Armed police to remain on Yorkshire's streets as major events set to go ahead

Armed police will remain on the streets of Yorkshire this weekend as a number of major events go ahead as planned.

The First Direct Arena in Leeds welcomes 1980s pop star Adam Ant tonight, while Millennium Square hosts a sold-out gig by The Specials and co-headliners Toots and the Maytals.

Both venues will also host Slam Dunk Festival performances tomorrow alongside the 02 Academy and Leeds Beckett University.

Elsewhere, Radio 1’s Big Weekend comes to Burton Constable Hall in East Yorkshire and York Racecourse will host its first Saturday Races of the season.

A course spokesman said regular visitors would notice an enhanced bag search and more 
visible police presence alongside its own stewards.

“There are always police officers on duty on a busy raceday inside the course and they will continue to work with our own professional stewards this Saturday,” he said.

“We want the raceday to be a chance for people to ‘leave their troubles at the gate’ so other aspects of the security protocol will be operating in the background and you will understand why it is not appropriate to detail them.

“However, please rest assured, we will be alert and working closely with the relevant professionals.

“We have been struck by the determination of the people of Manchester to not be cowed by the tragic events of Monday, so we look forward to welcoming you to York in that spirit.”

Racegoers are being urged to leave more time for entry, with gates opening at 11.15am before a first race at 2.10pm.

Stringent new security measures will be in place at Bramall Lane in Sheffield for the IBF World Welterweight title fight between Kell Brook and Errol Spence Junior tonight. Visitors to the other events have been given similar advice to allow extra time to clear security, expect intensive bag and body searches, and think about pick-up and drop-off points.