Lucy Hook Designs’ poster for York River Art Market’s tenth anniversary in 2025
AFTER a decade by the Ouse riverside on Dame Judi Dench Walk, by Lendal Bridge, York River Art Market is to take a year off in 2026.
Announcing the decision behind the fallow summer on Instagram, organiser, artist and tutor Charlotte Dawson says: “The 2026 January Call Out will not be happening. After ten years of YRAM, I have decided to take a break next summer. There will be no YRAM 2026.
“Though part of me feels a little sad, it has been ten years since I took all of the summer holidays off. I have also just recently started a new job, which I am still navigating. It also involves a lot of admin work, particularly so around the time when I’d be doing an intense amount of admin for YRAM. This would be too much for me, been (sic) so new in the job.”
York River Art Market organiser Charlotte Dawson
In 2025, York River Art Market was held on three August weekends, from 10am to 5.30pm each day, when 30 artists and designers set up stalls each day by the Museum Gardens railings.
York’s answer to Paris’s Left Bank offers the chance to buy directly from the makers of ceramics, jewellery, paintings, prints, photographs, clothing, candles, soaps, cards and more besides. Admission is free.
Charlotte adds: “I love YRAM and I am so happy that it has become a York summertime staple thanks to your continued support. I hope that you love it as much as me and will return as an artist or visitor in 2027. Have a wonderful festive period. Love, Charlotte.”
Enjoy the thoroughly deserved break, Charlotte. Roll on 2027.