Yorkshire Day 2025: How the Region Is Celebrating – And Ways to Join In From Home

Yorkshire Day returns on Friday 1 August 2025, bringing with it a county-wide celebration of pride, heritage, and community. From official civic events in Bradford and Ilkley to dancing sheep in York and fusion feasts in Leeds, the White Rose county is marking the day with a mix of tradition and creativity. Whether you're attending one of the live events or looking to mark the occasion from home, there are plenty of ways to get involved and show your love for Yorkshire.

Official Civic Celebrations: Bradford & Ilkley

Bradford and Ilkley co‑host the official Yorkshire Day civic celebrations for the first time, marking a historic milestone in the event’s history.

Ilkley Manor House will host a free celebration weekend from Friday 1 to Sunday 3 August, offering family‑friendly activities, exhibitions in the Solar Gallery, and local creative showcases (11 am to 4 pm each day). Entry is free and booking is not required

On Friday 1 August, Ilkley and Bradford jointly host the official civic programme, including readings of the Yorkshire Declaration of Integrity and civic speeches

Special Food & Dining: Leeds

In Leeds, select restaurants are marking Yorkshire Day with innovative menus that combine Yorkshire and Japanese flavours—think Yorkshire roast ramen and sushi—reflecting the city’s multicultural culinary scene.

Events in York: Dancing Sheep & Markets

York hosts a lively programme over the Yorkshire Day weekend: “Flock” – dancing sheep appearances outside York Minster and through Goodramgate (Sat 2 Aug, 2–5pm), a playful tribute to local heritage.

An artisan Yorkshire-themed market runs from 1–3 Aug on Parliament Street, featuring local makers and producers.

At York Maze, starting 1 pm on 1 Aug, there’s a traditional Yorkshire pudding‑tossing contest, followed by Yorkshire‑Man leaping into a pudding filled with gravy; visitors wearing flat caps receive complementary mugs of Yorkshire Tea.

A concert on the River Ouse by City Cruises York, featuring live local music (Hyde Family Jam) on the evening of 1 Aug.

Local Charity & Community Highlights

Charity Spinathon at a Yorkshire garden centre in support of Martin House Hospice showcases community fundraising and the Yorkshire spirit.

Ways to Celebrate at Home or Virtually

Yorkshire Cuisine at Home

Host a Yorkshire roast or pudding evening, paired with local ingredients or cheeses like Wensleydale. Get some recipe ideas from the Wensleydale Creamery or here.

Yorkshire Culture and Arts

Organise a community or family reading of the Yorkshire Declaration of Integrity—a traditional part of civic events.

Stream or explore online local music, poetry, or folk presentations that showcase Yorkshire dialect and identity, such as On Ilkla Moor Baht ’at or the Holmfirth Anthem.

Outdoor Activities

Celebrate by enjoying the outdoors: from walking the Yorkshire Heritage Way or the Lyke Wake Walk, to visiting local green spaces in Leeds or Ilkley. These routes highlight Yorkshire’s landscapes and heritage.

A highlight for the summer

Yorkshire Day 2025 is set to be a highlights for all residents and visitors to the area - let us know how you enjoyed the day in the comments below!