Harrogate-based Cause UK is working with Welcome to Yorkshire to deliver a major film and music event tomorrow. The people of Ilkley and beyond are being urged to get themselves onto the Moor this weekend to appear in a film for a reworking of the classic Yorkshire anthem, On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘At.
Extras are asked to bring a hat to take part in scenes for the film that will accompany the new version on the iconic song. All proceeds from the song sales will go to the Yorkshire Regiment and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said:
It’s a chance to take part in what we hope is a big moment for Yorkshire and to be part of something which we hope will proudly put Ilkley on the tourist map, as well as help some causes very close to Yorkshire’s heart. The song is the anthem of Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Regiment’s ‘song’ so we really hope the town will get behind this exciting venture.
Ilkley residents are being encouraged to walk or take public transport to the moor this Saturday, 12th May for 10am and meet near the new café in the car park closest to the Cow and Calf rocks. Filming will start at noon when participants will take part in a mass sing-a-long for the media.
Lesley Garrett with Eliot Kennedy (in the blue shirt) recording at his Steelworks Productions studio in Sheffield
Gary Verity said:
We want to show the world what a beautiful and proud place Ilkley is. It’s also important for the local economy to shout out to the world that this town is a wonderful place for visitors.
Organisers are stressing that the moor must be respected and because of potential traffic issues people are asked to make their way to the moor by foot, public transport or are dropped off and picked up.
Gary Verity added:
This is about celebrating the moor, as such, we urge people to be respectful to Natural England’s request to walk only in designated areas to respect nesting birds and to refrain from smoking and dropping litter.
People will be joined by Fame Academy star Alistair Griffin, Ilkley’s town crier and will be entertained by the Yorkshire choir, Rock Up and Sing.
The classic Yorkshire song has been given a 21st century make-over thanks to the X-Factor’s Producer for Artistic Development, Eliot Kennedy.
Sheffield-based Eliot works with Gary Barlow and Take That and has written for many iconic acts including the Spice Girls, Aretha Franklin and Bryan Adams. He has recently returned from touring the Commonwealth with Gary Barlow recording the Queen’s Jubilee song.
Eliot said:
It’s actually a beautiful song, it’s a gorgeous song, you can’t help sing along. It’s been in my head all the time since we started this project. I think this song will last for decades. It’s going to stand the test of time. I’m putting as much love and energy into this as any other record I do.
Producer and Head of Operations at the South Yorkshire Film Makers Network, Rob Speranza, will be directing and filming on the day.
The film is supported by the Bradford Metropolitan District Council.
To date, the song has been recorded featuring a now-famous ‘rap’ with Brian Blessed, the Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Lesley Garrett and Fame Academy star Alistair Griffin.
The film will eventually be released virally by Welcome to Yorkshire to put Yorkshire on the map globally.
Surely Rock Up and Sing deserve a mention in the credits for the backing vocals on the recording and Alex Ellis for his splendid rendition of the opening verse.