behind the scenes spark

YorKAOS returns to SPARK for 2026’s Celebration of Young Artists

Showcasing the creativity of York’s young artists while raising funds for local charities.

Win with SPARK and Grand Central Rail

Tis the season for a trip to SPARK, with free Grand Central train tickets!

Brassic star Joseph Gilgun unveils his first ever public artwork

“We’re completely honoured to host this striking and important piece of public art.”

Things To Do in York at Christmas: The Independent Edit

Festive food, lights and markets – start Christmas in York at SPARK.

Nurturing Emerging Talent with York Comedy Society

Let’s create something brilliant together.

Drag Race UK Star to Perform Stand-Up in York

We’re running up that hill because we’re so excited!

Vote for some of our traders at the YorkMix 2025 Choice Awards Final

They’re in the final – now they need your help to win!

SPARK nominated as UK Social Enterprise Award Finalist

The awards celebrate the leading lights in our sector, showcasing diversity and impact.

Keep Hydrated During the Heatwave

Try your luck with our Summer Drink Generator!

Introducing Piccadilly Sunset

Our collaboration beer with Turning Point Brew Co.

SPARK named Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Winner for 2025

“It’s an amazing recognition of all the hard work from our staff and traders.

Taskmaster Star to Perform Stand-Up at SPARK

“We’re genuinely buzzing to have Sam Campbell at SPARK”

Top 5 Outdoor Places to Eat and Drink in York

100% independent, zero chains.

Play the SPARK Scramble with YorkMix Radio

Find the letters, guess the word, get the chance to win!

A fresh new look for The General Store

The fight against food waste.

My Experience at SPARK: Ben Dale

Find out more from our work experience student Ben!

Make Space Exhibition to explore why teenage girls stop using parks

It aims to make the case that “public space design” affects girls’ and women’s use of parks.

Should York go straight on your UK foodie bucket list?

Yes, obviously!

Free activity books at SPARK

A fun-filled activity books – perfect for keeping little ones entertained!

Getting from University of York to SPARK

First York run local bus services from University of York to SPARK and the City Centre!

Welcome to our new-look website

It’s still the SPARK you know and love!

Discover the latest student discounts

From burgers, to coffee, and even groceries, discover the latest student offers from our traders!
A photo of the terrace at Spark

SparkExplainer: What is a CIC and why it matters for local communities

What exactly is a CIC, and why is it such an important part of Spark?
A photo of four children, all wearing masks. One is a dinosaur, one is an elephant, one is wearing a colourful mask, and the other is a giraffe.

YorKAOS: A Celebration of Young Artists in York

Showcasing the creativity of York’s young artists while raising funds for local charities.
People looking at artwork

Greener Piccadilly Art Exhibition

Check out the inspiring works from our 2024 art competition.
A woman holding a photo of leaves

Artist Spotlight: Mercedes Toon

We chat with rising artist Mercedes Toon about her journey in textile design, her REACH Awards win, and her dreams.
Two England footballers celebrating

The Euros 2024 prize draw

Share a snap of yourself supporting England in the Euros for your chance to win.
The text "Art Competition"

SPARK* ART COMPETITION: Give Piccadilly a green makeover!

Unleash your creativity and imagine Piccadilly as a vibrant, eco-friendly street!
A woman in a white coat inspecting herbs growing in a shipping container

Exploring the Future of Farming

Delve into the fascinating world of sustainable agriculture with Grow It York!
Artworks hanging in the Show space

Imagine summer in York 100 years later – Art Exhibition

See all the brilliant artworks submitted to our art competition in the summer 2023.
A stamp with the text "To Santa"

Christmas Gift Guide

In need of last minute Christmas gift? We got you covered with our selection of original presents from local businesses.
A woman smiling outside a shop called "Just Smile Designs"

Success Stories – Just Smile Designs

The final episode of our ”Success Stories” series, featuring a cute little gift shop, Just Smile Designs.
A bowl of fish

Success Stories – Fish and Forest

The fourth episode of our ”Success Stories” series, featuring Fish and Forest, masters of seasonal sustainable fish.
The Tricolor family before leaving to their first premises! August 2022.

Success Stories – Tricolor York

The third episode of our ”Success Stories” series, featuring Tricolor York, slinging the best Colombian food in town.
A garage with the text "Car Hire" on the site of Spark York

Remembering Reynard’s Garage

Remembering the building that once stood on 17-21 Piccadilly, York.
Two women outside a store with the sign "Helston Street"

Success Stories – Helston Street

The second episode of our ”Success Stories” series, featuring queens of the dried floristry, Helston Street.
Interior of the Frango Eduardo restaurant with a man sat at a table

Success Stories – Frango Eduardo

The first video of our ”Success Stories” series, featuring Portuguese cuisine legends, Frango Eduardo.
A woman on a beach

Release, let go, sink deeper, fill up

Find out more about Kat of All The Aces and her reiki infused soundbath sessions
A photo with the text "Art competition - image summer in York 100 years later"

SPARK* ART COMPETITION: Summer in York 100 years later

CALL FOR ENTRIES 1st July – 20th August 2023
A woman doing stretches in a studio

Get active in the New Year!

Learn about the wholesome fitness classes brought to you by Ossie Studio!

Quingo

Our beloved quiz/bingo lovechild returns on Wednesdays!
Exterior of Spark with the text Studio spelt out in windows

SPARK* Studios!

We are excited to announce our three new spaces at SPARK!