The 4ith annual Yorkshire Heritage Summit, supporting those organisations who promote and protect Yorkshire’s history and heritage, took place at Skipton Town Hall on 13th May. It was officially opened by Cllr Claire Nash, the Mayor of Skipton, who visited all the exhibitors showing a genuine and keen interest in their work.

The event, organised by The Yorkshire Society, as part of its Yorkshire Heritage Guardians programme, provides the many not-for-profit organisations and charities who look after our heritage with an opportunity to network and meet the public. Previously held in Pontefract, Saltaire and Hull in 2024, this year’s Heritage Summit comprised a free to enter exhibition, with over 30 organisations showcasing their work, and an educational symposium themed around ‘a sense of place’, at which a number of noted speakers gave presentations which were followed by a lively and informative open discussion.

The event was enhanced by folk music from Dales Music and Dance Collective, who were exhibiting, and guided walks of Skipton provided by Skipton Civic Society, who we would like to thank for their help, along with Skipton BID too.  We should also thank the weather, which was glorious and helped bring the crowds to Skipton, many if whom then popped in to the exhibition to meet the exhibitors giving the room a real buzz.

Feedback from all concerned has been positive with some suggestions and ideas to improve things next year, and plans for the 2025 Heritage Summit are already in hand.

GALLERY

Exhibitors welcome the Mayor for the official opening.

The renovated Skipton Town Hall provided a perfect venue.

SYMPOSIUM REPORT

An informative 20 page report captures everything from the Symposium. Ask for a FREE copy.

We have created a full report on the Sympoium, with copies of the speakers presentations and highlights of the discussion that took place. For a free pdf copy, please write to: heritage@theyorkshiresociety.org

SPECIAL THANKS

The Society would like to thank our volunteer members who organised the event, specially Paul Cartwright (Chair of Pontefract Civic Society) and Colin Speakman (Author and historian).

For further information, or to find out how to join the Yorkshire Heritage Guardians, please write to: heritage@theyorkshiresociety.org