Mass parade of mayors marks Yorkshire Day

THERE was excitement outside Rotherham Town Hall as large-scale festivities - including a mass parade of the region’s mayors - took place to mark Yorkshire Day.

On arriving at the start of the parade on Tuesday I was pleasantly surprised by the age range of the mix of supporters wishing to show solidarity to Yorkshire.

White roses were worn as young children enthusiastically squabbled wholeheartedly over the available blue, white and yellow flags.

When I asked one onlooker why he was there, he told me: “This is where I am from, so I will always show support.”

One woman I spoke to was also proud of her roots but said things had changed since she was younger, adding: “Nothing is better than experiencing Yorkshire as it once was.”

The day’s events included a parade throughout the town centre featuring mayors and civic leaders from across the region and street entertainment in All Saints’ Square and Effingham Street.

Proceedings were led by David Hinde, the Yorkshire Society and Helmsley town crier,

I was impressed how modern the parade seemed, traditional music having been discarded for brass band covers of chart-topping hits.

Comic performer Sean Paul addressed the crowd, noting how he failed to conform to Yorkshire stereotypes and was keen to champion diversity.

“Every single pigeon is different - just like every person in Yorkshire,” he said.

“That’s what makes us Yorkshire - our differences.”

The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Robert Taylor, said he was proud to be hosting a parade with a difference, adding: “It is a real honour to be hosting such an historical event here in Rotherham this year.

“We are proud to be Yorkshire folk and the day gives us an opportunity to promote the borough and help boost the regional economy.

"But more importantly, it gives the people of Rotherham a chance to reflect on their culture and heritage.

“This is a great kudos for our borough and is a chance for us to proudly show off all the amazing work in and around our town.

“Rotherham is a place on the up and this is a chance for us to not only celebrate our heritage, but show how we are investing in our future, creating a place we all want to show off.”