THE YORKSHIRE anthem will be sung in Ilkley on Monday as part of a series of activities to celebrate the county.

Yorkshire Day, on August 1, will also mark the official start of Ilkley Summer Festival.

An opening ceremony will take place outside the town hall at 11.40am, with Ilkley's town crier and chairman of the parish council calling for order to celebrate the occasion, along with music and entertainment.

After the Yorkshire declaration and a rendition of On Ilkla Moor baht 'at, those attending will be invited into the town hall for tea and coffee. Yorkshire produce will also be available at supermarkets and restaurants around the town, and the Pheonix jazz band will weave its way around the centre to the band stand.

Summer Festival chairman, Anne Hawkesworth, said the event will be a less extravagant affair than last year's.

She added: "Monday isn't the easiest day to arrange so it has been decided to concentrate resources on the weekend event.

"Formerly dolce vita – this year Dancing with Dominic – takes place on August 6."