Yorkshire Day Celebrations in York

From August 1st to 4th, York City Centre will be buzzin' with the spirit of Yorkshire as we celebrate Yorkshire Day! This grand event takes place right in the heart of the city, bringin' together York folk and visitors for a series of excitin' activities and events.

Yorkshire Day was first celebrated on August 1, 1975, by the Yorkshire Ridings Society. However, it wasn’t until 1985 that it became an official event, marked by the first 'Official Yorkshire Day Civic Celebration' in York. Since then, the host city has changed annually across the region. In 2024, we’re thrilled to welcome Yorkshire Day back to York.

Tradition dictates the format of this unique event, beginning with a breakfast gathering followed by a vibrant street parade. Yorkshire’s Mayors, in their robes and chains of office, along with their attendants, other civic leaders, VIPs, and members of the Society, will march to a special thanksgiving service in York Minster. 

From August 1st to 4th, enjoy:

🐞 Launching on Yorkshire Day, York Trailblazers trail - join us in celebrating the incredible people that have shaped York's history. Find the sculptures of the tansy beetles dotted around the city to learn more about these trailblazers.

🛍️ Four Days of Yorkshire Market, courtesy of Little Bird Artisan Market, open daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm.

🎠 A vintage carousel will be spinning in St Sampson's Square from 9.00am to 5.00pm.

🍹 Thor's Orangery will be serving refreshing drinks from 11.00am to 9.00pm on Thursday to Saturday, and until 8.00pm on Sunday.

🛒 The Shambles Market and Shambles Food Court will also be bustling with activity, offering a fantastic array of local goods and produce.

🎁 Yorkshire Day Giveaway! Visit York members will be giving away fantastic Yorkshire-themed prizes on Visit York Instagram. (24th July - 4th August)

🌟 Don't miss out on special Yorkshire Day offers available at participating shops, restaurants, and attractions across York, including 10% off at Pairings Wine Bar!

Get Involved in Yorkshire Day!

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York Trailblazers ▸

Launching on Yorkshire Day, join us in celebrating the incredible people that have shaped York's history. Find the sculptures of the tansy beetles dotted around the city to learn more about these trailblazers.

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Yorkshire Day Giveaway ▸

An incredible start to the month, check out our Yorkshire Day Giveaway with 12 amazing prizes on offer from 24th July - 4th August. All provided by Visit York members, you won't want to miss entering the chance to win these fantastic Yorkshire prizes.

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Shambles Market ▸

Venture into the bustling city centre and find the ever-popular Shambles Market. These stalls will provide the perfect unique shopping experience, guaranteed to be an animated and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for Yorkshire Day.

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Shambles Food Court ▸

Discover the Shambles Food Court nestled within the renowned Shambles Market, steeped in historical Yorkshire charm. Indulge in the flavours of delectable street food, available every day of the week.

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Four Days of Yorkshire - Artisan Market by Little Bird Markets ▸

Seize the opportunity to visit the Little Bird Artisan Market in the York City Centre, which can usually be found in Acomb. Filled with fantastic traders, this market is a great part of your Yorkshire Day.

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Thor's Orangery ▸

Pop down to Parliament Street and find the ever-popular Thor's Orangery. Feast on delicious street food and enjoy a drink in the heart of the city centre, adding to your Yorkshire Day festivities.

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Eat & Drink ▸

Whether you want a Yorkshire roast or just a refreshing pint, take your pick from one of York's many incredible restaurants, cafes, and pubs.

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Summer in York ▸

York is the perfect place to have your dream summer day out. This Yorkshire Day and beyond, enjoy the wide array of attractions, beautiful gardens, and summer events in the city.

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York Georgian Festival ▸

Immerse yourself in the Georgian era in the beautiful Grand Assembly Rooms. The legendary Terry Deary will be promoting his new book, an unmissable event for grown-up Horrible Histories fans!

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Visit York Visitor Information Centre ▸

For a bit of extra inspiration and information, pop into our award-winning Visit York Visitor Information Centre, where you’ll be greeted with a warm Yorkshire welcome.


What's On

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The Yorkshire Day Giveaway

Ey up, Yorkshire lovers! Celebrate Yorkshire Day with our fantastic Visit York Giveaway!

We’ve partnered with some of York's finest establishments to offer an array of incredible prizes. From thrilling tours and dining experiences to unique local adventures and luxury vouchers, there’s something special for everyone. A huge thank you to our generous Visit York members for their contributions, making this giveaway truly spectacular. Don't miss your chance to win these fabulous prizes - follow Visit York on Instagram for more details and to enter!

Each giveaway will run for 24 hours. See full terms and conditions.

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Prize 3: Turtle Bay

Prize: £150 voucher

Date: 26/07/2024

Enter now ▸

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Prize 4: The Potions Express

Prize: Win 4 hot dogs and 4 hot drinks here at The Potions Express on Platform 9 3/4

Date: 27/07/2024

Enter via Visit York Instagram

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Prize 5: Mountain Goat Tours

Prize: 2 tickets for either the Yorkshire Dales or the North York Moors Standard Tours

Date: 28/07/2024

Enter via Visit York Instagram

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Prize 6: Go Quest Adventures

Prize: FREE York Quest from Go Quest Adventures

Date: 29/07/2024

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Prize 7: The Potions Cauldron

Prize: Win 4 tickets to visit our magical Adult Experience here at The Potions Cauldron

Date: 30/07/2024

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Prize 8: The Hole In Wand

Prize: Win a VIP trip for 4 people to the most magical golf course in the world!

Date: 31/07/2024

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Prize 9: Pairings Wine Bar

Prize: Celebrate Yorkshire at Pairings and Win The Yorkshire Board plus 2 glasses of perfectly paired wine or beer.

Date: 01/08/2024

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Prize 10: Uniquely Local Experiences

Prize: A £50 voucher to spend on any of Uniquely Local's amazing gift experiences. Choose from afternoon tea to axe throwing, cookery courses to craft beer tours.

Date: 02/08/2024

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Prize 11: Go Ape Dalby

Prize: A FREE trip for 2 on any activity at Go Ape Dalby.

Date: 03/08/2024

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Prize 12: Avorium

Prize: Win a suite of Yorkshire themed desk accessories and stationery from Avorium. Personalised with York Minster, The Yorkshire Rose and Viking Helmet, the ultimate Yorkshire giveaway!

Date: 04/08/2024

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Prize 1: The Deathly Dark Tours

Prize: Receive a pair of tickets for multi-award-winning experience The Deathly Dark Tour of York.

Date: 24/07/2024

Giveaway is closed.
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Prize 2: North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Prize: Moorlander Lunch for two at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

Date: 25/07/2024

Giveaway is closed.