York Civic Party

Each year, York’s Civic Party selects a local charity to support during their time in office. For 2026 to 2027, the Right Honourable Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Margaret Wells, and the Sheriff of York, Geoff Cossins, are proud to be raising funds and awareness for York Cares.

Throughout the year, they’ll be hosting a programme of fundraising events — from quiz nights to community fun days — and we’d love for you to be part of it. Browse the events below and book your place.

About the Civic Party

Councillor Margaret Wells has represented her ward of Clifton since 2015 and became Lord Mayor of York in 2024, continuing in the role for the 2026/27 civic year. Alongside Sheriff Geoff Cossins and their Consorts, she leads a fundraising committee made up of the Civic Party, charity representatives, and invited community members — working together to raise both funds and awareness for York Cares over the coming year.

The Charity — York Cares

York Cares is a charity with York at its heart, dedicated to making our city a better place to live and work. For over 20 years, they’ve helped local communities thrive — inspiring young people and those out of work to reach their full potential, tackling social isolation, and supporting green spaces across the city.

Working in partnership with over 30 of York’s leading employers, York Cares brings people together to make a tangible difference where it’s needed most. In 2025 alone, over 2,000 employee-volunteers donated more than 10,000 hours, improving 37 green sites, inspiring over 3,000 pupils, and connecting 270 older and younger neighbours.

York Cares is also supported this year by Shared York CIC, a community interest company using culture and creativity to reduce loneliness and strengthen connection across York.