(Image: Lisa Young)
The striking spectacle of legal figures in traditional attire turned heads in York as the North Eastern Circuit Legal Service and Parade took place.
The event on Sunday, October 11, marks the official beginning of the legal year for legal professionals in the region.
Spectators lined the route as the age-old parade passed by. (Image: Lisa Young)
Judges, barristers, solicitors, magistrates and coroners were part of the parade which began at the Assembly Rooms on Blake Street, moved along Duncombe Place and Minster Yard, before culminating in a service at York Minster at 11am.
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Lisa Young, a member of The Press Facebook Camera Club, watched the parade in York Minster and captured these images of proceedings.
The North Eastern Circuit Legal Service and Parade traditionally marks the official beginning of the legal year for legal professionals in the region. (Image: Lisa Young)
The annual event also included members of the York Civic Party, including the Lord Mayor of York and The Sheriff of York, and was accompanied by mounted police.
Mounted police were part of the North Eastern Circuit Legal Service and Parade. (Image: Lisa Young)
The Office of High Sheriff, which organises the event, is the oldest secular office under the Crown, dating back over a 1,000 years. The High Sheriff of North Yorkshire plays a key role in maintaining this tradition.
The office is responsible for nominating future High Sheriffs to the Lord Chancellor and the Privy Council, as well as attending all royal visits to the county, and ensuring the safety and protection of His Majesty’s High Court judges when they are on circuit in the county.
Legal professionals annually take part, including judges, barristers, solicitors, magistrates and coroners. (Image: Lisa Young)
The service at York Minster, governed by the Chapter of York, follows the order of Matins, a traditional morning service of the Church of England.
The annual event includes civic dignitaries including the Lord Mayor of York and The Sheriff of York. (Image: Lisa Young)
The service includes a sequence of psalms, readings, and canticles, followed by formal prayers, an anthem sung by the choir, an address, and prayers.
The Office of High Sheriff organises the North Eastern Circuit Legal Service and Parade. (Image: Lisa Young)
The musical aspect of the service was led by the Choir of York Minster under the direction of Robert Sharpe, director of music at York Minster.
The North Eastern Circuit Legal Service and Parade took place in York on Sunday, October 11, 2026. (Image: Lisa Young)
The organ was played by Benjamin Morris, assistant director of music, while the Fanfare Trumpeters of the West Yorkshire Police Band were also involved.
The legal and civic procession was met at the South Door by representatives of the Dean and Chapter.
The Minster procession was led by the Minster Choir, and the service concluded with the National Anthem.