Thousands of fans dressed in red robes and wigs gathered across the globe on July 26, 2026, to reenact Kate Bush's iconic 1978 music video dance for The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever.
Events took place in numerous international locations, including the Penistone Hill moors near Haworth, Folkestone Harbour Arm, Bristol, Clevedon, and the Octagon in Dunedin, New Zealand.
West Yorkshire Event Sells Out Quickly
Organizers in West Yorkshire reported that all 500 tickets for the Penistone Hill gathering sold out in 90 seconds.
Proceeds from the event were split among Women's Aid, Haworth and Oxenhope District Bridleways Group, and Friends of Brontë Country.
"We're really thrilled to be bringing all these people together. It's such a good-hearted, fun event.
It doesn't matter whether you can dance or not," said organiser Lydia McKinnon.
The West Yorkshire celebration attracted international attendees from as far as Canada and Australia.
"I just hope that the Kates and Cathys have got their thermals and their rain ponchos because they might need them," added McKinnon.
Participants expressed enthusiasm despite the weather conditions across various venues.
"It's wonderful.
So many people have turned out, and we're so lucky to have got tickets to get in," said attendee Katherine Egan, who travelled from Australia alongside Frances Murphy.
Other attendees shared their personal motivations for making long journeys to participate in the mass dances.
"We were a bit scared about choreography," admitted Christine, an English teacher from Oslo who attended with her colleague Martine.
Fans emphasized their deep connection to the singer and the unique setting of the West Yorkshire moors.
"We're trying to channel Kate Bush and have a lot of attitude and fun," added Christine.
US attendees also voiced long-held desires to visit the historic location associated with the original Brontë novel.
"It's something I've wanted to do for years," said Scott Kerman, who traveled from Portland, Oregon.
Participants noted that the location added a distinct element to the global tribute.
"I'm such a fan of Kate Bush and this song.
When I saw that this event was held here on the moors last year, I said, 'Well, where else would I want to do it?'"
added Kerman.
The event fostered a sense of international camaraderie among fans of the 1978 hit song.
"It's such a beautiful place, so it's just extraordinary to be here," said Kerman.
Canadian attendees similarly highlighted the shared community experience across continents.
"I've been a Kate Bush fan since I was a teenager. It's very special to be doing this here.
I love the connection to space and community," said Cathy Stoyko from Vancouver Island.
Events Across England and New Zealand Raise Funds for Charities
In the South West of England, events held at Bristol's College Green and Clevedon's Marine Lake raised funds for Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (SARSAS).
"It's enormous fun learning the dance, it's a real challenge as it's not straightforward, and it's not just for the ladies, we welcome everybody," said Bristol organiser Bridget Pairaudeau.
The Clevedon event uniquely features dancers performing simultaneously on land and in the water.
"They were delighted that we danced for them," said Pairaudeau regarding the beneficiary charity SARSAS.
Organizers noted the enduring cultural impact of the original song and its music video.
"Who wouldn't be delighted by it?" asked Pairaudeau.
The annual gathering continues to attract new participants worldwide ahead of Kate Bush's birthday on July 30.
"It's a testament to the power of the song and how much it means to people, and the book," added Pairaudeau.
Participants hope the original artist appreciates the ongoing global tributes.
"What a wonderful artist Kate Bush is, it's such an iconic dance, the video is iconic and I really hope she gets some pleasure out of us prancing about," said Pairaudeau.
Charity representatives acknowledged the creative effort behind the fundraising initiative.
"Every pound raised will help us continue providing specialist, trauma-informed support to survivors of sexual violence across Avon and Somerset," said Jenny Benson from SARSAS.
In Dunedin, New Zealand, city councillor Mandy Mayhem-Bullock organized the southernmost event to support the local mental health charity Weka.
"We make this dull, concrete jungle vibrant for the day," said Mayhem-Bullock.
The Dunedin gathering brought together experienced performers and local residents alike.
"Everybody's cheeks are glowing, and everyone's smiling," added Mayhem-Bullock.
Participants from neighboring cities made dedicated road trips to join the southern hemisphere performance.
"Kate Bush brought us here," explained a participant from Christchurch who traveled five hours with friends.
Despite freezing morning temperatures, attendees emphasized the social joy of the event.
"Life's about whimsy," added a second participant from Christchurch.
Local first-time dancers found the inclusive environment welcoming for non-professionals.
"Where else can you come together with all your mates like this and just enjoy each other's company?"
said the Christchurch participant.
Dunedin residents without formal training took part in the central city square routine.
"I thought, why not give it a try? I have no dance experience, but I'm actually having fun," said local participant Sylvia.
The group performance helped break the ice among strangers gathering in icy weather.
"Everyone's so cold to start, but once we did the first run-through and a few people knocked into each other, it's just really inclusive," added Sylvia.
Organizers designed the routine so that individuals of all abilities could participate comfortably.
"I can't do the great big kicks or the deep back bends that Kate Bush did in her youth," said Mayhem-Bullock.
The event welcomed impromptu participation from curious bystanders passing through the area.
"We're not about shaming people – we'd rather have people join in and just dance their own moves than miss out," added Mayhem-Bullock.
Spectators routinely gathered to watch the bright red crowd execute the iconic choreography.
"I love it when some unsuspecting person is casually walking through the Octagon and stops in their tracks, like, 'what is going on here?'"
said Mayhem-Bullock.
