York River Art Market launches for 2025 with new artists

York River Art Market runs in the first three August weekends in Dame Judi Dench Walk, next to Museum Gardens in York.

Around 50 stalls line the riverside walk from Lendal Bridge to Scarborough Bridge.

Around 50 stalls from traders line the route of Dame Judi Dench Walk (Image: Supplied) Organiser Charlotte Dawson said: “The first day (August 2) was a huge success with great footfall, possibly the busiest I’ve ever seen it, complimented by the excellent weather.

“The York Civic Party visited, spoke with local artists and we were complimented on the great atmosphere and how the market looked like it had something for everyone.”

Members of the York Civic Party came along to the opening day, joining organiser Charlotte Dawson (second right) (Image: Supplied) The Press spoke to a couple of the traders about the atmosphere and location.

John, proprietor of York Swirling Soapery in Acomb said: “This is the market that I most look forward to of the many I show at each year.

“It’s well organised and supported from locals and tourists and everyone is polite and nice.

“It’s such a picturesque location – I heard someone saying ‘It feels a bit Parisien’.

“It’s in that part of York where many people would also want to come for a stroll anyway.

“It’s a very diverse event, when there’s overlap among the artists, there’s no sense that anyone is stepping on the other’s toes.

“The traders are really good people, we are familiar with each other from other markets and there was a coffee run amongst us all this morning.” (August 3)

Richard Gibson from Thixendale-based Wold Wire Sculptures agreed with the tranquility of the location.

He’s at the market this weekend and next.

Richard Gibson of Wold Wire Sculptures (Image: Kevin Glenton) He said: “If I’m completely honest I’ve always liked it here, and then you get familiar with other artists on the circuit who recommend York River Art Market.

“It’s nice spending a day by the river.

“I’m really lucky that there is so much wildlife around Thixendale, I often create my works from memory rather than carrying a camera around all the time.”

York River Art Market is happening over the first three weekends in August in Dame Judi Dench Walk, between 10am and 5.30pm.