Oyez! Oyez! Town Crier to send off passengers at Beverley this Yorkshire Day
Fri 28th July 2023
The setting for the first-ever Yorkshire Day, Beverley, has been chosen by Hull Trains to kickstart a day of festivities that will begin with the resounding voice of a Town Crier.
Yorkshire Day was first held in Beverley in 1975 and now takes place every year on August 1st, a date that holds historical significance, most notably as the day on which the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 was introduced.
The Act was campaigned for by Yorkshire politician, William Wilberforce, whose name was chosen by public vote in 2022 to adorn the side of one of Hull Trains’ Paragon fleet. Four other names of local significance were also selected as part of the process.
Since it was named after the Hull icon, the William Wilberforce train has travelled over 150,000 miles and will be celebrating its 700th journey on the 07:53 service from Beverley on Yorkshire Day.
To mark the occasion, the service will be sent on its way by the Town Crier for East Riding and Yorkshire, Michael Wood, who is a three-time Town Crier World Champion.
The celebrations will continue throughout the journey and on other services worked by the company’s William Wilberforce named train during the rest of the day, where customers will be treated to a whole host of refreshments made here in Yorkshire including Yorkshire Parkin, Henderson’s Relish ‘Hendos’ potato snack crisps, and specially baked cupcakes with Yorkshire flags”.
Michael Wood, Town Crier, said: “Beverley was the birthplace of Yorkshire Day and quite rightly it should be celebrated as such. Hull Trains leaves here every day with folks heading off to visit elsewhere, but they know they will later be returning to the best county in Britain!
“The train may also bring folks who are possibly visiting our region for the first time or rekindling their relationship with us, and what a treat that is for us all.”
Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director at Hull Trains, said: “We’re thrilled to be a part of the Yorkshire Day celebrations. We’re proud of our links to the local region and this annual event is the perfect opportunity to celebrate everything that is great about the place we call home! What better way to kick off the day’s celebrations than sending off our William Wilberforce service with the iconic cry of a Town Crier. We’re equally proud to be serving a range of Yorkshire items onboard, having served Yorkshire Tea on our trains for many years. Yorkshire Parkin will be completed by Henderson’s Relish ‘Hendos’ potato crisps, a ‘strong and northern’ delight heralding from Sheffield which is becoming an increasingly popular market for Hull Trains users with an easy change to/from our services at Doncaster.
We look forward to treating our customers to a great Yorkshire Day celebration!”.
