Bee Lady Day 2026
Bee Lady Day – Honouring Jean Bishop and Inspiring Fundraisers
Bee Lady Day launched in 2025 and raised an amazing £15,000! It is now one of our annual celebrations on May 13th (Jean’s birthday), in tribute to Hull’s cherished Jean Bishop, affectionately known as “The Bee Lady.”
Over 30 years, Jean raised nearly £125,000 for Age UK Hull & East Yorkshire, spreading joy and making a difference for countless individuals. Now, we continue her legacy with the goal of raising an additional £100,000 to support older people in our community who are facing struggles. Every penny raised will go directly toward helping those in need.
We invite the people of Hull and East Yorkshire to join in, however they can. Whether through dressing up, hosting bake sales, or participating in sponsored events, we want the region to come alive with the buzz of Bee Lady Day, all in support of local older people.
We can’t wait to see what Bee Lady Day 2026 will achieve
How to Donate
You can donate to Bee Lady Day by following the link:
or by using the QR Code below:
How to get involved
Whats happening and where
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April 9th – A stall at Waitrose
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April 17th - A stall at Morrisons on Holderness Road
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April 24th – A stall in St Stephens
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May 1st – A stall at Bransholme Centre
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May 9th – Bee Lady in the Square
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Queen Victoria Square
10.00am - 3.00pm
This is a family funday in the city centre to celebrate Jean and continue her fundraising legacy!
There will be entertainment, stalls and performers, as well as an opportunity to purchase your Bee Lady Day merchandise ahead of the big day!
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May 13th – Bee Lady Day!
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This is the day when schools, nurseries and local orrganisations/businesses will be getting involved however they choose.
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Schools and nurseries will be dressing in black and yellow or even doing a Buzz Walk
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Local organisations will be hosting their own fundraisers and fun events.
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All with the aim of raising money for Bee Lady Day!
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May 15th – Bee Lady Day Ball
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Mercure Grange Park Hotel
7.00pm – 1.00am
The first event ever! A night of celebration, fun and heartwarming stories.
Tickets are still available here
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Schools and Nurseries
- Dress in black and yellow – Encourage students to dress up as bees or in Jean’s signature colours in return for a small donation to Age UK HEY.
- Host a fundraiser – Get creative with bake sales, fun runs, sponsored challenges, or a tombola—every little bit helps.
- Receive a fundraising pack – Includes a Bee Lady Day presentation, posters, social media blurb, colouring sheets, and stickers for all participants.
- Hold a Buzz Walk at your venue with the children. If you would like Bertie Bee to make an appearance get in touch!
Businesses
- Fundraise as a team – Organise a dress-down day, host a raffle, or challenge colleagues to take part in a sponsored event.
- Light up Hull – Join local landmarks in lighting up yellow or amber to celebrate Jean’s legacy.
- Become a sponsor – Support Bee Lady Day through sponsorship and become an official Age UK HEY Partner, with branding opportunities available.
- Receive a fundraising pack – Includes a Bee Lady Day presentation, posters, social media blurb, colouring sheets, and stickers for all participants.
Individuals
- Volunteer – Help run Bee Lady Day activities and be part of this special event.
- Host your own fundraiser – Whether it’s a coffee morning, a sponsored challenge, or a community event, every effort supports older people in Hull & East Yorkshire.
- Join the celebrations – We have numerous events across the week in celebration of Bee Lady Day, so get involved and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere. In the evening, look out for Hull’s buildings lighting up in Jean’s honour.
- Receive a fundraising pack – Includes a Bee Lady Day presentation, posters, social media blurb, colouring sheets, and stickers for all participants.
Nominate an older person who has done something amazing
This Bee Lady Day we are inviting the public to nominate an older person who has done something extraordinary, just like Jean. Whether they’re a dedicated fundraiser, a committed volunteer, or someone who has overcome a significant challenge with remarkable strength, we want to hear about it.
Everyone who is nominated will receive a letter in the post, we are then going to shortlist 5 nominated and these shortlisted people will be invited to attend the Bee Lady Ball with a plus one. The winner of the Jean Bishop Legacy Award will be announced at the ball, where they will win a award and a prize.
To nominate someone, please follow the link below to complete the nomination form.
All nominations must be submitted by April 10th.
Nominees should ideally be over 65 years old.
To nominate someone, please follow the link below to complete the nomination form.
Donate and Spread the Word
- Donate to Age UK HEY – Every penny raised funds vital services for older people in our community.
- Share on social media – Help us grow Bee Lady Day into a Hull tradition. Follow and tag us on:
- Facebook: @AgeUKHull&EastYorkshire
- Instagram: @ageukhull_eastyorkshire
- X (Twitter): @AgeUKHEY
- LinkedIn: Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire
- TikTok: @ageukhey
Make your own Bee Patterns
- A local knitter, named Louise Cramond, has designed us an amazing crochet Bee pattern. You can find a link below along with her Revelry. Her name is Local craft groups are coming together to knit and crochet bees in celebration of "Bee Lady Day." These handmade bees will be tagged with a donation link and shared as random acts of kindness. Want to take part? Find the patterns and details here!
- We have also been given a lovely and easy to read bee cross stitch pattern. It was done by Kerry from the Dunelm Beverley Store. Thank you Kerry!
Get in Touch
Want to get involved or have a fundraising idea? We’d love to hear from you.
Email: Fundraising@ageukhull.org.uk
Call: 01482 324 644
Join us in making Bee Lady Day a lasting Hull tradition!