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Some call it a Masonic Jamboree, others nothing more than a stereotypical glorification of flat caps, whippets and black pudding but I’m rather proud to say I’m from Yorkshire.

Yorkshire born (after a long drive with my mother in labour, just in case I was any good at cricket) and Yorkshire bred, the County has long-held a special place in my heart.

Yorkshire Day was first celebrated in 1975 by the Yorkshire Ridings Society, a group formed to protect the integrity of Yorkshire and it’s regions. There are celebrations across the County, many centering around the County hub of York.

The traditional reading of the Declaration of Yorkshire Integrity will take place on Yorkshire Day at four of the Bars (gates) of York. The first reading will be at Walmgate Bar at 10.45. The reading at Mickelgate Bar will be at 11:34 indicating the 1134 years since the first reference to Yorkshire and its Ridings. Further readings will then take place at Bootham Bar and Monk Bar with a final reading in St Sampson’s Square, at about 1pm, where a Yorkshire Day event, featuring two brass bands, has been arranged by York City Council. There is a Yorkshire Day Beer Festival at the Bay Horse, Marygate which will run throughout the day.

Falling this year on a Saturday, Yorkshire Day provides a great opportunity to get out and celebrate, whether you were born here, live here, visit or work here, I’ll certainly by raising a pint or two!