York will host representatives from the UK’s 14 most creative cities next week.

Reignite XI will take place on the 6th of November at the Yorkshire Museum and Guildhall from 6PM to 9PM, with all UK UNESCO creative cities taking part. Organised by the York BID and Aesthetica: the event aims to increase collaboration between cities and discuss new projects.

This will be followed by the UNESCO EXPO, held at the Guildhall, where over 40 local creative businesses will showcase their work.

York has a unique position as the UK’s only City of Media Arts, and will be joined by other cities recognised for their cultural impact: Edinburgh, Manchester, Norwich, and Exeter as Cities of Literature; Belfast, Glasgow, and Liverpool as Cities of Music; Bristol and Bradford as Cities of Film; Dundee as a City of Design; and Perth as a City of Craft and Folk Arts.

Reignite started in September 2023, and aims to help creative buisnesses and cultural arts in York, such as using the city’s UNESCO status.

Charles Federico, Director of Aesthetica, said: “Reignite XI celebrates the UK’s creative excellence and demonstrates the vital role of the creative industries in our developing economy.

“As highlighted in the UK Industrial Strategy, culture and creativity are central to driving innovation, growth, and global competitiveness.

“By bringing together the UK’s UNESCO Creative Cities, Reignite XI showcases how collaboration across disciplines fuels sustainable economic and cultural development.”

The development is expected to have a positive effect on Yorkshire. York is the UK’s only City of Media Arts as well as Bradford being the UK’s City of Culture for 2025.

Rachel Bean, Project Manager at York BID, said: “This event turns recognition into action. Reignite XI demonstrates how UNESCO designations can be leveraged to make a tangible impact, fostering collaboration, innovation, and cultural leadership that benefits all sectors of business, cities, and communities.”

Reignite XI is running alongside the 15th edition of the Aesthetica Short Film Fesitval, one of the UK’s largest film events of the year. The BAFTA and BIFA film qualifying festival brings filmakers from all over the nation to York for the chance to be considered for BAFTA nomination.