Yorkshire Day Celebrations Set To Light Up Bradford District

The Bradford district is set to show it’s pride as the UK’s largest county comes together to celebrate Yorkshire Day.

Marking the occasion, Bradford City Hall’s clock tower will be illuminated in the iconic blue, white, and yellow of the Yorkshire flag. In addition, flags will adorn the district, and the bells of City Hall will chime the beloved tune of “On Ilkla Moor Baht’at,” Yorkshire’s official anthem.

A highlight of the festivities is the Great Yorkshire Day Time Machine event at the Bradford Industrial Museum on Thursday, 1 August, from 11am to 3pm. This Bradford Council-run museum invites visitors to travel back through time, meeting historical figures from Romans and Vikings to Victorians and Industrialists. The event promises hands-on activities, including clay face making, street games, face painting, and the chance to craft a shield for a Viking longboat.

Irene Lofthouse will bring Yorkshire’s history to life with engaging tales from the past. Visitors can also follow the Yorkshire timeline to test their knowledge of the county’s storied past. The café, run by Lily and Lister, will serve freshly roasted coffee and delectable treats.

Adding to the fun, the annual Yorkshire Hat Throwing Championships will see competitors aiming to land hats on a hatstand, with successful throws earning certificates. Hats will be provided for those who don’t bring their own. The event will also feature the proclamation of the Yorkshire Declaration, encouraging attendees to dress up in celebration.

In Ilkley, the Yorkshire Declaration will be read by Town Crier Isabel Ashman at an event organised by Ilkley Town Council. Taking place on Thursday, 1 August, from 11.30am to 12pm at Station Plaza, the event will feature live music and a display of Yorkshire flags, culminating in a communal singing of “On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘At.”

Keighley Town Council has also planned a full Yorkshire day of activities for the 1st of August from 10am to 4pm. Families can enjoy free activities like inflatables, sports, face painting, donkey rides, balloon modelling, and a birds of prey display. Other attractions include a circus workshop, ferret racing, and a chance to meet princesses. Various rides, stalls, and food and drink vendors will add to the festive atmosphere.

The Yorkshire Dialect Society will also be host an event at Keighley Local Studies Library on Saturday, 3 August, from 2pm to 4pm. Presentations on the society’s pioneers, dialect readings, and recitals will offer a deep dive into Yorkshire’s linguistic heritage.

Baildon will kick off its celebrations with a historical walk starting at 10.30am at the famous Baildon Potted Meat Stick, ending at noon with a Yorkshire Declaration proclamation. Baildon’s festivities extend to Saturday, 3 August, featuring clog dancing, dry stone walling demonstrations, and performances by the Bradford Concert Band and Baildon Strummers. The day will also include stalls selling local crafts, Yorkshire dialect readings, and an open mic poetry session.

Children can also participate in White Rose flag making at Baildon Library, and there will be Yorkshire-themed activities at Shipley Glen Tramway and Bracken Hall Countryside Centre. Evening events include a Ceilidh and a talk and quiz on Yorkshire, followed by a meal of traditional Yorkshire fare.

For those seeking more active celebrations, a Yorkshire Day Parkrun at Saltaire’s Roberts Park invites participants to wear flat caps. The run will feature cakes, decorations, fancy dress prizes, and numerous photo opportunities.

Councillor Bev Mullaney, Lord Mayor of Bradford, expressed her enthusiasm for the celebrations:

“With so many fabulous Yorkshire Day events across the district there is sure to be something for everyone as we celebrate our distinctive and varied Yorkshire heritage. So, fly your Yorkshire flag, wear your flat cap, tuck in to Yorkshire delicacies including our wonderful Yorkshire puddings and be proud of our Yorkshire roots and links. Happy Yorkshire Day!”