evening (6:00pm and 7:30pm) across four key dates this summer: 18th June, 2nd July, 6th August, and 27th August 2026. Tickets are priced at £20.00 per person and are expected to sell out fast.

The rare, two-page document, dated November 1763 and signed by the 9th Viscount of Emley, offers a deeply personal look into the life of the original owner of Fairfax House and his relationship with his daughter, Ann Fairfax. The historic building is now an award-winning museum run by the York Civic Trust.

Addressed to an unnamed friend, the letter captures the social conventions of York’s Georgian elite, opening with an apology for a delay in writing before asking about his friend’s travels and referencing Gilling Castle, the family’s North Yorkshire seat.

A particularly touching moment in the letter includes a passing mention of “Miss”, a reference to his daughter Ann, for whom the house was originally built, hinting at a warm father-daughter bond. The text is written in the Viscount’s distinctively affectionate, rambling, and grammatically loose style, which historians associate with the fashionable 18th-century culture of sensibility.

The acquisition marks a major milestone as the first original manuscript written by Lord Fairfax to ever enter the York Civic Trust’s collections. Visitors can now view the historic letter on display in the library at Fairfax House. Tickets cost £8.50, or £7.50 for concessions, are valid for a full year of entry, and children aged 16 and under can get in for free.

Dr Sarah Burnage, Fairfax House Curator, said:

“The acquisition of this letter marks a significant moment for Fairfax House. For the first time, we are able to present visitors with an original document written by Lord Fairfax himself, composed within these very walls. It is a tangible piece of the house’s own history, and one that will greatly enhance our ability to bring the story of the Fairfax family to life.”

The Prime Minister confirmed the financial boost today to help the museum, which is part of the Science Museum Group, cover rising costs linked to the complex process of closing down and ‘stopping-up’ Leeman Road. The road previously cut directly through the museum site, splitting the attraction in half.

With the extra investment secured, museum bosses have confirmed they are ready to sign the main construction contract for the flagship Central Hall project within a matter of days, with building work scheduled to kick off next month. Designed by award-winning architects Feilden Fowles, the striking circular structure will reference historic locomotive roundhouses and provide level, step-free access throughout the entire museum for the first time.

Inside, the new hub will act as a modern welcome centre and feature dynamic exhibition areas, including the ‘Railway Futures: The Porterbrook Gallery’. The interactive space will focus on innovation and show visitors how emerging technologies are shaping the future of rail travel.

The completed Central Hall will sit at the cultural heart of York Central, a massive 45-hectare brownfield regeneration project. The scheme is currently transforming underused railway land into a brand-new city quarter featuring residential neighbourhoods, civic spaces, and commercial real estate.

During a press briefing, Sir Keir Starmer praised the museum, calling it “fantastic” and “part of who we are as a country”.

Speaking to journalists, the Prime Minister said:

“It’s a fantastic museum…It’s a great set-up and part of who we are as a country. I’m really pleased we’ve been able to put forward this money – and I look forward to visiting myself but also thinking about all of the people who will be visiting in the future and the experiences they will have.”

Craig Bentley, Director of the National Railway Museum, said:

“Thanks to the Prime Minister’s announcement today we can look forward to signing the contract for our ambitious Central Hall project within days, with construction beginning next month. By investing in the museum’s transformation, the Government is not only supporting changes that will engage hundreds of thousands more visitors with Britain’s railway heritage, it is also driving growth and opportunity for the city of York and the wider region.”

Ben Williams, owner of The Old Liquor Store, has unveiled a packed summer schedule designed to offer social, value-driven experiences beyond traditional standard dining. Located within the historic former Terry’s Chocolate Orange Factory at The Chocolate Works on Bishopthorpe Road, the restaurant is capitalising on its close proximity to York Racecourse to capture additional evening footfall from racegoers looking to continue their day beyond the track.

Central to the new strategy is a dedicated post-races entertainment concept named “The Final Furlong.” The evenings will feature live DJs, bespoke menus, and specialised drinks packages, running immediately after major race meetings including the John Smith’s Cup on 10 and 11 July, and the Sky Bet Ebor Festival from 19th to 22nd August.

Alongside race day trading, the venue is introducing an experimental monthly tasting menu series. This kicks off on 25th June with a plant-based night celebrating nostalgic British classics, featuring playful interpretations like a “chippy tea at home” made with nori and tofu fingers, and a “curry night” showcasing chickpea Rogan Josh and fermented black garlic rice. July’s tasting menu will focus on reimagined 1980s party food to celebrate the restaurant’s third anniversary, while the August Bank Holiday weekend will host an expanded three-day Beer Festival featuring live music, street food, and pints starting from £5.

The independent restaurant will also introduce a fixed Steak Night every Thursday starting 4th June, sourcing premium cuts from R&J Butchers, alongside its established Wednesday Burger and Quiz nights. Additionally, the venue has confirmed it will screen the upcoming England World Cup fixtures on 17th, 23rd, and 27th June to provide a more relaxed alternative to traditional sports bars.

“There’s a shift in the way people dine out and we want to stay ahead of the curve. People are looking for more than just a meal now – they want an experience, something social, memorable and good value. These events are about giving people more reasons to come together, try something different and keep supporting local hospitality businesses.”

The episode, which was filmed in November 2025 and aired on Wednesday 27th May 2026, saw eight semi-finalists battle it out in the museum’s newly revamped Station Hall. Split into three teams, the hopeful chefs had to prepare a high-pressure, three-course celebratory menu designed by top chef and judge Anna Haugh. The food was served to a packed room of 100 railway workers, volunteers, and train enthusiasts under the historic roof of the grand hall.

Station Hall only recently reopened to the public in September 2025 following a massive £11m structural and architectural facelift, timed to coincide with the museum’s 50th birthday celebrations. The huge 6,000-square-meter building has housed the museum’s prized collection of six Royal Train carriages since 1990. It also features major historical exhibits, including a rare 1921 WH Smith bookstall originally from London’s Waterloo Station and the actual funeral wreath from the locomotive that carried Queen Victoria’s coffin in 1901.

Craig Bentley, Director of the National Railway Museum, was among the guests who got to sample the semi-finalists’ dishes on the night.

“It was a real once-in-a-lifetime experience – being served a stunning 3 course meal in such a special location, surrounded by TV cameras. It was a night none of us will ever forget! We were delighted to be given the opportunity to showcase Station Hall so soon after its renovation and bring its beauty and splendour to the MasterChef crew, presenters, chefs and of course audiences at home.”

For those who missed the action on BBC One, the full episode is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

This year’s festival is expanding with a new marquee and outdoor bar to accommodate growing demand. Inside the Great Hall, visitors will find a Keg Beer Hall with 30 varieties, while the atmospheric Undercroft will house a 50-foot Cask Bar featuring 40 additional beers. Beyond the ale, the event includes a gin and rum showcase by Hooting Owl, a Champagne and wine bar, and food from local street vendors.

The festival serves as a major fundraiser for the Merchant Adventurers’ Charitable Trust, which supports regional education initiatives. Last year, the event raised £28,000, funding projects like the “Merchant Adventurers’ Experience” for primary schools and business courses for local teenagers.

Lee Grabham, Co-founder of Brew York, said:

“2026 promises to be our most impressive festival yet with the addition of a new marquee and outdoor bar. This will help us meet the growing demand and bring even greater variety to the beer offering. Don’t miss out on the highlight of the York beer calendar!”

Jim Richardson, Clerk of The Company of Merchant Adventurers’, added:

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to welcome people into the Hall, celebrate Yorkshire’s outstanding brewing community and, most importantly, generate vital support for our charitable work with young people across the region.”

Tickets are now available for four separate sessions across the weekend. For more information and to book, visit the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall website.