Hull Trains has chosen Beverley as the setting for the first Yorkshire Day, which will begin with a Town Crier’s resounding voice.
Founded in 1975 in Beverley, Yorkshire Day is now held every year on August 1st, a date with historical significance, including the day on which the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 was passed.
William Wilberforce, a Yorkshire politician who campaigned for the Act, had his name chosen by public vote in 2022 to adorn one of Hull Trains’ Paragon fleets. The process also included the selection of four other names of local significance.
In honour of Yorkshire Day, the William Wilberforce train will celebrate its 700th journey from Beverley on the 07:53 service named after the Hull icon.
Michael Wood, a three-time Town Crier World Champion, will send the service on its way as the Town Crier for East Riding and Yorkshire.
It is expected that the celebrations will continue throughout the journey as well as on other services run by the William Wilberforce train throughout the day, where customers will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of Yorkshire-made refreshments, including Yorkshire Parkin, Henderson’s Relish ‘Hendos’ potato snack crisps, and specially baked cupcakes featuring 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.”
