The Yorkshire Heritage Summit, held in Hull over the weekend of May 11th and 12th, 2024, was a remarkable celebration of Yorkshire’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. The event attracted hundreds of visitors from across the region and marked the largest Heritage Summit to date.
A Grand Celebration of Yorkshire’s Heritage
The event was hosted at Hull Minster, featuring a comprehensive Heritage Exhibition with contributions from numerous heritage organizations across Yorkshire. This exhibition provided a platform for these organizations to showcase their work and engage with the public.
Alongside the exhibition, a full-day Heritage Symposium took place, featuring guest speakers who shared insights into various aspects of Yorkshire’s heritage.
Key Highlights of the Event
The summit kicked off with an opening ceremony led by Councillor Kalvin Neal, Lord Mayor of Hull and Admiral of the Humber. His welcoming address set the tone for a weekend filled with educational and engaging activities.
One of the significant highlights of the summit was the awarding of the Harry Gration History Prize. This prestigious award was given to Andrew Barnes for his outstanding research on School Medical Services in the East Riding, recognizing his contribution to the preservation and understanding of local history.
Phil Bell, representing the event organizers, The Yorkshire Society, expressed his delight at the success of the summit. He emphasized the importance of such events in fostering connections, networking opportunities, and collaborative efforts among heritage organizations. The positive feedback from both attendees and exhibitors underscored the event’s success in celebrating Yorkshire’s diverse heritage.
Informative Symposium and Engaging Presentations
The Heritage Symposium featured several notable presentations, including:
- The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s “Chalkshire” Project: This initiative focuses on preserving the unique chalk landscapes of Yorkshire.
- Proposed UNESCO Geopark in The Yorkshire Wolds: Attendees learned about the vision and plans for establishing a UNESCO Geopark, highlighting the geological significance of the Yorkshire Wolds.
- The Distinctive Culture & Heritage of the East Riding: This talk delved into the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the East Riding region.
Activities and Attractions
In addition to the symposium, the event offered a variety of activities that engaged and entertained visitors. Hull White Badge Maritime Guides conducted free guided walking tours, providing insights into Hull’s maritime history. A large Heritage Market outside Hull Minster attracted substantial crowds, thanks to the sunny weather.
The first day concluded with a special concert by local maritime folk band Spare Hands at the historic Sailmakers Arms. The concert was well-received, adding a musical touch to the day’s events.
Sunday’s Activities
The second day of the summit featured several longer guided tours, including:
- The Great Yorkshire Wolds Discovery Bus Tour: This tour offered participants a chance to explore the stunning landscapes and historical sites of the Yorkshire Wolds.
- Hull Rocks – A Hull Geology Walk: This walk focused on the geological features and history of Hull, providing a unique perspective on the city’s natural heritage.
Next Year
Building on the success of this year’s event, The Yorkshire Society is already making plans for the 2025 summit. Heritage organizations, regardless of their size, are encouraged to participate and can express their interest by contacting [email protected].
The Yorkshire Heritage Summit 2024 was a resounding success, celebrating the rich and diverse heritage of Yorkshire and providing a platform for heritage organizations to connect, collaborate, and engage with the public. The positive feedback and high attendance highlight the importance and impact of such events in preserving and promoting local heritage.
You can see the full press release here.
