SPELLS of heavy rain failed to dampen spirits in Bradford yesterday as people came together to celebrate all things Yorkshire.
The white rose flew at venues across the district, with people joining in the annual August 1 celebrations to mark all that is good about 'God's own county'.
The sun was shining in City Park at midday, as the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Joanne Dodds, led the assembled crowds in a version of the Yorkshire anthem On Ilkla Moor Baht 'At, with the famous tune also ringing out on the City Hall bells.
After the rousing rendition, Cllr Dodds gave an official reading of the Yorkshire Day declaration to cheers from those who had gathered to join in.
"It's been absolutely fantastic, a wonderful day so far," she said.
"We were only supposed to do four verses, but we did all nine.
"We're also having a Yorkshire lunch with a Yorkshire quiz, we're just celebrating God's own county.
"It's massively important that we celebrate Yorkshire in this way, it's something I'm not sure other counties do.
"Once again, we're leading the way."
Elsewhere in the city, people flocked to a street party on North Parade, organised by local businesses, with Bradford Brewery also holding a Yorkshire-themed beer and food festival.
In Ilkley, the Yorkshire Day declaration was read out by the Town Crier Isabel Hogan at the railway station, following the arrival of a special train to celebrate 150 years of passenger trains to the town.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here