With 1st August almost upon us, there are lots of events going on to mark Yorkshire Day this year. This is a day to celebrate the heritage, history, culture, achievements and sheer beauty of God’s Own County; The WHOLE COUNTY! It is therefore important that the first thing all Yorkshire folk do on this day is recognise what the “whole county” is.
Despite many changes to the boundaries of Local Government Areas and the introduction of Lieutenancies (confusingly often called “Administrative Counties” and “Ceremonial Counties” respectively), the boundaries of the true County of Yorkshire are not those around East, North, West and South Yorkshire but remain to be those around the three Ridings and City of York that everybody recognised as Yorkshire prior to 1974. Confirmation of this is stated in the Yorkshire Declaration of Integrity that is read out and declared every Yorkshire Day, as follows:
“I, (name), being a resident of the [West/North/East] Riding of Yorkshire [or City of York] declare:
That Yorkshire is three Ridings and the City of York, with these Boundaries of (no of years) years standing;
That the address of all places in these Ridings is Yorkshire;
That all persons born therein or resident therein and loyal to the Ridings are Yorkshiremen and women;
That any person or corporate body which deliberately ignores or denies the aforementioned shall forfeit all claim to Yorkshire status.
These declarations made this Yorkshire Day [year]. God Save the Queen!”
We list, below, some of the Yorkshire Day events going on around the County for your interest. Do not be surprised to find amongst them events taking place in parts of Yorkshire situated beyond the LGAs/Lieutenancies mentioned above.
(Click titles for links to further details):
City of York – Official Yorkshire Day Civic Celebration.
Uppermill, Saddleworth – Yorkshire declaration, parade, brass band and traditional Country Fayre.
Sewerby Hall and Gardens – Mixing tradition with fun, music, theatre, and activities.
Whitby Bandstand – Yorkshire Day of folk & acoustic music.
Nunnington Hall – A day celebrating all things Yorkshire.
Halifax Piece Hall – A Yorkshire Day celebration with a fun-filled programme of family activities, dancing and live music from home-grown regional artists.
Dentdale – Raising of the White Rose.
Filey – Raising the flag, Yorkshire Declaration, performance by The Ramshackle Shanty Men and more.
Keighley – Yorkshire fun and entertainment.
Finally, we at YDM wish you all a very happy Yorkshire Day!