Saturday's celebrations began at Station Plaza where residents and visitors gathered beneath a sea of Yorkshire flags for the traditional Yorkshire Day Proclamation. Ilkley Town Crier Isabel Ashman delivered the declaration at noon before crowds joined together in a rendition of the county anthem, On Ilkla Moor Baht 'At. Crowds flock to the market on The Grove, Ilkley on Yorkshire Day, 2026 (Image: Newquest)Throughout the weekend, The Grove hosted a Yorkshire market featuring local makers, bakers and independent traders, alongside a wide selection of street food and drink. Yorkshire Day in Ilkley 2026 (Image: Newquest)Music played a central role in the celebrations, with more than 20 hours of performances organised by Ilkley Live taking place across the Main Stage and Bandstand Arena. Yorkshire Day in Ilkley 2026 (Image: Newquest)As part of the Yorkshire Day celebrations Clarendon Fine Art in Ilkley unveiled a rare and significant work by Yorkshire-born artist David Hockney, offering visitors a chance to view a piece by one of Britain’s most celebrated modern artists.