Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on July 30th, 2026
•The sound of brass music rang out across the beautiful hills of West Yorkshire as the Emley Moor Brass Band gathered to celebrate Yorkshire Day in a special performance beneath the towering Emley Moor Transmitter. This event brought together two of the county's most iconic symbols, showcasing the pride and joy of being from Yorkshire.
On Yorkshire Day itself (Saturday 1st August), the band will be playing at Emley Show.
Celebrating Yorkshire Day
Every year on 1 August, Yorkshire Day is celebrated, honouring the rich traditions, culture, and achievements of this historic county. The day was first officially marked in the 1970s by the Yorkshire Ridings Society, and since then, it has become a moment for people to come together and celebrate everything Yorkshire has to offer.
This year, the festivities were enhanced by the delightful sounds of brass music, which added to the sense of community and celebration.
The Emley Moor Transmitter, standing tall at 330 metres, is known as Britain’s tallest freestanding structure and serves as a critical piece of national infrastructure. It is a familiar sight for many in the region and a source of regional pride.
Craig Kelly, Head of Engineering – North for Arqiva, expressed his feelings about the day:
“As proud Yorkshire people, we're delighted to have a dedicated day to celebrate everything that makes Yorkshire special. And what could be more Yorkshire than standing beneath Emley Moor Tower and listening to a brass band play!”
A Special Performance
The Emley Moor Brass Band performed a selection of favourite tunes and brass band classics under the transmitter, with the countryside providing a stunning backdrop. The band has been entertaining audiences for decades, making it one of the best-known community ensembles in the region. The performance was made possible thanks to Arqiva, which operates the Emley Moor Transmitter, and local farmers Liz and John Robert Shaw, who kindly hosted the band in their adjacent field.
Annicca Prince, who plays in the brass band and also works as a Spectrum Planning Engineer at Arqiva, shared her excitement about the event:
“It's really special to be here because I work for Arqiva and I play in the brass band, so it's wonderful to bring those two parts of my life together. It’s a really special moment for me, and when I first heard about the idea, I was excited. I thought it would be a great way to celebrate Yorkshire Day.”
Local Pride and Community Spirit
The event not only highlighted the talent of local musicians but also the strong sense of community in Yorkshire.
Laura Murphy, a flugelhorn player in the band, expressed her thoughts on Yorkshire Day:
“Anyone from Yorkshire will tell you that Yorkshire Day is the best day of the year. Growing up in Huddersfield, as soon as we saw the mast, you knew you were home. It's been a constant throughout my life. You look up and you see the mast. Playing here is something I'll definitely be telling people about!”
Looking Ahead
As the day came to a close, Craig Kelly reflected on the success of the event and hinted at future celebrations. “It’s been a fantastic way to celebrate Yorkshire Day, and we'll do well to find a way to top this next year,” he said. The Emley Moor Brass Band’s performance was a fitting tribute to this beloved county, ensuring that the pride of Yorkshire continues to be celebrated and cherished for years to come.