‘This is the date where we can hopefully get back to the new normal’

Andrew Lowson, executive director of the York BID (Business Improvement District), has been talking to YorkMix about the reopening.

He said: “I think everyone’s excited. Hospitality, it makes a big difference for them being able to actually have their indoor facilities open – because much as we like to do al fresco in this country, and we’ve embraced it more, as we know the British weather isn’t always conducive to that.

“Having the indoor capacity will make a big difference. Retail will really appreciate it as well people come into a city like York to shop, then have a cup of tea, have a meal.

“I think a lot of people now will be seeing this as a date where hopefully, we can get back to to normal, or the new normal.”

He said York needs domestic tourism to do well, with the continued restrictions on international travel.

York’s ‘experience economy’ – boosted today by the opening of the Hole In Wand, which he described as ‘a great addition to the city’ – was crucial to bringing people in.