From food festivals to open air concerts and firework competitions, these are the Yorkshire events you need to know about.
Yorkshire comes alive in the summer, and we’re not just talking about glorious countryside. There’s a packed calendar of events to enjoy too, so many, in fact, that it’s hard to narrow down your options. Luckily, we’re here to help you hone in on those unforgettable experiences. So without further ado, let us introduce you to our top picks of the Yorkshire event calendar.
The Gin Train Experience
Taking a trip on the Herriot Country Line isn’t merely a means to an end, it’s an experience unto itself. The journey between Leyburn and Leeming Bar is ridiculously scenic, with miles of glorious Yorkshire countryside spread out before you. And this summer, you can make the ride even better with their Gin Train Experience. Settle into your private carriage, where you can sup Taplin & Mageean G&Ts before stopping off at their distillery for a tour.
The Gin Train Experience leaves from Leyburn Station on Saturday 25th May, Saturday 1st June, Saturday 20th July and Saturday 31st August 2024.
Ilkley Food & Drink Festival
Credit: Stephen Midgely/Breakpoint Media
A weekend of scrumptious food, live entertainment and (fingers crossed) sunshine await at Ilkley Food & Drink Festival. It goes without saying that you’ll do some good eating – their street food market alone is worth coming for – but that’s just the beginning. From artisan markets to cooking demonstrations, comedy to tribute acts, there’s oodles going on across the weekend, so grab a drink at the bar and enjoy!
Ilkley Food & Drink Festival takes place at East Holmes Field on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June 2024.
Ingleton 1940s Weekend
Credit: Ingleton 1940s Weekend
This is your chance to step back in time and see Yorkshire as it was eighty years ago as Ingleton comes to life with reenactments, vintage cars, traditional fete games and toe tapping tunes from days gone by. Get into the spirit of things by dressing up or treating yourself to a vintage up do before browsing the jumble sale, watching the street performers or taking a dance lesson, which you can put to good use at one of their swing dances.
Ingleton 1940s Weekend takes place on Main Street, The Square and at the Community Centre in Ingleton from Friday 28th June to Sunday 30th June 2024.
The Great Yorkshire Show
Credit: Richard Walker/Yorkshire Agricultural Society
No list of must-do Yorkshire events would be complete without The Great Yorkshire Show. The four-day event is one of the biggest agricultural events in the English calendar and promises a packed line up events that ranges from showjumping to stunts, shearing competitions to celebrity meet & greets. Alongside the traditional activities, there are fashion shows, cooking demonstrations and a discover zone where the kids can play.
The Great Yorkshire Show takes place at The Great Yorkshire Showground from Tuesday 9th to Friday 12th July 2024.
Doncaster Balloon Festival
Doncaster Hot Air Balloon Festival
Got a secret soft spot for hot air balloons? Get yourself down to Doncaster Balloon Festival. Spread across two days, it promises back-to-back fun and entertainment galore. Friday night brings balloon ascents and fireworks, with historical reenactments and live stunts, while Saturday promises all that, plus circus workshops, parachute jumps and bird of prey shows. It’s an incredible day out and great way to make memories.
Doncaster Balloon Festival takes place at Town Field on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th July 2024.
Tramlines Festival
Credit: Carolina Faruolo
One of the biggest music festivals in Yorkshire is back this summer. Tramlines has cemented itself as one of the parties of the summer and you can go for one day, two days or all blimmin’ three! Friday’s headliners include Paolo Nutini and The Charlatans, while Saturday sees Jamie T and Holly Humberstone hit the stage. Sunday closes out with two British music icons – Snow Patrol and The Human League while Leeds’ own Yard Act also hit the stage.
Tramlines Festival takes place at Hillsborough Park, Sheffield from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July 2024.
York Proms
Credit: Bobby Van Wyke
This is the ultimate picnic in the park. York Proms is a relaxed open-air concert where you can listen to a mix of classical and operatic hits while you enjoy the summer sun. Their live orchestra will be joined by a series of yet-to-be-confirmed soloists who will play through classics from stage and screen. Bring your own spread or grab something while you’re there, and listen in awe as they build up to an epic fireworks display at the end.
York Proms takes place at Museum Gardens on Sunday 28th July 2024.
Fireworks Championships 2024
You don’t have to wait for Bonfire Night to see a sensational fireworks display, just head over to Newby Hall for the Fireworks Championships. You can see three of the UK’s best fireworks companies go head-to-head with carefully choreographed 10-minute displays, each set to music for maximum impact. The night’s entertainment includes an incredible drone display and a mind-blowing finale before the winner (who you can vote for) is announced.
Fireworks Championships 2024 takes place at Newby Hall on Saturday 24th August 2024.
The Hatchling
Credit: Dom Moore
This is theatre, but not as you know it. The Hatchling is an incredible large-scale puppet that can actually fly and it’s coming to Wakefield this August as part of their ‘Our Year’ celebrations. Watch as this awesome, one-of-a-kind dragon hatches, explores the city and eventually transforms into a winged beast that will take flight at Pugneys Country Park. This is a large scale installation and it’s quite the spectacle – not to be missed!
The Hatchling takes place in Wakefield from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th August 2024.
