What Is The Reignite X Event In York And Why Is It A Big Deal For Culture And Business

Ever wondered if a brilliant play, a cool piece of art, or a music festival could actually change a city? It turns out, they can. And in York, there's a special event that brings together all the clever people who make this happen. It's called Reignite, and it's back for its milestone tenth edition. Think of it as a get-together where ideas about culture, business, and technology aren't just talked about but are shown to have a real impact, not just in York but around the world. This flagship cultural event is a celebration of how creativity can fuel growth and lead to serious investment.

So, what exactly is Reignite?

Imagine a place where someone who runs an art gallery, someone who designs video games, and someone who manages a big company can all chat over a coffee. That's pretty much what Reignite is. For the past nine events, it has become a dynamic platform where worlds collide in the best possible way. It’s where culture meets business, education meets technology, and creativity connects with every part of the city's economy. The series has looked at everything from digital innovation to 'placemaking'. Placemaking might sound like a fancy word, but it's just about making places better for people to live, work, and visit, often using arts and cultural events to do it. It’s about building a community and an atmosphere, not just buildings. This series of events has consistently shown how different industries can work together to spark amazing growth.

The milestone tenth edition: exporting ideas

This time, for its big tenth birthday, the event is called Reignite X: Exporting Ideas. It’s all happening on Wednesday 1st October from 6-9pm at the brilliant York Theatre Royal. The whole point is to show how ideas born right here in Yorkshire are making waves across the globe. It's one thing to have a great idea, but it's another for it to travel and influence people internationally. This event is a proper celebration of that journey. It looks at how local creativity can build a city's reputation, attract investment, and connect communities far and wide. This isn't just a talk; after the speakers, there's time for networking, grabbing some food, and listening to a live DJ. The York BID and Aesthetica have put together an event that's about connection as much as it is about education.

Cherie Federico, the Director of Aesthetica, puts it perfectly:

“Reignite has always been about connecting ideas, industries, and people. Over the past 10 editions, the programme has explored topics ranging from the transformative power of digital innovation to the regeneration of city spaces through culture. This edition demonstrates how the creativity generated here can travel beyond our region, influencing global audiences and creating opportunities across sectors. It’s a celebration of ideas that shape reputations, attract investment, and connect communities both locally and internationally.”

Who's on the guest list?

The lineup of speakers for this event is fantastic, with each one bringing a story about how local projects had a massive impact. These aren't just any speakers; they're people at the top of their game in the arts and creative industries. Here’s a look at who will be sharing their stories:

• Delma Tomlin: As Director of the National Centre for Early Music, Delma will talk about how their recent festival in York reached over a million listeners on BBC Radio 3. That’s a local music event being heard all over the country and beyond, showing the power of regional culture.
• Tim Leigh: Tim is the Chief Creative Officer at Stage One. He'll be discussing the 2025 Serpentine Pavilion in London. Why is that relevant? Because the whole thing was designed by a famous Bangladeshi architect and then built in and shipped from York. It’s a physical example of 'exporting ideas' (and structures!).
• Paul Crewes: From the York Theatre Royal, Paul will share the story of the Gary Oldman production that sold out for 35 nights straight. This wasn't just a local hit; it got attention from media all over the world, proving that regional theatre has global potential.
• Marie-Anne McQuay: As the Curator of the Liverpool Biennial, Marie-Anne knows a thing or two about how arts can transform a city. She’ll share insights from a huge 2025 exhibition featuring over 30 international artists that shows how world-class contemporary art can boost a city's identity and its economy.

Why this matters for York (and beyond)

An event like Reignite isn't just a nice evening out. It’s a key part of what makes York a thriving place. By showing how culture and business are linked, it encourages more collaboration and more cultural ambition. When a play sells out or a festival gets national attention, it brings visitors, money, and a buzz to the city. This helps all sorts of businesses, from hotels to cafes. This flagship cultural event is about showing practical examples of how creative thinking can lead to real economic growth.

As Rachel Bean, Project Manager at York BID, said:

“Over nine events, Reignite has shown how culture intersects with business, tourism, technology, and education to create growth that reaches far beyond the creative industries. The longevity of Reignite is a testament to the impact it’s having in York and North Yorkshire, and we invite everyone to join us at this milestone event.”

The event also helps to push forward York's special status as a UNESCO City of Media Arts, cementing its reputation as a hub for creativity and innovation.

A bit about the people behind the curtain

Reignite X is supported by some key players in the city’s cultural and business scenes. Aesthetica is a big name in the arts world, known for its fantastic magazine and for organising huge events like the Aesthetica Film Festival, which runs from 5-9 November this year. The Aesthetica Film Festival is another example of how the city attracts global talent. The York BID (which stands for Business Improvement District) works to support local businesses and make the city centre a better place for everyone. Together with the York Theatre Royal and the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority, they are all working to make sure the city’s creative economy continues to thrive.

How to get involved

This event is open to everyone, whether a student, a business owner, an artist, or just someone curious about what's happening in the city. It's a chance to hear inspiring stories and meet people who are shaping the future of York's creative industries. Registration for Reignite X: Exporting Ideas is now open, and anyone can grab a spot through Eventbrite. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see firsthand how creativity in York is making a global splash.