City of York to host official Yorkshire Day Civic Celebration in 2021.
The Yorkshire Society, a not for profit organisation, are pleased to announce that the official Yorkshire Day Civic Celebration, on 1st August 2021, will be hosted by City of York Council.
Yorkshire Day has enjoyed an increasing popularity and significance since it was first established in 1975.
The decision to mark Yorkshire Day with a formal civic gathering of Mayors, Lord Mayors, their attendants and other dignitaries ‘in full costume and regalia’ was taken at a meeting attended by The Yorkshire Society of local authorities within the boundary of the three Ridings and York at County Hall, Wakefield, in 1985.
Every year since, The Yorkshire Society has awarded a town or city council the privilege of organising this official civic celebration, to formally mark the day and provide a worthy centrepiece for the thousands of public and private events that now take place.
This will be the third time York have hosted the event having been the first to do so in 1985 and again in 2000.
Councillor Janet Looker, the current Lord Mayor of York, and its first citizen, said “we are delighted that York has been selected as the host for the 2021 event. York is an incredible city, with a rich and diverse history. As the historic centre of the Three Ridings is has played a truly unique role in the long an exciting story of Yorkshire and we are thrilled to play such an important part in celebrating Yorkshire Day.”
Commenting on the impact the celebrations will have, she said “with many businesses in the city still dealing with the impact of Covid-19 restrictions, those wishing to visit to take part in the celebrations will be welcomed to enjoy our beautiful city, and support local businesses, in a safe way.”
This official civic celebration of Yorkshire Day has become an important event in Yorkshire’s calendar and is a true spectacle, providing one of the largest gatherings (if not the largest) of such civic leaders in full regalia in the world.
“In recent years we have encouraged host councils to make much more of the civic celebration”, commented Philip Bell, CEO of The Yorkshire Society. “By making the most of the occasion and encouraging the participation of the public and business community, Yorkshire Day can provide a real boost to the local economy.” He added.
Anyone wishing to get involved should contact The Yorkshire Society for further information by emailing contact@theyorkshiresociety.org.