Residents’ views sought for city charter celebrations

In 1212, King John signed a charter, which allowed the city to elect a mayor and a council for the first time to govern itself.

Before that the city had been under the direct rule of the King via his sheriff and the citizens had very little control over how their city was run.

York’s Cultural partnership York@Large is organising a programme of events running from January to December 2012 to mark the anniversary.

And they are hoping residents across the city will get involved in the celebrations.

Highlights already planned include a major event on Charter Day in the city centre involving community choirs and other vocalists performing a new choral composition and the Mystery Plays running throughout August in the Museum Gardens.

York Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, culture and social inclusion, Sonja Crisp, said: “I am delighted that the council is able to play a key role in coordinating a whole year’s worth of events to celebrate York 800.

“I am personally very keen to ensure that residents get involved as much as possible. I hope we can build on their love of this beautiful city to create a memorable year for them in 2012.”

The head of arts and culture at City of York Council, Gill Cooper, said: “We want to create a year of events that will make people feel proud of York’s past, celebrate its present, and embrace its the future.

“Charter Day 1212 gave people in York a voice for the first time and we want to make sure that voice is heard loud and clear as part of the city’s 2012. We’d really like to hear from residents, local community groups and organisations about how they would like to get involved.”

Former resident Clifford Smith, who now lives in the Doncaster area, said he was looking forward to the forthcoming events.

He said: “King John is an interesting historical figure and I’m keen to find out more about him and that period.”

Residents can contact [email protected] with ideas.