New signs at city boundary celebrate York's international links
The boundary sign initiative is said to celebrate the city's historical links with Europe
The boundary signs for York have seen a fresh upgrade, just in time for Christmas.
They've been made with visual links to the city's twinned European cities in mind - thanks to donations from the Twinning Associations of Dijon and Münster and “York for Europe”, a local non-party political campaign group.
City of York Council say the initiative enables the city to celebrate its historic links with Europe forged following World War II to show solidarity and friendship.
Back in 1953, York formed its first 'twinned city' initiative with Dijon in France, while the city twinned with Münster, Germany, in 1957.
Councillor Darryl Smalley, the council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Communities, said: “York’s international links are valued home and abroad, and these new-look signs are a fantastic way to celebrate our friendship with our twinned cities. I’m particularly pleased that we’ve been able to support this community-led initiative, showcasing York’s warm welcome to visitors from across the world.”
Don Lodge from York for Europe, said: “We are delighted to be associated with the Twin Town signs at the entrances to York; a timely reminder of the cosmopolitan nature of York city. We maintain that awareness and understanding throughout Europe are even more important at this time. York for Europe continues to enhance friendship and cultural links throughout the continent.”
Dijon Association Chair, Chris Kyriacou, and Münster Twinning Association Chair, Ursula Lanvers, said: “We are absolutely delighted that we have been able to raise the funds needed to add to our boundary ‘Welcome to York’ road signs that York is twinned with Dijon and Münster. Thanks are also due to many others who have supported this project and to those who have overseen the final stage of this project's completion.”
York’s current boundary signs were first installed in 2019, replacing ones which were over 25 years old, and were chosen in collaboration with Make it York. Designed by York-based design agency Lazenby Brown, they celebrate York’s unique strengths and highlight aspects of the city's rich culture, unique heritage and contribution to the world.
The signs include a welcome to visitors on the front and one of ten images on the reverse:
- Stained glass
- The river
- Angle Saxon helmet
- The City walls
- Chocolate
- Fibre optic cable
- International food festival
- Footsteps
- Theatre curtain
- Train wheel
You can find out more about the boundary signs here.
You can find out more about York’s twinned and sister cities here.