Yorkshire Day
Celebrated annually on August 1st, Yorkshire Day is a holiday that celebrates Yorkshire County in the United Kingdom. Although it originally began as a military holiday, today it has grown into a day that everyone can enjoy. Many people now take a road trip to Yorkshire on the 1st of August to enjoy the quaint charm, the warm people, and the good food of this ancient county.
United Kingdom (Observance)History of Yorkshire Day
Originally, this day was celebrated by the successors of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI), but it wasn’t known as Yorkshire Day. Instead, it was called Minden Day—a day that commemorates the regiment’s forerunners at the Battle of Minden during the Seven Years’ War. This day also happened to be the day that slaves were emancipated in the United Kingdom in 1834. In 1975, the holiday was appropriated by the Yorkshire Ridings Society and celebrated originally in Beverley. This celebration started out as a protest movement against the Local Government Act of 1972—which took effect in 1974. However, over the years, the celebrations have taken on a more lighthearted mood.
Yorkshire Day Customs & Traditions
There are a number of ways to enjoy Yorkshire Day. You can travel to this county and enjoy some of its iconic food, which includes Yorkshire Pudding, Wensleydale Cheese & fruit, Ginger Beer, Pikelets, and Parkin. You can also check out some of the activities listed below:
Halifax Yorkshire Day – This event usually involves sonnet readings, face painting, and various competitions. There is also usually some form of civic ceremony performed on this day.
Tapton Hall in Sheffield – Tapton Hall usually celebrates this holiday with traditional music from local bands, some form of raffle, and a themed afternoon tea.
Yorkshire Day Chocolate Workshop in Scarborough – What would Yorkshire Day be without a chocolate fountain or at least a proper Yorkshire Tea Cup?
St. Peter’s Church House in Norton – If you’re looking for fun and games in Yorkshire, then St. Peter’s Church House has you covered. On Yorkshire Day, they feature horseshoe and flat cap throwing, a BBQ, outdoor games, and even a band.
The Jorvik Medieval Festival – Looking for a medieval adventure? Then head on over to the Jorvik Medieval Festival and enjoy medieval combat, falconry, and archery.
If none of those activities suit your fancy, then Yorkshire Day can be celebrated by walking on Ilkley Moor, trying some Yorkshire Beers (Tetley’s, Theakston, Sam Smith’s, or John Smith’s), or watching the “Four Yorkshiremen” sketch by Monty Python. After all, there is something for every member of the family to do in Yorkshire on Yorkshire Day. And don’t forget to use the hashtag #yorkshireday for all your social media postings on this day.
United Kingdom (Observance)
