Led by Yorkshire-based specialists DT Sports (part of Design Tonic), the refurbishment covers 11 private suites with a total capacity for 280 guests. The redesign focuses on a “contemporary and timeless” aesthetic, featuring bespoke interiors, integrated large-screen technology, and enhanced catering facilities.

The suites occupy a prime position overlooking the final furlong, providing uninterrupted views of the action. Designed for flexibility, the spaces can transition between intimate private parties and large-scale corporate events. The new-look hospitality will be officially unveiled during the Dante Festival, running from 13–15 May.

Gavin Pattison, Facilities Manager at York Racecourse, said:

“Our ambition is to deliver a best-in-class hospitality experience. The expertise of DT Sports has resulted in a collection of suites that truly reflect the racecourse’s high standards and the level of comfort we want to offer our guests. We’re incredibly excited to see the space come to life at the upcoming Dante Festival.”

Will Snaith, Group Sales Director at Design Tonic, added:

“Working on such an iconic venue has been a privilege. Our aim has been to create interiors that feel both contemporary and timeless, setting the standard for an exceptional hospitality experience.”

The 14th-century Tudor building at 83–87 Micklegate is currently undergoing a programme of maintenance to its roof, timber, and drainage. Once these structural repairs are completed in spring 2026, 87 Micklegate will reopen as a holiday apartment managed by Wheelwrights York. The building has a varied history, having previously housed butchers, drapers, and saddle makers.

Nearby at 69–71 Micklegate, Wheelwrights York will take over the full lease and management of three apartments and Trinity Cottage. This medieval timber-framed building, which also contains Georgian masonry and Roman structures in the basement, was saved through a £1 million restoration project in 2014. Wheelwrights, who already base their office on the ground floor, will redecorate and furnish the spaces to prepare them for regular use by visitors.

Jerry Rebbeck said: “These Micklegate buildings are an important part of York’s history, and we’re proud to be working alongside York Conservation Trust to make sure they are well protected, cared for, and actively used for many more years to come. Taking on the full lease of the building feels like a natural next step. This will allow us to invest in the apartments and cottage, and create characterful stays right in the heart of the city.”

Guy Bowyer said: “Our quirky property layouts lend themselves ideally to holiday lets. They’re great to stay in for a short time but hard to live in and they support our core charitable objective of promoting the enjoyment of our historic buildings. The new lease of 69-71 Micklegate marks an important milestone for the building’s future, allowing the Wheelwrights team to continue their good work managing the properties while investing in their long-term use.”

For more information on these historic stays, visit www.wheelwrightsyork.com.

This performance marks a unique addition to the local holiday calendar by offering a sensory experience designed to captivate children and adults alike. By combining fluid dynamics with stagecraft, the event provides a calming alternative to screen time and has been noted for its ability to engage neurodivergent children through its mesmerising effects.

The showcase features cutting-edge artistry, including LED effects, fog, and fire. Highlights of the performance include an indoor storm made of millions of bubbles and a massive bubble wall that the artist manipulates in ways that have been described as astonishing.

Bubbles LaFae, the first artist of her kind endorsed by the Arts Council, said “I’ve had mums of neurodivergent little ones tell me their child literally never sits still. Yet they’ll happily watch my entire hour-long performance, good as gold.”

She commented, “It captivates the imagination – a pure, innocent form of joy that reminds people of all ages how to play.”

Following the main event, a separately ticketed workshop allows children to step onto the Friargate Theatre stage. Here, they can learn the science behind the bubbles using illuminated light tables and get the chance to stand inside a giant bubble for a holiday photo.

The artist recently returned from a keynote speech at an international conference regarding her specialised bubble recipe. She said “I’ve spent two decades honing my bubble recipe so it can do things people have never seen before. There are no illusions in my show. It’s all real magic.”

Tickets for the live show are priced at £12.50, and the performance begins at 2pm.

The trampoline park is launching an Easter Holiday Pass that gives families ten 60-minute “Open Play” sessions for £30. This brings the cost down to just £3 per session, which is a 77% saving on the standard price. The pass is valid throughout the break, from Saturday 28th March to Monday 13th April 2026.

Jumpers will have full access to the park’s features, including the interconnected trampolines, a parkour area, the airbag jump, and the trapeze. If you aren’t looking for a multi-session pass, the park is also offering a Play Together ticket, where four people can jump for the price of three.

The holiday schedule is packed with several one-off events as well:

• Toddler Bunny Bounce: Taking place on Friday 27th March from 10am to 12pm. For £20, parents and toddlers can enjoy Easter story time, bag decorating for an egg hunt, and hot cross buns.
• Neon Night: A glow-in-the-dark party kicks off the Bank Holiday weekend on Friday 3rd April from 6pm to 8pm. Tickets are £21 and include two hours of jumping, party tunes, games, and a meal.

Oxygen York’s “Hero Crew” will be on hand throughout the holidays to lead games and dances. Whether you have “little hoppers” or older kids looking to practice their flips, the park is positioning itself as the go-to spot for burning off some holiday energy.

You can book the holiday pass or any of the special events directly through the oxygenactiveplay.co.uk website.

The dessert features Guinness-infused fudge bound with a dark chocolate mousse. It is served with vanilla ice cream and finished with a light milk foam topping to reflect the classic look of the Irish stout. The dish aims to offer a sophisticated twist on traditional Irish flavours.

Mark Askew, Group Executive Chef at The Ivy Collection, said: “St Patrick’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Irish heritage through flavour. Our St. Patrick’s Reserve dessert brings together the rich, distinctive notes of Guinness with smooth dark chocolate and vanilla to create something indulgent and memorable. It’s a playful yet refined tribute to the occasion.”

The dessert is available nationwide at all Ivy Collection sites, excluding The Original Ivy in London’s West End. Because the dish is only available on Tuesday, the restaurant group is encouraging guests to book in advance to secure a table and try the special creation.

The foodhall opened on Thursday 12th March, with a variety of introductory offers available until 31 March. Shoppers can currently find 30% off Farmhouse biscuits and Belgid’Or chocolates, alongside 20% off Coolmore cakes. To mark the opening weekend, the store is hosting product sampling sessions and giving away a hamper filled with selected goods to one lucky customer.

General Manager at Dobbies’ York, Darren Dixon, said: “The foodhall is one of the most popular areas in the store and an important part of our garden centre experience. We’ve been working hard on the new format that’s inspired by a cottage kitchen garden and brings together essentials, treats and seasonal variety through a range of both popular and new brands. We’re excited to welcome customers in to see the new ranges and try them for themselves.”

The hall stocks more than 1,500 products, including the famous Dobbies scones and tray bakes. New brands such as Botham’s of Whitby and Patteson’s have joined the line-up, alongside well-known names like Lindt and Tony’s Chocolonely. A new deli section features chilled meats, cheeses, olives, and dips designed for cheeseboards and platters.

The pantry section includes global foods, while the frozen range features premium brands such as Cook, Supper Club, and Jude’s ice cream. Gift options have also expanded to include gin gift packs and handmade beverages from Hullabaloo. The new foodhall is now open at the York garden centre, and further details can be found on the Dobbies website.

“We started Purepups Co a year ago on York Market, selling 100% natural dog treats, and the response from local dog owners has been amazing. Launching York’s first dog treat cupboard felt like the perfect way for people to grab healthy treats for their dogs whenever they’re out walking,” Taylor said.

The cupboard will be stocked every week with a range of natural treats. These offer a healthier alternative to heavily processed snacks and support dental health, digestion, and mental stimulation. The cupboard opens from Friday to Sunday between 8:00 am and 7:00 pm. Customers can simply stop by, choose their items, and pay either by card or by putting cash in the honesty box. Taylor is passionate about educating dog owners and will share updates on new stock and health benefits through social media. If demand grows, the business hopes to expand the number of opening days. As a small family-run business, Purepups Co is encouraging York residents and dog lovers to spread the word.

“We’d love the “pawrents” and their Pups of York to come and check it out, tell their friends, and support us,” Taylor commented.

The menu includes three versions of the classic dish. Guests can choose from chicken, pumpkin, or prawn katsu, all served with aromatic sauce and steamed rice. To claim the free meal, customers must dine in and spend a minimum of £15. While the offer is available across most of the UK, it does not apply at the Leeds, Belfast, or Heathrow Airport restaurants.

For those who prefer a hands-on experience, the restaurant is also highlighting its popular Sushi School. These two-hour sessions cost £37.95 per person and cover everything from the history of sushi to authentic Japanese knife skills. Each guest receives a welcome drink and starters of edamame and gyoza before learning how to roll four different types of sushi, including a special tartare dish.

Following the Mother’s Day festivities, the restaurant will launch a new dessert on 17th March. The KITKAT® Cream Puff costs £5.50 and consists of light choux pastry filled with chocolate cream and topped with chocolate sauce and biscuit crumbs.

LNER currently leads the industry in gender diversity, with a workforce that is 45% female compared to the 17.4% industry benchmark. Paula Bullock, People Director at LNER, stated: “By unveiling this installation, we’re not just shining a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of women, past and present, we’re also recognising there is still work to be done. Supporting women in the rail sector is essential to building a more innovative and inclusive industry. When women are empowered and supported to progress, we see better outcomes for our customers, colleagues, and communities. We want rail to be a place where women feel they belong, where their contributions are visible and valued, and where they have equal opportunities to lead and succeed.”

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s Eastern Region Managing Director, added: “It’s inspiring to see so many remarkable women from across the rail industry celebrated through this campaign. Their stories span generations – from the pioneers who opened doors for others, to the women who played vital roles during the Second World War, to the talented colleagues shaping the railway of today and tomorrow. Each of them shows what’s possible and why representation matters. We’ve made real progress in encouraging more women to choose a career in rail, but representation alone is not enough. Women need to feel heard, respected, and supported at every stage of their careers.” The stars will remain at London King’s Cross and York stations through International Women’s Day, allowing commuters to scan QR codes to discover the full history of these railway icons.

The spirit is designed to bridge the gap between Scandinavia and Yorkshire. It is crafted from a neutral grain spirit distilled in Yorkshire using crops from local farms, but it takes its character from botanicals once central to the Viking world. The recipe features sea buckthorn, a hardy plant known to survive brutal winters on the Scandinavian coast, alongside a blend of berries that were a staple of the Norse diet.

The name comes from 866, the year the Vikings permanently settled in what is now York and named their settlement Jorvik. Even the bottle’s design pays homage to this heritage with the York Gin cat appearing on the tamper seal. Felines were an important aspect of Viking culture, serving as frequent wedding gifts and appearing in legends as the animals that pulled the chariot of the Norse god Freya.

York Distillery director Natalie Hall said: “We’re delighted with this new vodka. It resonates with our city’s history – but more importantly it’s a beautiful and characterful vodka. Developed and made in York, it’s another spirit to make the city proud.”

The new spirit was developed at York Distillery, the boutique distillery which also holds tasting experiences and gin-making classes. For those looking to sample the new arrival, 866 Viking Vodka is available from the York Gin shop at 12 Pavement. Tickets for the official festival tasting session are available through the Jorvik Viking Festival website.