What’s Happening For Yorkshire Day 2025 in Bradford and Ilkley?

If you’re the kind of person who lights up at the sound of a brass band or finds yourself humming ‘On Ilkla Moor Baht ’at’ on a summer walk, then mark August 1st in your diary. Bradford and Ilkley are pulling out all the stops this year for Yorkshire Day, and it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.

Yorkshire pride, proper style

Yorkshire Day isn’t just about flat caps and parkin. It’s a proper celebration of everything that makes Yorkshire tick, from its history and landscapes to the people who give it heart. Every year, a different bit of the county gets the honour of hosting the official bash. For 2025, the spotlight’s on Bradford and Ilkley, who are co-hosting for the first time ever. That’s a big deal, especially since it lands in the same year that Bradford is UK City of Culture 2025.

And no, this isn’t your average town fair. We’re talking Mayors, Town Criers, vintage buses, and even a virtual shoutout from the Yorkshire Society of New Zealand.

Vintage buses, street parades, and an unofficial anthem

Things kick off on Friday, August 1. The morning starts in Bradford’s City Hall, where Mayors and fancy folk from all over the county will gather. Then it’s off to Ilkley, not by coach or car, but on vintage buses from Keighley Transport Museum. It’s basically Yorkshire’s version of a royal motorcade.

When they reach The Grove in Ilkley, expect a proper Yorkshire parade. There’ll be dignitaries, banners, and the famous Town Crier Isabel Ashman leading the Yorkshire Day Proclamation. And yes, you’ll get to sing that unofficial anthem, ‘On Ilkla Moor Baht ’at’, surrounded by crowds and bunting. Don’t worry if you don’t know the words, someone nearby definitely will.

Three days of music, markets, and mucking about

The best bit? The fun doesn’t stop on the first. Ilkley’s throwing a three-day celebration that runs from August 1 to 3. Think of it like a mini-festival, only with more Yorkshire puddings.

Here’s what’s going on:

• Friday, August 1
  • Main parade and anthem in Ilkley
  • Start of the extended weekend celebrations
• Saturday, August 2
  • Live entertainment on The Grove from 9.30am to 8pm (the road will be traffic-free)
  • Play in the Park at Ilkley Riverside Park from 10am–3pm with fun family activities
  • Yorkshire Day Market by Real Markets Ilkley, 11am–7pm
• Sunday, August 3
  • Yorkshire Day Market continues, 10am–3pm
  • Kids cycling and scooting circuit with Ilkley Cycling Club, 11am–4pm, coached by Harry Wood (yep, he’s British Cycling qualified)

It’s not just a celebration—it’s an excuse to get the family out, support local traders, hear a bit of poetry, and maybe even try a new street food. Even the weather might behave (fingers crossed).

Easy on the wallet too

If you're travelling between Ilkley and Bradford, you can hop on a Northern Rail train for just £1.80—as long as you book ahead. That’s cheaper than most takeaway coffees. So whether you’re from Keighley, Skipton, or Sheffield, you’ve really got no excuse.

A Yorkshire welcome, loud and proud

As the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Mohammed Shafiq, put it:

“We are thrilled to be co-hosting this day alongside Ilkley and will give everyone a warm Yorkshire welcome."

This isn’t just any Yorkshire Day. It’s one set against a backdrop of City of Culture celebrations, community pride, and that unbeatable feeling of being somewhere where people genuinely care.

So go on, get yourself to Ilkley and Bradford this August. Bring your kids, your nan, and maybe even a flat cap. Just don’t forget to belt out the anthem. Loud.