Yorkshire Day had a tuneful welcome in Ilkley as choirs descended on the town to help celebrate the region’s heritage.

Sunday, August 1, traditionally the first day of the Ilkley Summer Festival, was celebrated in the usual style outside the town hall on Sunday morning with a rousing reading of the Yorkshire Day Declaration by the town crier.

Attention then moved to the Winter Garden for some nostalgic brass band music from the Clifton and Lightcliffe Band, and visitors were able to catch a glimpse of the elusive Mary Jane from the song On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘At at the event.

The winner of the Yorkshire Chutney Competition was revealed on the day. Last year’s winner, Ben Rhydding resident John Hawkesworth – husband of summer festival director and ward councillor Anne Hawkesworth – lost the title to Ilkley resident, Mrs M Preston. However, Mr Hawkesworth’s chutney still managed second place.

The music continued in Ilkley town centre through the day, as Ilkley-based community choir Moornotes drafted in some help from further afield.

Singers from all over Yorkshire and further afield, including some from the north of Scotland, joined in the Reet Grand Sing. Singing Ilkley’s favourite anthem, the 60-strong choir performed more songs at the bandstand on The Grove, including the premier of a Yorkshire anthem penned some years ago by the late Annie Hinchcliffe, and another regional classic, Scarborough Fair.

Moornotes took centre stage to sing a poignant song, From Africa, written by choir leader Dave Robinson. The singing session finished with their own, updated, version of On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘At, which saw the group throw their hats to the feet of the choir leader.

Coun Hawksworth, who introduced the proceedings, said she was sure the event would now become a regular fixture in Ilkley’s summer festival.