Plans to make Ripon a focal point for the festive season are underway.

Last year the covid lockdown meant that the city and its traders were unable to capitalise fully on the £65,000 spent on a major expansion of Christmas lights and displays.

The decorations, paid for out of the parish precept, are designed to make the city's streets more attractive for local residents and help increase footfall to benefit businesses.

This year extension, will see a tree lit up to the side of Ripon Cathedral and lighting from Bedern Bank to the Canal Basin, along Park Street, Church Street and Coltsgate Hill.

The lighting will be in place before the switch on event on the evening of 20 November, when a free to attend tribute act concert will be held on Market Square.

On 5 and 12 December, artisan markets will be held on the square and free children's fairground rides will be in operation on those dates.

At the full city council meeting on Monday, members approved the production of a brochure for distribution in Ripon and surrounding areas, which will publicise Christmas activities in the city.

The brochure has been produced in previous years, but the pandemic put paid to its publication last year.

Council leader Andrew Williams, said:

Councillor Chris Davis pointed out that posters for placement in shop windows have previously been produced alongside the brochure and he hoped the same would happen this year.

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