Five Summer Yorkshire Festivals

The Great Yorkshire Show (13-16 July 2021)
It has to be done, it’s the epitome of what makes us all proud Tykes, and this year, its even more special as for the first time in its history The Great Yorkshire Show will run over not three but four days. I’ll happily bypass the cutting-edge farming equipment and machinery, well it does have agriculture at its heart, in favour of the shopping, there’s always a wonderful array of stalls that even I can lose myself in for hours; clothes, pictures, gifts and of course riding gear. Then there’s the food, yes, the very best of Yorkshire inspired food and drink (all those Yorkshire gins, and have you tried Rhucello?) and demonstrations from Yorkshire chefs in the Game Cookery Theatre. There’s a host of fun activities for children in the Family Area Discover Zone and live music (including a brass band). For all you horse women out there, there’s a whole host of events and competitions including the heavy horse display and the show jumping which as always, culminates in the Cock o’ the North Competition. No further comment required.
Tickets available at: https://www.yasshop.co.uk/

Seafest, Scarborough, 17-19 July
Seafest, which this year celebrates its 21st anniversary, is a festival which caught my eye. A celebration of all things associated with the Great Yorkshire Coast no less. Okay, I’ve never actually been but I have it on good authority that it’s set to serve up ‘a feast of maritime delights for all the family in Scarborough South Bay.’ Food stalls, free seafood cookery demos (not just fish and chips) in the Seafest Food Theatre with leading Yorkshire chefs, plus the Great Yorkshire Brewery is holding a real ale and beer festival with over 40 local real ales, beers and ciders. Ditch the car and pitch a tent, well, a nice hotel is more my scene but whatever floats your boat – see what I did there?
Tickets not required.

Yorkshire Day weekend extravaganza at The Piece Hall (Sat 31 July & Sunday 1 August)
The Yorkshire Society is organising a festival at what has fast become my new favourite, historic destination in Yorkshire. What better venue could there be to celebrate all things Yorkshire than this spectacular Grade 1 Listed Georgian Cloth Hall which was built to showcase the best of Yorkshire textiles? They are teasing us still with the line-up but it’s free and being organised by the Yorkshire Society and I quote, "We are pleased to announce that The Yorkshire Society is organising a special event so the general public can join members of The Yorkshire Society to celebrate Yorkshire Day in style.’’ I’ve no idea what celebrating in Yorkshire style is exactly but I’d wager it’s going to involve plenty of hearty Yorkshire food, music, art, products, music, entertainment, culture, a brew or two and a beverage or six and a cracking atmosphere, and that’s more than enough to entice me.

Tickets not required.

Castle Howard Proms 2021 Sat 21 August
If you’ve never been to Castle Howard, then you must. If you have been then you will definitely be able to image that it truly is the perfect setting for The Proms which will be set in the magnificent gardens and is guaranteed to be a night to remember for the whole family. For those in the know, best-selling tenor Wynne Evans will be joining soprano, Victoria Joyce.
For those who, like me, are not in the know, Wynne Evans is a best-selling classical artist, with his debut album with Warner Music going straight to number one in the classical charts. His acclaimed performance in the 25th anniversary performance of The Phantom of the Opera, and appearances in a host of concerts at the Royal Opera House, English National Opera and Opera North have made him an incredibly popular live performer, whilst he is also well known for his decade in the recurring role as Gio Compario in a series of TV adverts. Any more clear? Yes, one, two, three, GO COMPARE!
Victoria is one of the UK’s most exciting performers. After studying at the Royal Northern College of Music she made her English National Opera debut in 2003 and has returned to ENO on many occasions since, performing roles such as Queen of the Night in Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Rosina/The Barber of Seville.

The rousing musical accompaniment to the evening will be provided by the London Gala Orchestra under the baton of Stephen Bell. The programme will include popular classics, songs from musicals and all your flag waving favourites from the Proms including Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and Pomp & Circumstance No.1. With a Spitfire flyover, stunning lasers and spectacular firework finale, this will be a magical evening of musical entertainment. It definitely sounds like one not to miss.
Gates open at 5pm with the main programme starting at 7.30pm.
Tickets available: https://www.universe.com/embed2/events/castle-howard-proms-2021-tickets-PM9THL

And finally, a round up of the top things to do in Yorkshire this summer could absolutely not be complete without:

The Yorkshire Pudding Festival (14 & 15 Aug)
I was so excited when I heard about this. I mean, let’s face it, if one deconstructs a Yorkshire Pudding, it’s hardly an exciting prospect, milk, eggs and flour mixed up and baked. And yet, we go mad for them, no Sunday dinner is complete without them and now, they have their very own festival!
Taking place at Camp Hill Estate in Bedale and over two days, we are invited to pay homage to the diversity of the Great Yorkshire Pudding. There will be various food vendors, trade stalls and a bar throughout the weekend showcasing the best of what Yorkshire has to offer. Don’t worry if you’re a bit Yorkshire’d out by then there will also be fusion food stalls from cuisines all over the world incorporating Yorkshire Puddings into their dishes in some kind of way. Expect classics, Asian fusion, sweet treats, vegan and gluten free options and more!

What else? Oh yes, the kids! They will have their own entertainment area that with lots of exciting Yorkshire Pudding themed things to do, the mind boggles! Oh and as this year it’s taking place over two days, Saturday night entertainment will also be provided with a mini music festival featuring local buskers and musicians. Free parking is available and camping on site so you can stay involved with the action the whole weekend!
To find out more and buy your tickets head to www.theyorkshirepuddingfestival.co.uk