A new study has shown that most people living in God's own county identify much more strongly with being Yorkshire than they do with being English.
Findings from The Yorkshire Society's Big Yorkshire Conversation have shown what we already knew, Yorkshire folk are incredibly proud of where they come from and would much sooner see themselves as Yorkshire than English.
In total, there were over 4,500 participants in the study - all of whom answered questions on identity, the use of Yorkshire by brands and general devolution as a whole as part of the study.
More than 57% of those taking part said they felt "More Yorkshire than English" while only 9% said it was the other way round.
30% felt "Equally Yorkshire and English" or "didn't know."
And when asked what gave Yorkshire its identity, the most common answer was 'people', closely followed by 'landscape'. Now that, we can completely agree with it.
On devolution, only 3% said they felt they were well informed on the government's plans - whilst over 73% thought Yorkshire should have more decision-making powers like Scotland and Wales.
This suggests a strong desire for devolution in Yorkshire, as well as a need for greater education on devolution as a whole.
When asked how that might actually work, respondents were split between two options, a Yorkshire parliament and giving more powers to local authorities.
And asked if there was to be a referendum about a county parliament,a majority (56%) said they would vote for one, whilst only 23% said they would vote against.
The full report is to be published on 1 August, Yorkshire Day. The survey was held during April and May 2021.
Feature image - The Yorkshire Pudding Pie Company.
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Ne-Yo and Akon announce huge joint arena show at Leeds’ First Direct Arena
Two R&B greats are heading out on a joint headline tour for the very first time, as Ne-Yo and Akon announced the Nights Like This global tour.
Both artists are Grammy Award winners, and each has a formidable back catalogue of chart-topping hits.
For Ne-Yo, that includes songs like Miss Independent, So Sick, and Closer; while for Akon, he's responsible for huge tracks like Smack That, Lonelty, and Right Now (Na Na Na).
Between them, they've shaped and defined radio, nightlife, and pop culture for decades.
This newly-announced tour will see the pair performing on the same stage - for Leeds, that's the First Direct Bank Arena.
They'll perform in a unique back-and-forth set throughout the show, visiting venues right across the UK and Europe, as well as heading across to the USA and Canada.
The nostalgic gigs will feature everything from slow jams to club anthems, with a party atmosphere throughout.
Ne-Yo and Akon will perform at the First Direct Bank Arena on Thursday 30 April 2026, with tickets on sale this Friday 30 January at 10am.
There will be an artist pre-sale on Wednesday 28 January at 10am.
Nights Like This EU/UK 2026 tour dates
Fri 24 Apr – Dublin, IE – 3Arena
Mon 27 Apr – Newcastle, UK – Utilita Arena Newcastle
Tue 28 Apr – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
Thu 30 Apr – Leeds, UK – First Direct Bank Arena
Fri 1 May – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
Mon 4 May – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena Birmingham
A shop that sells giant NYC-style pizza slices for under £5 is opening in Leeds City Centre
Clementine Hall
After making a huge name for themselves in the market, Pollini's Pizza Slice is opening up a brand-new site.
Okay, it's safe to say we're spoilt for choice for brilliant pizza spots in Leeds but there's not many places where you can grab a slice on-the-go.
And that's exactly what Pollini's Pizza Slice are bringing to the city.
Huge, giant, 24-inch slices of New York-style pizza cooked fresh and served to you within seconds.
Whether you're after a simple margarita, a fiery pepperoni or you like to be that little bit controversial with ham and pineapple - there's a flavour for everyone to enjoy.
They opened inside Kirkgate Market back in 2022, and ever since then they've been inundated with hungry punters looking to grab a slice on their lunch break.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And now they're venturing out of the market and opening a new shop in the old Poco Sicilian Street Food site on Lands Lane.
Announcing the exciting news to their social media, Pollini's Pizza Slice said: "We have some EXCITING NEWS!
"With the new year, we’re opening a brand new pizza shop to satisfy all our amazing customers—there are so many of you! Still here every day at Kirkgate Market, serving up massive fresh slices and big smiles to keep you happy!
"But very soon… we’re opening our brand new home at 24A Lands Lane, right in the heart of Leeds city centre.Here’s your first look inside… Can’t wait to welcome you there as well!"
At their new site you'll be able to get your classic slices as well as whole pies, the perfect Friday office pick-me-up if you ask us.
We don't know the exact opening date yet, but we'll be sure to let you know when we do.
Georgina Pellant -
31st July 2021 
