Thor’s York city centre pitch secure ahead of 2026 launch

Thor’s application to get planning permission for its Parliament Street pitch for another five years has been approved by City of York Council.

Fabler, the company behind the venue, said they hoped the family-friendly venue would continue to help increase footfall in the city centre and give the space a sense of purpose.

Two public comments lodged about the plans claimed it would be visually intrusive and would affect street performers and nearby church services on Sundays.

Council planning officers stated it would not have any unacceptable effect on the surrounding area and listed buildings, with the space already used for a number of events.

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It comes ahead of Thor’s opening for this summer on Saturday, May 22.

Plans for the venue this year includes a Nordic-style tipi along with a bar, street food truck and a new family pop-up park provided by York’s Business Improvement District (BID).

It is also set to feature fire pits and a performance space for live music and other acts.

Thor’s is set to run in Parliament Street until Sunday, September 6.

It is set to open from 11am to 7.30pm Monday to Wednesday, until 9.30pm from Thursday to Saturday and until 8pm on Sundays.

Fabler, which also runs Dusk and House of Trembling Madness, is run by York-based couple Amanda and Richard Monaghan.

The firm’s plans stated they applied for permission for the pitch for 16 weeks between May and September until 2030 to save time and money by not lodging multiple applications.

An impression showing how Thor’s in Parliament Street, York, could look in 2026 (Image: Fabler)

Concerns raised in public comments on the plans include claims it would stop others from using the space for a significant portion of the year.

They also claimed an increase in footfall in an already busy pedestrian area could cause safety issues.

Thor’s plans stated their welcoming, fully-accessible venue aimed to draw in locals, visitors and families.

They added noise was not expected to affect any neighbouring homes or businesses, with its small speakers positioned to face away from them.

Plans stated: “Thor’s is more than just a bar, we’re community creators.

“The tipi has been developed in order to create a welcoming space.

“It will be a welcome break for families and shoppers- a green space for everyone to enjoy.”

Thor’s venues have been in York since 2015 when it first appeared as a pop-up bar during York Christmas Market.

Its Parliament Street venue first opened in 2021 and has become a yearly fixture since.

It is one of three in York along with Thor’s tipis in the grounds of The Milner hotel and a winter venue in Museum Gardens.