The Welcome to Yorkshire initiative are breathing new life into a Yorkshire classic with a new version of “On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘At”. It is hoped that the new recording will introduce the song to a younger, global audience.
The song include a performance by the Grimethorpe Colliery Band and will feature a rap by Yorkshire born Brian Blessed.
The plans for the new song were announced at Welcome to Yorkshire’s Y 12 conference at the UK’s largest tourism event.
The new version is being produced by Grammy award-winning songwriter and producer, Eliot Kennedy. Sheffield based Mr Kennedy is the Producer for Artist Development on ITV’s The X-Factor and is working with Take That’s Gary Barlow for The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Mr Kennedy said: “When people interview me, they always ask me about Gary Barlow. We’ve been close friends for more than 20 years – ever since we wrote ‘Everything Changes’ together. Now, finally, I’ve done a project that puts my work with Gary in the shade – now I’ve got Brian Blessed to rap to “On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘At.”
Famous actor Brian Blessed is lending his legendary voice to the rap and promises to shout with Yorkshire pride: “When I was offered the opportunity to record On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘At with a twist, I thought, that’s me! The version of the song is a larger than life take on a traditional classic and I am singing for Yorkshire, loud and proud. My vocal chords are renowned across the nation and I hope Yorkshire and the rest of the world will sit up and take notice of this valuable piece of Yorkshire heritage. When you have pride in your roots, there’s nothing more fun and joyous than singing about it. Enjoy! And don’t forget your hats!”
The song will be accompanied by a short film which is being filmed on Ilkley Moor in May.