BUSINESS AS UNUSUAL

With some businesses already open postCOVID-19, many about to reopen and others waiting for the green light after lockdown, the county’s creativity is showcased in truly inspiring ways, as to how places have adapted to the current coronavirus climate … and there’s lots to look forward to too.

SOUL II SOUL Many musical acts and event venues across the country have had to rearrange concerts because of the coronavirus crisis. Soul II Soul are one of many bands who have shifted this year’s tour dates to next. With huge hits including ‘Keep On Movin’ (sold over a million copies in the US alone) and the UK number one single ‘Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)’, Soul II Soul progressed from being one of the leaders of the ’80s warehouse scene to pioneering British black music around the world. Securing commercial success for themselves and the huge amount of artists they have influenced, they’ve sold over 10 million albums worldwide and main man Jazzie B was awarded an OBE for services to music in 2008, as well as winning an Ivor Novello Award for Inspiration, as “the man who gave British black music a soul of its own”. The double Grammy award-winning and five-time Brit award-nominated Soul II Soul will be in Yorkshire at Hull Bonus Arena (2nd April) and York Barbican (3rd April).

TREE-MENDOUS EXHIBITION To mark 100 years of the Forestry Commission a new online exhibition has been launched - Forest 100: a year in the life, reflecting exactly that, a year in the life of North Yorkshire’s Dalby Forest and the forests that surround. Featuring images from Scarborough-based editorial photographer Tony Bartholomew, the pictures portray activities ranging from bird ringing and harvesting to rallying, alongside portraits of forest workers and scenic views.

MINT CHOCOLATE For the first time in its 1,100 year history, The Royal Mint has combined gold with chocolate to develop a new Bullion Chocolate Bar Gift Set. In partnership with Sheffield’s Bullion Chocolate, an award-winning bean-to-bar chocolate maker, each bar has been exquisitely crafted and is presented in a gold foiled luxury gift box, which means chocolate lovers can indulge in style. Each bar is ethically sourced direct from farmers and contains real edible gold leaf flecks for an indulgent treat.

Clockwise from top: Soul II Soul. Forest 100 exhibition. Beautiful Barnsley. Sand In Your Eye.

HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD Kiplin Hall and Gardens celebrated its reopening with a Hollywood inspired movie trailer, Indiana Jones style, to attract attention as the historic house opened to the public again from 4th July. In line with Government guidance, staff decided to explore new marketing methods to help promote the venue which relies on income from ticket sales. The heritage attraction since lockdown has restructured its ticket prices and its reopening is part of a phased plan, currently open for three days per week (Fri/Sat/Sun), which may increase in the coming months.

JUST IMAGINE In or out? Gin’s in! As York Gin opened its doors again on 4th July, you can now pop over and enjoy a tipple or two. BUT you can also experience such pleasures at home if you’re not yet venturing out. LoGIN to find out more online about the York Gin Discovery Box which includes five award-winning gins, each with a paired Fever-Tree mixer and dried garnish for a ‘perfect serve’ - and a YouTube tasting session with gin experts. The kit provides a night’s entertainment and education for gin lovers who want to expand their knowledge – and drink a range of different gins includGIN London Dry, Roman Fruit (a full-strength dry gin with no added sugar), Outlaw (Navy Strength), Old Tom and Grey Lady. And includes free next day UK delivery.

BEAUTIFUL BARNSLEY Make a date in your diary to see the winning images of the ‘Beautiful Barnsley’ photography competition, hosted by Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens in partnership with the International Garden Photographer of the Year (IGPOTY) organisation. First Place winner is Kyle Parr with his photograph Evening Fields. A stunning image taken in the early evening, overlooking farmland in the village of Dodworth near the Trans Pennine Trail. All seventeen winning entries are planned to be on display at the stunning Cannon Hall Museum from 25th September to 28 February 2021, showcasing the beauty and spectacular landscapes of the borough. Plus the prestigious International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition will also be displayed from Friday 28 August until Thursday 22 October in the Hall’s impressive outside spaces.

SAND-SATIONAL From a sprinkle of sand to a touch of ice, Hebden Bridge based Sand In Your Eye create inspirational and fun artwork, from working with multi-award-winning director Danny Boyle to creating massive pieces of land art and sculpture making a huge impact. As a result of the COVID-19 situation, Sand In Your Eye have risk assessed and adapted all events and art pieces to ensure confidence in running and operating safely, creating a short video to visually explain new working practices in line with Government guidelines of social distancing and hygiene.

FAIRY NICE The magical mayhem has started on the Studfold Adventure Trail, with visits from new rainbow fairies. This exciting fairy and pixie adventure has introduced a very special rainbow fairy castle, with lots of fairy houses magically appearing in the woods as all the fairies from far and wide come to play. There’s also a sprinkling of special summertime rainbow magic turning the woods into a glorious multicolour world of enchantment. From rainbow towers to the fairy waterfall, children can see if they can spot the bright yellow primrose fairy, the beautiful blue kingfisher pixie or the shy violet heather fairy! Kids can dress up in their favourite costume and have fun in the woods. Due to COVID-19 restrictions booking is now essential.

PICTURE THIS Multi Story Picture House in Leeds is the first and only independent drive-up cinema, a socially distanced outdoor experience based at Bowcliffe Hall in Bramham, offering the ultimate outdoor cinema experience, whilst fully maintaining social distancing rules and government guidelines. Tickets will be scanned through closed car windows, and food and drink can be pre-ordered through an app. From 17-19 July catch Back to the Future, Moulin Rouge, Moana, The Goonies Hidden Figures, Shaun of the Dead, Chicken Run, Black Panther and Mamma Mia.

THRILLING NEWS The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown’s blockbuster best-selling novel that captivated the world with over 100 million copies sold, is to become an epic stage thriller, making its World Premiere in 2021 with a UK tour, taking in Yorkshire venues. Dan Brown said: “I am thrilled that The Da Vinci Code is being adapted for the stage, and excited to see the unique potential of live theatre enhance this story. The team making the production has been faithful to the book, but will also bring something new for the audience, in what is certain to be a gripping, fast-paced stage thriller and a thoroughly entertaining show.” The Da Vinci Code is produced by Simon Friend (The Girl On The Train, Life Of Pi) and can be seen next year at Hull New Theatre (12 – 17 April), Leeds Grand Theatre (14 – 19 June), Sheffield Lyceum Theatre (12 – 17 July).

A-MAZE-IN The Great Yorkshire Maze opens on 22nd July to 6th September and is a brand-new attraction for all the family nestled in beautiful countryside at the foot of the Yorkshire Wolds, between Malton and Scarborough. A field full of fun with nine acres of maize plants and never-ending paths to explore, and for younger adventurers there’s a two-acre Scarecrow Mini-Maze. Visit the vintage funfair with a 1930s speedway, dodgems, a chair-o-plane, hush hush train ride, swing boats and lots, lots more. Have fun in the field.

Clockwise from left: Studfold Adventure Trail. The Da Vinci Code. The Great Yorkshire Maze. Hull New Theatre.

(RE)OPEN AIR Open again post-COVID-19, the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum showcases an impressive collection of aeroplanes and helicopters from the first years of flight to the modern day. See biplanes flown at the 1909 Doncaster Airshow (the first air show held in the UK) and military fast jets like the Harrier and Meteor. Based on the former RAF Doncaster site, this collection includes interactive exhibits and the site is fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

VIRTUAL REALITY Now is the time to get planning for that perfect Yorkshire day out or overnight stay. Step inside amazing attractions and look around lovely locations on a virtual tour, visually bringing visitor destinations to life for all to view. From brilliant B&Bs to luxury hotels, crags to caverns, tipis to tigers, cooking to climbing, museums to meerkats, wildlife to weddings (perhaps combine the two), plus there’s so much more to check out right across the county. Follow in the footsteps of Kylie and Springsteen at First Direct Arena Leeds, check out the fabulous facilities at the Yorkshire Wolds Cookery School, step inside Cannon Hall Museum, take a walk on the wild side at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, book a break at Saltmarshe Hall or plan a party under canvas with Serentipi. Some places are already up and running postpandemic, whilst others can be added to those must see wish lists. Apollo 3D, a member business of Welcome to Yorkshire, create premium 3D Virtual Tours which are ideal for showing off and promoting all types of properties, businesses and attractions, as well as being a great opportunity for prospective visitors and clients to find out more about what to expect and what’s on offer. Welcome to Yorkshire have a selection of Apollo 3D virtual tours to view.