26/10/2026
Bootham Park back in the day when the Grand Yorkshire Gala was an annual event....
"The Grand Yorkshire Gala was a famous and prestigious annual horticultural, floral, agricultural, and entertainment festival held in York from the mid-19th century through the early 20th century.
History & Highlights
• Inauguration: Launched in June 1859, the event proved so popular that it remained a staple of the York summer social calendar for around 60 years.
• Location:
Primarily hosted in the grounds of Bootham Park Hospital in York.
• Attractions:
Featured massive marquees with prize-winning flowers and agricultural produce, brass bands, circus acts, fairground rides, and prominent hot air balloon ascents.