Yorkshire retains its grip on feel-good factor

With the feel-good factor continuing after the huge success of the Tour de France’s Grand Départ, the words of the Yorkshire Society’s chairman, Keith Madeley, will resonate with hundreds of thousands of people living in the region.

The verdict comes as the region prepares for Yorkshire Day.

This year the official gathering of civic dignitaries takes place in the West Yorkshire town of South Kirkby, near Pontefract. And as Friday’s festivities draw closer, the Yorkshire Society hopes the buzz around the county will inspire other towns, cities and villages to fly the flag to make the 39th event the biggest and best yet.

Mr Madeley said: “The Tour captured Yorkshire’s spirit showed the rest of the world what a fantastic place it is to live, work and visit and I think the buoyancy has carried on. When we first started out we used to have to bang on the doors of different councils, but now they’re coming to us. I always said we need to shout about what we can do – and now is our chance.”

South Kirkby is not the only place pulling out all the stops this year. In Warthill, near York, the Breezy Knees Gardens has created a new Yorkshire fountain – a white rose made from pebbles and gravel at its base.

York will “resurrect” the medieval mayor William Snawsell for a white rose ceremony, while the Yorkshire Ridings Society will conduct its annual ceremony and tour the city walls waving the Yorkshire flag.

And in Leeds commuters arriving at the railway station will be given a Yorkshire welcome when they are greeted by a six-foot teapot and offered a free brew and cake, courtesy of Yorkshire Tea.

Welcome to Yorkshire’s chief executive Gary Verity, who was instrumental in bringing the Tour de France to the region, said: “There has never been a better time to visit Yorkshire and celebrate everything about this great county.”

Tell us about your pride in Yorkshire by tweeting your comments using the hashtag #myyorkshire.