Asda is imposing a ban on one item in 10 of its stores across the UK today – but the good news is that it’s only temporary. The ban is in place to celebrate Yorkshire Day
A significant change is taking place at select Asda stores across the UK today. A specific item has been prohibited from stores in the North of England.
The prohibition lasts just one day. On Friday, August 1, customers in ten Asda stores will not be able to locate any red rose bouquets on display. This “ban” commemorates Yorkshire Day, which occurs on August 1 each year, and seeks to celebrate everything Yorkshire, from scenic countryside to a good brew and Yorkshire puddings.
The Yorkshire Society clarifies that the date of August 1st refers to the regimental anniversary of the Battle of Minden from the Seven Years’ War and the tradition of wearing roses in the headdress on that day. It comes after Asda customers furiously react after spotting Christmas stock on shelves already
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In the case of the Light Infantry, successors to the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, a white rose was worn, reports Chronicle Live. The official Yorkshire Day festivities are held in a different city each year, this year in Bradford and Ilkley. Bradford was recently named City of Culture for the UK, so the celebrations are continuing even further.
Asda, a brand with deep roots in Yorkshire, is participating in the celebrations by banning red roses to honour the historical rivalry between Yorkshire and Lancashire.
Founded in the 1920s as a family business in Yorkshire, the first official Asda store opened on May 3, 1965. Today, Asda employs over 140,000 colleagues across its stores, depots, and corporate offices.
Katherine Town, senior buying manager of flowers at Asda, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our Yorkshire roots and wanted to mark the day with a bit of light-hearted fun.
“The white rose is such a strong symbol of the county, so we thought, why not let it have the spotlight for the day? We hope the displays bring a smile to our customers’ faces, while showing our continued love for this brilliant region.”
The Red Rose of Lancaster served as the heraldic emblem embraced by the Royal House of Lancaster during the 14th century.
The hues of the Royal dynasties represented the War of the Roses conflict between Yorkshire and Lancaster throughout the battle for dominance of the English crown from 1455 to 1487.
Complete list of Asda branches with red rose prohibition on Yorkshire Day:
Wakefield Durkar – West Yorkshire
Shipley – West Yorkshire
Morley – West Yorkshire
Hull Mount Pleasant – East Yorkshire
Harrogate – East Yorkshire
Glasshoughton – Central Yorkshire
Doncaster – East Yorkshire
Bradford Rooley Lane – West Yorkshire
Barnsley – Central Yorkshire
Adel – West Yorkshire