Final Throes of Summer
As we head into the final Bank Holiday weekend before winter, there’s been an unmistakable autumnal chill in the air. I reached for a jumper for the first time in months, and even the log burner looked inviting! Still, a touch of sunshine is promised later in the weekend, all the more reason to get out and enjoy it.
Here’s what’s happening across the ridings this week:
What's On This Week:
21st to 27th Aug
North Yorkshire
The Wensleydale Show — Sat 23rd Aug - A traditional agricultural show with livestock displays, rural crafts, and a great day out for families.
Harrogate Food & Drink Festival — Sat 23rd–Mon 25th Aug - Street food, artisan producers, live music, and chef demos all weekend.
East Yorkshire
Withernsea Lighthouse Garden Party — Sun 24th Aug - FREE! - Lots of fun on the East Coast with a bake-off competition and live music.
Nostalgia Car Rally and Car Boot Sale at Pocklington Arts Centre — Sat 23rd Aug — FREE! - Classic cars, vintage stalls, and a community car boot.
Cottingham Folk Festival — Fri 22nd–Sun 24th Aug - A weekend-long celebration of folk music with performers from across the UK and beyond.
South Yorkshire
Fan Fiction Writing Workshop — Wed 27th Aug - If you were in control of your favourite characters, what adventures would they get up to? Head to Site Gallery, Sheffield, for this family-friendly creative writing session.
Doncaster Mansion House Open Day — Fri 22nd Aug — FREE! - The Friends of Doncaster Mansion House will be leading tours around this historic building.
West Yorkshire
Burley Summer Festival — Until Mon 25th Aug - Community spirit in full swing with events, stalls, and entertainment across the village.
Bradford Model Engineering Society Display — Sat 23rd Aug - Discover a fascinating array of model trains at the Calderdale Industrial Museum, Halifax.
Leeds West Indian Carnival — Mon 25th Aug - FREE!
Europe’s longest-running West Indian carnival, bursting with colour, music, and energy.
Yorkshire History Spotlight
“The Battle of the Standard” by Sir John Gilbert (1817–1897)
On This Day in Yorkshire — August 22nd, 1138
On this day 887 years ago, one of Yorkshire's most decisive battles took place just north of Northallerton—the Battle of the Standard. English forces led by William of Aumale held firm against a massive Scottish invasion under King David I of Scotland on Cowton Moor.
The battle is named after the holy standard of St Cuthbert, carried into battle on a cart along with the banners of York, Beverley, and Ripon minsters. Despite being outnumbered, Yorkshire’s militia and nobles held their ground until the Scottish lines finally broke.
Why it mattered: King David was supporting Matilda’s claim to the English throne during The Anarchy — a brutal civil war. Yorkshire was strategically crucial, and Archbishop Thurstan of York rallied local communities to defend their homeland.
So impressed was King Stephen by the victory that he created the unique title Earl of York for William le Gros, the only person ever to hold it.
Nearly 900 years later, that same Yorkshire spirit of communities uniting in the face of overwhelming odds remains deeply ingrained in the county’s DNA.
📍The battlefield at Cowton Moor, just a few miles north of Northallerton, is still accessible today for those seeking to walk in the footsteps of history.
Get Off T' Internet…
As I mentioned last week, the heather is in full bloom on the moor tops. It's truly a stunning sight and a late summer treat.
So, if you’re like me, tired of screens, scrolling, and the constant noise that is 2025, why not get yourself up there this weekend? Whether you enjoy a hike, a peaceful stroll or a drive through, it’s completely free and a wonderful activity to reset as we head into the new season.
Here are a few snaps I took last Saturday up on Norland Moor.
Final Brew
That’s all for this week. If you have an event or activity you’d like me to share, drop me an email or connect on Instagram or Bluesky.
Off on a Yorkshire adventure this weekend? Tag us in your photos using #YorkshireUnscrolled and let’s showcase the wonderful people, places, and quirks of this grand county!
Until next week, enjoy the Bank Holiday and keep Yorkshire Unscrolled!