New-look boundary signs celebrate York’s historic international links

York’s boundary signs are getting a fresh new look this month, with visual links to the city’s twinned European cities.

Twinning links similar communities in different countries to enable them to share knowledge about their way of life, discuss mutual problems, form cultural and social links, and develop friendships.

The boundary sign initiative – which has been funded by donations from the Twinning Associations of Dijon and Münster and “York for Europe”, a local non-party political campaign group– enables the city to celebrate its historic links with Europe forged following World War II to show solidarity and friendship.

York has strong connections with several cities as part of its sister and twin city agreements, the first of which was formed with Dijon, France, in 1953 and the second, 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 

For full details of York’s boundary signs visit www.york.gov.uk/WelcomeSigns

For more information on York’s twinned and sister cities visit www.york.gov.uk/InternationalRelations

 ENDS