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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Otley is now bidding to become the UK’s first-ever Town of Culture in 2028
Otley has announced its intention to bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028.
Entering into the national competition launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the West Yorkshire town is hoping to be the first-ever town to claim the title.
The Town of Culture competition invites towns across the UK to showcase their cultural story and develop ambitious programmes that celebrate local heritage, creativity, and communities.
The winning town receives a £3 million grant from the Government to deliver a major year-long cultural programme in 2028 designed to boost civic pride, attract visitors, and provide everyone with the opportunity to participate in cultural activities.
Their bid is focused around the Otley 800, a year-long programme that will mark the 800th anniversary of the granting of the Royal Market Charter in 1227 and the bridge over the River Wharfe in 1228.
These two historic moments transformed Otley into the bustling market town that it is today, so it deserves to be recognised.
Work has been going on behind the scenes for the past two years, with the council and Otley BID working with residents to put plans in place for the special year.
More than 70 organisations have been involved.
Mayor of Otley Cllr Paul Carter said: “Otley has always been a town that punches above its weight. This bid is about celebrating our history, but also about investing in our future — creating opportunities for our community, raising our profile and making sure Otley continues to thrive for the next 800 years.”
The shortlist for UK Town of Culture 2028 is set to be announced later this year, with each chosen town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition. Fingers crossed!
Permission granted for new ‘Corn Exchange Pavilion’ to be built in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
The green light has been given for a brand-new pavilion to be built outside the Corn Exchange in Leeds city centre.
Yesterday, Tuesday 31 March, the planning committee of Leeds City Council officially gave the green light to plans submitted by CX Leeds Ltd.
These include plans to build a pavilion outside the Corn Exchange, one of Leeds' most iconic city centre landmarks.
The new building will go where that rather underwhelming patch of astroturf currently lays, in front of the Cornucopia mural and next to the bus shelter.
It lies between New Market Street and Crown Street.
DEN Architecture state that the materials selected will create an intriguing single-storey structure that compliments the surrounding area.
They stated: “The scale of the building and roof form of the proposal pays tribute to the previous tram and bus shelters that once occupied the site.
"While retaining the appropriately subservient nature of any new building in close proximity to the Corn Exchange. This will also provide greater visibility of the Cornucopia Mural.
“The building has been designed following extensive and thorough analysis, with a clear understanding of the built environment and the area’s historic significance.”
It's not yet been decided upon what the building's use will be, although Leeds city council suggests it could be used for "outdoor functions, shops and cafes".
When first put forward to the council back in December 2024, the plans were met with three objections from the public.
So, what would you like to see go into this new space?
Georgina Pellant -
31st July 2021 
