A SERIES of events are being held to promote Yorkshire stateside.

Welcome to Yorkshire is hosting the New York round of the prestigious Leeds International Piano Competition which, for the first time, is taking its heats across the world including Berlin, Singapore and New York.

The competition, which began in 1963, showcases the world’s greatest young pianistic talent.

The New York reception on Tuesday, April 10, will be held at the Steinway Hall in Manhattan in front of 100 guests including New York dignitaries and media.

The guests will hear recitals by some of the globe’s greatest pianists and also learn about God’s Own County. This will be followed by the New York heats of the competition on April 11 and 12 April at the Norman S. Benzaquen Hall at the DiMenna Centre in New York City.

Welcome to Yorkshire is also flying over Michelin-starred chef James Mackenzie, of the Pipe and Glass in Beverley, to cook for The British Consulate and travel writers. His Yorkshire-themed lunch, to be hosted at The Clocktower, on Madison Avenue, includes Slingsby Rhubarb Gin cocktails, Yorkshire seafood, beef braised in Yorkshire ale and Yorkshire pudding, followed by Yorkshire parkin with Yorkshire Tea.

James said: ‘We have some of the best quality ingredients in the world and it’s what makes our food stand out from the crowd. I can’t wait to share that with our guests in New York."