Tourism boss hails Great Yorkshire Show as "shot in the arm" for industry
The chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire tells us it's shows resilience for the tourism sector
Yorkshire's tourism boss says the Great Yorkshire Show is a "shot in the arm" for the region's tourism industry.
The chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire told us the event's ability to draw crowds despite coronavirus restrictions gives him hope for the coming months.
He added that while restrictions will be lifted next week, the event in Harrogate shows it's possible to have fun while still respecting each other.
James Mason told us: "I think it represents resilience, I think it represents real loyalty by the number of people that are here to support all the businesses that are exhibiting. Bear in mind a lot of businesses have had a really difficult couple of years.
"To make a decision to take a stand, to sponsor the show, to exhibit and invest in staff, when society's perhaps not sure about whether they're confident to come back out and support occasions like this, I think is a real shot in the arm for this industry.
"I'm bursting with pride, as many other people connected with Yorkshire should be. The over-riding thing is that the economic activity that this will bring really demonstrates that we're on the road to rescue, doesn't it?"
"We shouldn't neglect our responsibilities to each other"
Asked about 'freedom day' coming next week, James added:**** "I've seen people enjoying themselves, I've seen people acting normally, and being really respectful.
"I think that's the key isn't it. From the 19th of July onwards, I don't think it's going to be carte blanche."
From Monday, all legal coronavirus restrictions will end, with things like mask-wearing left to personal choice.
James Mason added: "We shouldn't neglect our responsibilities to each other, but accept that the new normal is that more checks, more respect, more social distancing should stay in place. That's not a bad thing.
"It's just adapting to it, living with it.
"I think we can all learn something from the past 18 months. The real danger would be falling back into bad habits.
"Let's take the best of the previous world that we lived in, let's accept the last 18 months and the good things from it, and let's blend the two."
'FREEDOM DAY': What can and can't you do from the 19th of July?
What are the changes happening on 'Freedom day'?
From the 19th July in England, wearing facemasks is no longer compulsory. You'll no longer be legally required to wear one when you're out and about.
What are the changes happening on 'Freedom day'?
From the 19th there will be no legal limits on the size of groups that can gather, meaning no rule of six or bubbles to consider.
What are the changes happening on 'Freedom day'?
All social distancing rules are scrapped from the 19th July
What are the changes happening on 'Freedom day'?
From 'freedom day' workers are no longer being asked to work from home if possible, the government have said that people can go back into the workplace, even if they can do their job from home
What things are going back to normal?
Nightclubs and events like concerts, gigs and theatres will be able to re-open as normal from the 19th, although the government are encouraging venues like nightclubs to use Covid status certification, often called vaccine passports.
What things are going back to normal?
With no limit on the numbers that can gather and social distancing rules removed, Wedding sand funerals and other large occasions are back to normal.
What things are going back to normal?
Pubs and restaurants can go back to having people order at the bar and not have to have screens between tables, although it's thought many will keep some of the precautions in place.
Where do I need to wear a facemask?
Despite it no longer being a legal requirement, the government have made it clear that they recommend and expect facemasks to be worn in crowded areas and on public transport. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has made facemasks compulsory on public transport in London, with travel operators around the country making their own decisions on rules.
What do you still have to do after 'Freedom Day'?
If you're pinged by the NHS test and trace app because you've been in contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus you do still have to isolate. The government announced this will be ending for those who have had both doses of the vaccine and those under 18, but that doesn't come into force until the 16th August
What do you still have to do after 'Freedom Day'?
Countries you can travel to and from and whether you need to quarantine are still regulated by the green, amber and red lists. Although from the 19th July people who have had both doses of a coronavirus vaccine will be able to return quarantine-free to England from amber list countries