York Residents' Festival - Get Involved

Celebrate York Residents' Festival 2026 and connect with the local community!

⭐ Saturday 31st January - 1st February ⭐

This annual festival is an incredible opportunity for Visit York members to showcase their businesses and offer exclusive deals to residents on attractions, dining, shopping, and unique experiences.

⭐ Offers will be launching 9th January 2026 at midday - submit your offers now! ⭐

York Residents' Festival 2025 was a huge success, with over 110,000 views and incredible engagement from the local community! 🎉

The festival celebrates all that York has to offer with free entry to attractions, exclusive deals, and unique experiences across the city. The introduction of online offers proved extremely popular, with tickets for top attractions such as York Theatre Royal, York Dungeon, and Castle Howard in high demand. Many other local businesses joined in, offering discounts on dining, shopping, and activities, ensuring an unforgettable weekend for residents.

Participating in exclusive York Residents offers allows you to:

• Increase visibility and strengthen connections with the local community.
• Showcase your business to residents who can become year-round patrons.
• Generate buzz and foster loyalty by offering exclusive deals and experiences.
• Be included in Visit York promotions to over 200,000 social media followers, gain significant website exposure, and feature in email newsletters and other marketing channels.
• Be part of a well-loved event that enhances York’s vibrant atmosphere and cultural reputation.

1. Login on the Visit York website.
2. Navigate: Left menu > ‘Manage offers’ > ‘Create Offer’ and select the ‘York Residents' Festival’ category, alongside its relevant sub-category (e.g. Attractions or Food & Drink)
3. Ensure only the 'York Residents’ Festival' category/sub-category is chosen.
4. Submit for approval - please note you will receive a confirmation email but the offer will not be live until the festival launch.

Important Notes:

• Offers will remain disabled until Friday 9th January at midday.
• Keep offers focused on the festival weekend, Saturday 31st January - 1st February.
• Clearly state any pre-booking requirements to avoid confusion.
• Sector-specific guidance:
  • Attractions: Ensure entry is free or as affordable as possible. Contact us for assistance with structuring your offer.
  • Retailers: Provide at least a 10% discount or add extra value to entice residents.
  • Food & Drink: Create enticing offers such as exclusive discounts, complimentary items, or special set menus to attract local visitors.

Not a Visit York Member? Reach out at membership@makeityork.com to learn how you can join and participate in showcasing your business.

For questions, contact membership@makeityork.com.