A huge crowd filled Ripon Market Square this evening for the switch on of the city’s Christmas lights.
Thousands of people of all ages, from children in pushchairs to grandparents, got into an early festive swing, with tribute acts and Ripon’s own singer-songwriter Freddie Cleary, providing musical entertainment, alongside free fairground rides.
The cabmen’s shelter on Market Place East was transformed into a grotto, which was busy all afternoon and into the evening, with children queuing to let Santa know the presents they hope he will deliver to their houses on Christmas Eve.
For five-year-old Josephine and her three-year-old brother Noah (pictured) the gifts they wish for are Elsa’s Castle from the Disney film Frozen and a dinosaur toy.
While Santa was busy all afternoon, his reindeer also attracted a great deal of attention.
As well as the real reindeer present, Ripon now has a light-up variety, along with sleigh, as part of its festive decorations
The Christmas lights were switched on by the the Mayor of Ripon Councillor Eamon Parkin, with Santa on stage to lend a hand.
After the switch on, the musical entertainment continued, with a tribute act (pictured below) signing the chart-topping hits of girl bands.
They were followed by a Beatles Tribute act, who provided a fab-four finale to the day’s festive fun.
