York Dungeon Joined by Local Businesses For First Volunteer Riverside Clean Event of 2026
- Thursday 19th March 2026
A number of York businesses once again joined the York Dungeon on the 17th of March in cleaning up York’s riverside. The York Dungeon first held a riverside clean in June 2022, in support of the global conservation charity SEA LIFE TRUST and their annual Global Beach Clean. This was the 7th such event, with at least two more proposed to take place in June and September 2026.
Joining the York Dungeon were representatives from Little Vikings, Mumbler, the Grand Opera House, Mountain Goat, GMI Construction, BunzI, City Cruises and YO1 Radio. In just over one hour they collected 126kg of rubbish from the areas around King’s Staith, Tower Gardens, St George’s Field and New Walk.
Mark Mattinson, General Manager of the York Dungeon said “We can’t thank our fellow York businesses enough for supporting us on yet another riverside clean. In 2022 we hosted our first event in line with Global Beach Clean Day, and the following four events fell on the same day as either Global Beach Clean Day or World Ocean’s Day, in support of the SEA LIFE Trust.
“This is the second time we have organised our own standalone event. Thankfully the weather was very kind to us, and it made for a great hour in the sunshine supporting our local community”.
“One thing that really struck me was the number of local residents thanking us for doing it, and I can imagine it must be frustrating for them see so many people dropping rubbish and litter in the area where they live. York is a beautiful city, and if we love to do our little bit to help it keep looking its best for visitors and residents alike.”
“It was great to also see the York BID team and all of their volunteers giving up their time at King’s Staith painting bollards and railings during their Rejuvenation Day, and I think we are really lucky to have so many businesses who are happy to give up their time to help to keep our city looking its best.”
In total, the York Dungeon have collected over 430kg of rubbish and litter from the riverside areas in York since 2022.
One of the volunteers was Allie Long, Theatre Director at the Grand Opera House, who said, “It was a real pleasure to join the York Dungeons team for the Riverside Clean-Up. At the Grand Opera House we are proud to be doing our part for the environment, and as part of the wider community in York, so its important that we all play a role in looking after our shared outside spaces. It was a really worthwhile morning, to help keep our river clean - and also enjoyable to be out in the spring weather and coming together with our local business's to make a positive difference!”
Another attendee, was Chris Peg, Head of Regional Commercial, Sales & Marketing for City Cruises in York, who added, “Maintaining the cleanliness and safety of our riverside is important for the environment as well as the many local communities and visitors who enjoy these spaces every day.”
“I found a discarded knife in Tower Gardens which really brought home the importance of proactive efforts like this to keep our public areas safe and welcoming. We’re proud to support the team at York Dungeon in their clean-up efforts.”
