Sarah Loftus Archives - charleshutchpress

January 21, 2025January 21, 2025

York Ice Trail 2025 to extend the city’s winter deep freeze with Icebox’s sculptural display on February 1 and 2

*York Ice Trail 2025: Taking the theme of Origins on February 1 and 2*

YORK Ice Trail, Make It York’s annual “free weekend of frosty fun”, returns on February 1 and 2 with a 2025 theme of Origins as York’s streets are turned into an icy wonderland of frozen tableau.

Among the 30 ice sculptures showcasing 2,000 years of city history will be a Roman shield, a Viking helmet, a chocolate bar, a drifting ghost, a majestic train and a Yorkshire rose, all captured in the language of ice by ice sculpture specialists Icebox.

The ice sculptures will bring captivating tales to life, each telling a story from York’s rich heritage or depicting a moment of celebration or a creature that lived long ago.

On display too will be an origin block of ice, showing how each ice sculpture starts before Icebox’s team of professional ice carvers bring designs to life.

From 12 noon each day, visitors can experience the thrill of live ice carving demonstrations at St Sampson’s Square, where expert sculptors from Icebox will transform raw blocks of ice into works of art before your eyes.

Throughout the weekend, the grounds of Middletons Hotel will be transformed into The Sweeter Side of Life in a family-friendly showcase of four ice sculptures, including Sweet Like Chocolate, dedicated to the heritage of the hotel’s Sir Terry Alms Cottages. Look out too for The Ice Wall, where you can “‘freeze” yourself in a perfect photo moment.

York BID will be journeying back 2.4 million years to the Ice Age to present five prehistoric animals, once thriving in the frozen era but now extinct, brought to life anew in sculptural form.

Make It York managing director Sarah Loftus says: “We’re so excited for the York Ice Trail weekend! With these stunning ice creations set to transform the city, we can’t wait to see the incredible artistry and imagination that will bring the Origins theme to life.

“We’re incredibly grateful to all the local businesses whose support makes the York Ice Trail possible. Their contributions are essential to bringing this beloved event to life, and we couldn’t do it without them. See you there!”

Icebox managing director Greg Pittard says: “We are so excited to be returning to York this year with 30 spectacular ice sculptures, each telling a different story. With years of experience and a passion for creating ice masterpieces, Icebox takes pride in turning ordinary gatherings into extraordinary experiences.

“Our team of talented artisans worked closely with Make It York and partners to craft custom ice sculptures that reflect their unique vision, making this York Ice Trail an exceptional one that guests will talk about for years to come. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll thank us for this mesmerising experience!”

Full details can be found at visityork.org/york-ice-trail.

The sculptures for York Ice Trail 2025:

Ice Ice Baby (Neon Selfie Point), Parliament Street – Provided by Make It York

Reawakening The Stories Of The Past, Parliament Street – Provided by Murton

Park Minster To Metropolis, Parliament Street – Provided by Grand Central

House Of Mouse, Church Street – Provided by Mr Chippy and City Cruises

York’s Chocolate Story-book, King’s Square – Provided by York’s Chocolate Story

Ouroboros, Shambles – Provided by The Society Of Alchemists

Prehistoric Mixie Monster, Parliament Street – Provided by YorkMix Radio

Woolly Mammoth, Fossgate – Provided by York BID

The Former Airspeed Factory, Piccadilly – Provided by SPARK: York (open from 12 noon)

Woolly Rhino, Tower Street – Provided by York BID

Coppergate Centre – 40 Years Old, Coppergate Centre – Provided by Coppergate Centre

Ate O’Clock Is 8!, High Ousegate – Provided by Ate O’Clock

From Needle & Thread, Peter Lane – Provided by Gillies Fabrics

The Ice Wall, Middletons Hotel – Provided by Make It York

The Chocolate Orange, Middletons Hotel – Provided by Icebox

City Of Treats, Middletons Hotel – Provided by Middletons Hotel

Sweet Like Chocolate, Middletons Hotel – Provided by Middletons Hotel

Glyptondon, Micklegate – Provided by York BID

Milner York: Ringing New Beginnings, The Milner York – Provided by The Milner York (formally The Principal York)

A Grand Journey, Station Rise – Provided by The Grand, York

Giant Ground Sloth, Tanner’s Moat – Provided by York BID

The Hobbits, Lendal – Provided by The Judge’s Lodging

Star Carr Stone Age Headdress, Museum Gardens – Provided by York Museums Trust

Where It All Began, Exhibition Square – Provided by North York Moors National Park

50 Years Of Railway Legends, High Petergate – Provided by National Railway Museum

At The Cutting Edge, Minster Yard (Minster Stoneyard) – Provided by York Minster

Dodo, Goodramgate – Provided by York BID York

Daffodil, Low Petergate – Provided by Bradley’s Jewellers, York

Soak In Yorkshire, Blake Street – Provided by Yorkshire Soap Company

No Longboat? No Problem, St Helen’s Square – Provided by York Park & Ride

Bettys Craft Bakery, Davygate – Provided by Bettys

Live Ice Carving From 12pm, St Sampson’s Square – Provided by Make It York

May 30, 2022June 13, 2022

Stranded in France, Kyiv City Ballet’s first show since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at York Theatre Royal on June 14 has sold out

*Poised:* *Kyiv City Ballet are heading to York Theatre Royal for one night*

KYIV City Ballet’s first British performance since Ukraine came under attack from Russia at York Theatre Royal on June 14 has sold out.

One hundred per cent of ticket sale proceeds will be donated to UNICEF’s Ukraine Appeal from the two-and-a-half-hour special performance that will be split into two parts under the direction of Ivan Kozlov and Ekaterina Kozlova. A class from the Kyiv City Ballet company will be followed by excerpts from ballets such as Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.

York Theatre Royal chief executive Tom Bird personally invited Kyiv City Ballet to perform in York after learning of the company being stranded in France, where they were on tour as the war broke out in Ukraine. The dancers have stayed there ever since, given that it is too unsafe for them to return home to Ukraine.

*“We are proud that York is able to stand in solidarity with Kyiv,” says York Theatre Royal chief executive Tom Bird, who has invited Kyiv City Ballet to the Yorkshire city*

“It’s a huge honour to be hosting Kyiv City Ballet at York Theatre Royal,” says Bird. “This is the company’s first UK appearance since their city came under attack, and we are proud that York is able to stand in solidarity with Kyiv by supporting these extraordinary dancers for this one-off visit.”

City partners in York have come together to make this fundraising performance a reality. Make It York, City of York Council and York BID are all supporting the Theatre Royal with organisation and logistics to bring Kyiv City Ballet to the city.

Eurostar and LNER have stepped in to arrange the company’s return travel from France to York; Visit York members Elmbank Hotel, Malmaison, Middletons, Sandburn Hall, The Grand, The Principal and York Marriott have offered to accommodate the company and crew during their stay, while City Cruises and Bettys will be providing additional hospitality. A Civic welcome awaits at Mansion House.

*Class act: Kyiv City Ballet will combine a dance class with excerpts from Swan Lake and The Nutcracker in June 14’s fundraising show*

First Bus will support on the visa costs to bring the company to York; remaining costs and company fees for the performance will be covered through corporate sponsorship.

Sarah Loftus, managing director of Make It York, says: “We are so proud of our city pulling together to bring the Kyiv City Ballet to York. This is a special opportunity to celebrate world-class performers, while raising vital funds for the people of Ukraine. The generosity of businesses and residents in York has made this possible.”

Councillor Darryl Smalley, executive member for culture, leisure and communities, says: “In what are incredibly dark times, it has been heartening to see York’s response as the city has come together to show our support and solidarity with our Ukrainian friends here in York and in Ukraine.

*“Art has a unique way of uniting people and that’s certainly what we need more now than ever ,” says Councillor Darryl Smalley as he welcomes Kyiv City Ballet to York*

“From donations and heart-warming signs of solidarity to housing refugees, it’s clear that we as a city are united and ready to do all we can to stand with Ukraine and its people.

“Art has a unique way of uniting people and that’s certainly what we need more now than ever. I’m grateful to all those involved for their support in setting up this amazing event. It will certainly be an emotional and wonderful evening for a crucial cause.”

Andrew Lowson, executive director of York BID, says: “It is always good to hear of high-quality cultural offerings coming to York, but for our city to attract the Kyiv City Ballet will feel really special.

*“We are so proud of our city pulling together to bring the Kyiv City Ballet to York,” says Sarah Loftus, Make It York’s managing director*

“Many of us feel helpless on how we can support Ukraine, but I know residents and businesses will want to show support and solidarity, as well as celebrate the visit of a world-renowned group of performers.”

Adam Wardale, chair of Hospitality Association York (HAY) and general manager at Middletons Hotel, said: “The members of HAY are incredibly proud to be able to offer Ukraine’s Kyiv City Ballet performers accommodation throughout their stay in York.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to support Ukraine, showing solidarity while also celebrating the arts.”

*Kyiv City Ballet: York to host first UK appearance since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine*

March 16, 2022March 16, 2022

The Howl & The Hum, Bull and Huge to play Make It York’s new YorkLife festival weekend in Parliament Street in April

*The Howl & The Hum: York Life headliners on April 3*

YORK’S new spring festival weekend will showcase the city’s musicians, performers, comedians and more besides on April 2 and 3.

Organised by Make It York, YorkLife will see more than 30 performers and organisations head to Parliament Street for a free open event from 11am to 9pm each day with no need to book tickets in advance.

The Saturday headliners will be Big Donaghy’s long-running York party band Huge; the Sunday bill will climax with The Howl & The Hum in their biggest home-city performance since gracing York Minster on May 25 2021.

Both bands will play the main YorkLife stage as part of a programme curated by York’s Music Venue Network, presenting such York acts as Bull, Kitty VR, Flatcap Carnival and Hyde Family Jam.

An array of interactive sessions will be held by York organisations, taking in theatre workshops, instrumental workshops, face painting, comedy and dance performances, plus fire performers and circus acts.

The main stage on Parliament Street will have an open viewing area with a 500 capacity, while a covered stretch tent will hold a York Gin bar and seating area for 90 people with a one-in, one-out policy.

YorkLife is supported by City of York Council’s ARG (Additional Restrictions Grant) funding, which aims to boost businesses impacted by Covid-19. The April 2 and 3 programme has been curated with York residents in mind and to support the city’s recovery from Covid.

*Big Ian Donaghy: Fronting Huge on the YorkLIfe main stage on April 2*

Councillor Darryl Smalley, executive member for culture, leisure and communities, says: “Our cultural sector is the lifeblood of our communities. There is so much talent in York, from musicians to comedians and poets to performers, which makes our city so vibrant and unique.

“YorkLife is an excellent way to celebrate our home-grown musicians and performers, particularly after what has been a challenging few years for us all. I would encourage residents to join the festival and enjoy the best of York’s own talent.”

Sarah Loftus, Make It York’s managing director, says: “YorkLife is a celebration of York talent and culture, from our street musicians to our community groups. We want to really celebrate the sense of community in York and we’re encouraging residents to join the party and see some of the hottest talent York has to offer.”

Chris Sherrington, from the York Music Venue Network, says: “It’s wonderful to have this opportunity to showcase some of York’s amazingly talented artists who have developed their careers across the city of York’s many great grassroots music venues.

“As part of YorkLife weekend, we’re looking forward to celebrating the return of live music to the city and enjoying the wonderful variety of music for one and all. This event has been a true cooperative effort of York’s event industry and creatives and we look forward to working on future events.”

To find out more about YorkLife, head to visityork.org/yorklife. The full line-up will be announced later this month.

*Bull: Home-city gig for York’s first band to sign to a major label since Shed Seven*

Confirmed acts and workshops

Musicians:

The Howl & The Hum; Huge; Bull; Kitty VR; Flatcap Carnival; Hyde Family Jam; Floral Pattern; Bargestra and Wounded Bear.

Workshops:

Mud Pie Arts: Cloud Tales interactive storytelling;

Thunk It Theatre: Build Our City theatre workshop;

Gemma Wood: York Skyline art;

Fantastic Faces: Face painting;

York Mix Radio: Quiz;

York Dance Space: Dance performance;

Burning Duck Comedy Club: Comedy night;

Henry Raby, from Say Owt: Spoken poetry;

Matt Barfoot: Drumming workshop;

Christian Topman: Ukulele workshop;

Polly Bennet: Little Vikings PQA York performing arts workshop;

Innovation Entertainment: Circus workshops.