Welcome to Yorkshire
Inspiration • August 5th, 2026
|The North of England is making waves in the creative industries, particularly in film and television production. On 23rd September 2026, the next event in the Reignite series will take place at City Screen York, titled Reignite XVI: Screen Industries & The North. This gathering aims to bring together industry leaders, filmmakers, and regional stakeholders to discuss the future of the screen economy in the North.
Reignite XVI Overview
The Reignite series has established itself as a vital platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration within the creative sector, having welcomed over 3,500 attendees to date. The upcoming event will focus on the opportunities available for innovation and growth within the screen industries. It will feature presentations from key organisations such as Film Hub North and Screen Yorkshire, alongside a selection of short films curated by Film Hub North.
York's Growing Importance
York is increasingly recognised as a hub for creative industries and screen production. This event underscores the city’s role as a focal point for collaboration and talent development. The North is becoming a significant player in the screen production landscape, with a growing number of television series and films being produced in the area. Productions like Bridgerton, Peaky Blinders, and Adolescence have put the North on the global map, showcasing its potential as a centre for cultural investment and creative enterprise.
Impact on the Economy
The growth of the screen industry in the North extends beyond just films and television. It has a ripple effect across various sectors, including hospitality, tourism, retail, and education. The production activity generates substantial economic value, helping to build long-term infrastructure and skills development in the region. This interconnected growth is vital for creating a resilient creative economy that benefits not only the film industry but also the wider community.
Significance of the Event
The timing of Reignite XVI is crucial, as it acts as a prelude to the BAFTA-Qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival, which transforms York into an international hub for film, music, games, and podcasting. This festival attracts thousands of visitors and features collaborations with major organisations like Audible, Ridley Scott Associates, and Aardman Animations. These connections reinforce York’s status as a significant centre for creative exchange and industry development.
What to Expect at Reignite XVI
Attendees can look forward to an engaging evening filled with insightful discussions and networking opportunities. The programme includes:
Presentations from Jen Barfield (Film Hub North) and Caroline Cooper-Charles (Screen Yorkshire), who will discuss the opportunities and practical steps for the North to compete on a national and international level.
A curated screening of short films featuring works like Meat Raffle by Stuart Armstrong and Safe by Debbie Howard, followed by a Q&A session with filmmakers.
Voices from the Industry
Director of Aesthetica, Cherie Federico, highlighted the significance of the Reignite network:
“The North is no longer operating at the margins of the screen industries; it is actively shaping them.”
This sentiment reflects the growing confidence in the North’s creative identity and its capacity to compete globally across various media.
Rachel Bean, Project Manager at York BID, echoed this sentiment:
“York is experiencing a sustained period of creative and economic growth driven by the screen industries.”
She noted that Reignite plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts among businesses and institutions to ensure that this growth is inclusive and long-lasting.
How to Get Involved
Those interested in attending Reignite XVI can book tickets through Eventbrite. The event will take place from 6 PM to 9 PM on Wednesday, 23rd September 2026.
