Today is the day we celebrate everything Yorkshire with Yorkshire Day, but what is it and why do we celebrate it?

Yorkshire Day is a yearly celebration on August 1 to promote everything that makes Yorkshire special, from its history to its local delicacies.

The day was first celebrated by the Yorkshire Riding Society in 1975, initially in Beverley, as a protest movement against the local government re-organisation of 1974.

The Northern Echo: Ribblehead Viaduct by Stephen Inns from The Northern Echo Camera ClubRibblehead Viaduct by Stephen Inns from The Northern Echo Camera Club

On the day, the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 was also passed during the British Empire in 1834.

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William Wilberforce, a Yorkshire MP had campaigned for the emancipation.

It was also already celebrated by the Light Infantry, successors to the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, as Minden Day following the battle of Minden.

A long with five other infantry regiments of the British Army, a rose is permitted to be worn in the headdress and in the case of the Light Infantry, the rose is white.

The Northern Echo: North Yorkshire Moors by David Sharples from The Northern Echo Camera ClubNorth Yorkshire Moors by David Sharples from The Northern Echo Camera Club

The Yorkshire Society also take part in celebrations wherein a civic gathering of lord mayors, mayors, and other civic heads from across the county – this year it is being held in Keighley.

North Yorkshire County Council is celebrating the day as they wished everyone a “Happy Yorkshire Day to everyone across North Yorkshire.”

They added: “A day to fly the flag and celebrate everything that makes Yorkshire special. However you’re celebrating av a reet grand day!

The Northern Echo: Saltburn Pier by John Mannick Photography from The Northern Echo Camera ClubSaltburn Pier by John Mannick Photography from The Northern Echo Camera Club

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North Yorkshire Moors Railway also took part in the celebrations wishing everyone a happy Yorkshire Day.

They added: “Show your support this August and book tickets to explore North Yorkshire by rail.”

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