Celebrate Doncaster’s City Status with a Special Event This October

Doncaster, a city steeped in history, culture, and Yorkshire pride, is set to celebrate two years since achieving city status with a unique event. This milestone comes after Doncaster was officially declared a city in 2022, following a competitive bid to honour Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.

On Friday, 25th October, residents will gather at the Doncaster Little Theatre for an evening of memories, stories, and celebration, hosted by the Project Director of Doncaster’s city bid, Jim Carley.

An evening of Doncaster’s rich heritage

The event will be a light-hearted affair, blending Doncaster’s history, heritage, and cultural highlights. Jim Carley, who has since authored a book on Doncaster’s journey to becoming a city, will lead the evening’s proceedings. He promises a programme filled with fascinating local stories, humour, and discussion, all aimed at showcasing what makes Doncaster such a special place.

Carley highlighted the significance of the event, saying:

“This evening is about celebrating everything that makes Doncaster great. We’ll be retelling the story of the city’s bid for city status, unearthing hidden gems, and recognising some of Doncaster’s finest moments. Where else could you find The Flying Scotsman, Paddington Bear, Ivanhoe, and the much-loved TV show Open All Hours all in one place?"

Exploring the meaning of city status

While some residents may still find it difficult to picture Doncaster as a city, Carley believes the evening will offer an opportunity for reflection. He notes:

“This event isn’t just a celebration; it’s also a chance to think about what city status really means for Doncaster. We’ll explore how the city can fully capitalise on this prestigious title, moving forward with ambition and pride.”

A star-studded panel of guests

Joining Carley on the night will be a panel of notable guests who each have a strong connection to Doncaster:

• Dan Fell, Chief Executive of Doncaster Chamber and Chair of the City Status campaign, will provide insights into the journey that led to Doncaster’s city recognition.
• Lindsy James, Director of the local charity Active Fusion and a World Duathlon Champion, will discuss her experiences and Doncaster’s thriving community spirit.
• Chloe Wilburn, a local businesswoman and winner of Channel 5’s Big Brother 2015, will share her perspective on the city and the unique stories that make Doncaster home.

An invitation to share your Doncaster stories

One of the highlights of the evening is the chance for local residents to get involved by sharing their own anecdotes and memories of life in Doncaster. Organisers are encouraging people with funny, unusual, or memorable stories about Doncaster to reach out in advance of the event.

A celebration at Doncaster Little Theatre

The celebration will take place at the Doncaster Little Theatre, a beloved community arts venue that has been at the heart of local culture for years. Run by volunteers, the theatre is known for staging a diverse array of productions, from plays and musicals to comedy and cabaret. Many of these shows are produced and performed by Doncaster’s very own residents.

Supporting local arts and culture

Tickets for this special event are priced at just £5.00 each, with all proceeds going directly to the Doncaster Little Theatre charity. Every ticket sold will help support the theatre’s ongoing work in the community, ensuring that local arts and culture continue to thrive.

How to get your tickets

If you’d like to join in the celebration and be part of this special evening, tickets are available now. You can purchase them online through the Doncaster Little Theatre’s website at https://doncasterlittletheatre.co.uk/events/city-status/.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate Doncaster’s rich heritage and bright future as one of Yorkshire’s newest cities!