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York High Street Forum logo

This website is brought to you by York High Street Forum who support traders, partners, and community organisations with simple, positive communication.

We share updates, highlight good news, and help connect the people who make York’s high streets thrive.

No committees.

No membership.

Just communication, connection and collaboration.

Our Focus

The York High Street Forum has always been about connection, communication and community spirit. As the city centre has grown and partnerships have strengthened, our role has naturally evolved too.

Today, the Forum continues — but in a more modern and sustainable way.

We aim to complement the brilliant work already happening across the city, not duplicate it. Our focus is on keeping communication flowing, supporting collaboration and celebrating the good that’s happening on York’s high streets.

Photo of Shambles in York

Our Evolution

As York’s city-centre landscape developed — with ever-closer collaboration between York BID, Make It York, Indie York, the York Hospitality Association, Trader Associations and City of York Council — it became clear that the Forum needed to adapt.

Formal meetings, committees and venue costs were no longer the best or most effective way to support traders.
So, we’ve evolved into a light-touch social enterprise, allowing us to continue our work voluntarily in a way that is:

  • Flexible

  • Community-focused

  • Easy for traders to access

  • Sustainable for the future

What This Means

The Forum now operates through:

  • Simple communication and updates

  • Monthly Trader Drop-In Sessions

  • Stronger links across city-centre partners

  • A welcoming place for connection and collaboration

  • Positive York stories

No committees. No formal structure. Just a positive, practical way to support the people who make York’s high streets such special places.

Communication

Sharing key updates from York BID, Make It York, Indie York,  York Hospitality Association, City of York Council  & street associations.

Connection

Keeping traders informed and connected through simple monthly touchpoints and shared city-centre updates.

Collaboration

Highlighting great work happening across York and supporting positive relationships between partners and traders.

Trader Drop-in Surgeries

On the second Tuesday of every month, traders are welcome to join us for a relaxed drop-in session.

Share issues, ask questions, or simply keep in touch with what’s happening across the city centre.

No booking needed — just pop in.

Find out more

Positive York

Positive York is our celebration of the people and stories behind York’s high streets.

We shine a light on creativity, community spirit, and the small moments that make each street special.

Our first edition launches in January 2026.

Read More