The city centre was transformed with colour, music, and laughter during a joyful celebration honouring older people.
Nearly 100 people took part in the York 50+ Festival’s grand parade on Saturday, October 3, filling the streets with energy and community spirit as part of International Day of Older People events.
Councillor Margaret Wells, Lord Mayor of York, welcomed the parade and praised the contribution of older residents.
Cllr Wells said: "On behalf of the city of York, it is my honour and privilege as your Lord Mayor to extend the warmest of welcomes to the 21st annual York 50+ Festival grand parade.
"When people look around this square today, they will see they are not just surrounded by ancient stone, but by the vibrant, pulsing life and energy that you have brought through our streets.
"You’ve raised our spirits, so congratulations – you have completely transformed the heart of York today.
"You have filled York with colour, music and something even better – an unmistakable sense of fun.
"As we mark the International Day of Older People this week, your parade is a powerful, living demonstration of what it means to age well, to stay connected, and what it is like to live with boundless creativity and fun."
The Mad Hatters-themed parade began with a performance by the York Wellbeing Choir in St Helen’s Square and included a stop at York Museum Gardens for a musical interlude by the Musical Connections choir.
The event concluded with a Mayoral greeting and tribute to our elders and a well-earned cuppa at St Sampson’s Centre.
Dianne Willcocks, vice chair of York Older People’s Assembly (YOPA), said: "What a glorious sun-filled day.
"I loved the joy and generosity created by performers and participants alike.
"And we won so many new friends as the Mad Hatters parade took our 'positive ageing' messages through the city.
"The photos will show that we won support from all ages and all sections of our community – including, importantly, the wonderful validating words of our Lord Mayor.
"A good day for York."
Carl Wain, deputy chief executive of Age UK York, reflected on the broader impact of the event.
Mr Wain said: "Festivals like this are important because they provide an opportunity to raise the profile of older people and celebrate positivity, fun and inclusion, while helping to challenge some of the stereotypes associated with ageing.
"They also create an opportunity for people to socialise, come together and connect around a shared theme.
"At its heart, it’s about challenging ageism and creating spaces where people can feel included, valued and able to have a good time."
YOPA has led the city’s International Day of Older People collaboration for three consecutive years.