Lingering Light
September has arrived, and with it a subtle shift. The light’s a touch softer, the mornings a little cooler, and the pace of things just beginning to settle.
The socials have loved telling us that the sun has set after 8pm for the last time this year, but there’s still plenty to look forward to, and let’s not forget, autumn doesn’t officially start until 22nd September 😉
So with that, let’s enjoy some late-summer walks, prep the garden for the changing season, and make the most of the lingering light.
Yorkshire Unscrolled is here to help you savour the season, one local gem at a time.
What's On This Week:
5th to 11th September
North Yorkshire
From Nature – Thorns Gallery – Until 14th Sep - In the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, this remote gallery hosts Graeme Black’s nature-inspired textile and art exhibition.
Plot to Plate, RHS Harlow Carr, Harrogate – Sat 6th & Sun 7th Sep - Kitchen garden tours, seasonal tastings, and expert advice — all set in RHS Harlow Carr’s stunning late-summer grounds.
East Yorkshire
Nocturnal Creatures and Cosmic Features, Spurn Point – Fri 5th Sep - Explore Yorkshire’s dark skies with stargazing, bat detectors, and stories under the stars.
Walking East Yorkshire Festival – Sat 6th to Sun 14th Sep - Explore coast, countryside and charming market towns with over 100 guided walks and outdoor events across the region.
South Yorkshire
Weston Park Museum’s 150th Birthday Party, Sheffield – Sat 6th Sep - A big birthday bash with music, art, cake, and plenty for families to explore. Free entry.
History Through the Ages, Sheffield Manor Lodge – Sun 7th Sep - Meet Vikings, Romans, Tudors and more at this living history day with crafts and family activities.
West Yorkshire
Ice Age Art Now – Cyanotype Workshop, Cartwright Hall, Bradford – Sat 6th Sep - A hands-on family workshop inspired by Ice Age art. Make your own prints using sunlight and natural materials.
Norland Scarecrow Festival, near Sowerby Bridge – All weekend - A Yorkshire classic! Spot hundreds of handmade scarecrows dotted through the village — funny, clever, and brilliantly creative.
Ilkley Lido Full Moon Swim – Sun 7th Sep - Take a dip under the stars at one of Yorkshire’s most iconic lidos. A dreamy way to end a summer’s day.
Yorkshire History Spotlight
Rushbearing Festival, Sowerby Bridge, 1977.
Rushbearing Returns to Sowerby Bridge
— 6th & 7th September
This weekend, one of Yorkshire’s quirkiest and oldest traditions returns to the streets and hills of Sowerby Bridge - the Rushbearing Festival, a colourful celebration rooted in medieval church life and community pride.
Centuries ago, rushes were strewn across church floors for warmth and cleanliness, often replaced once a year during a festival weekend. Over time, these practical gatherings evolved into processions, competitions, and revelry, especially in the Pennine towns where stone churches and uneven ground meant fresh rushes made a real difference.
Today, Sowerby Bridge is one of the few places in the country that still keeps the tradition alive. At the heart of the festivities is the Rushcart, a towering, flower-laced cart loaded with freshly cut rushes and pulled by men in traditional morris dancer dress, bells jingling, tankards swinging, and muscles straining up Calderdale’s hills.
The full procession winds through the town and nearby villages over two days, stopping at pubs, churches, and schools. There’s also live music, street theatre, and old-school games. Well worth a visit if you’re anywhere near Calderdale this weekend.
Rushbearing Festival, Sowerby Bridge, 1906.
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 weekend and keep Yorkshire Unscrolled!