See the world's best axe throwers battle it out

The World Double-Bit Axe Throwing Championship comes to the UK for the first time this weekend, taking place in North Yorkshire.

Double-bit axe throwing is a traditional way of throwing an axe at a target 20ft away. Approximately 200 competitors from countries including the UK, Canada, Germany and Sweden will gather at Thirsk Racecourse to battle it out in five categories.

The world championship is held every two years in a different country, and this year is being hosted by the Axemore Throwing Club in Thirsk.

Visitors will be able to watch all the action, as well as having a go themselves at axe and knife throwing. There'll also be a living history Viking encampment.

From £4 to £20, see the website for details, August 23 to 25, Thirsk Racecourse, Station Road, Thirsk, YO7 1QL.

Kick off the bank holiday in Ripon

Start your bank holiday in Ripon, where a range of events are taking place on Saturday, August 24.

Head to the market square for free fun for all ages including live music and fairground rides running from noon until 11pm.

Over at Ripon Cathedral, the annual Summer Beer Festival returns with its usual mix of live music, guest ales, ciders, a cocktail bar and street food. Families are welcome and there will be a variety of garden games and activities.

Started more than ten years ago, the beer festival raises funds for the cathedral’s work in the community as well as its education programme, music and heritage conservation.

Free for under 18s, adults £8, see the website for details, 11.30am to 7pm, August 24, Dean's Garden, High St Agnesgate.

Tickle the tastebuds at the Harrogate Food and Drink Festival

The annual food festival at Ripley Castle marks its fifth year with more activities than ever celebrating global flavours and local independent businesses.

Running throughout the bank holiday weekend, the event features live music including Queen and Taylor Swift tributes, cooking demonstrations with local chefs, and an interactive comedy show.

The Street Food Arena will showcase delights from across the world, while the artisan markets celebrate independent traders and small businesses.

Family entertainment includes magic shows, circus skills, climbing wall, a petting farm and art workshops.

Free for under 5s, £5.95 to £14.95, see the website for details, 10am August 24 to 6pm August 26, Ripley Castle Chapel Flats.  

Walk an ancient route and savour the views

Follow in the footsteps of the Cistercian monks and join a guided social walk along an ancient trail from Brimham Rocks to Fountains Abbey.

This free National Trust event, led by Brimham Rocks volunteers, is open to everyone and is part of a series of walks that take place on the last Sunday of every month.

Covering eight miles, it takes around five hours and offers expansive views from Riva Hill. It includes a coffee break and a picnic stop, and the return journey will be by bus.

Free, but parking charges apply to non-National Trust members, 11am, August 25, meet at the Welcome Hut in the car park, Brimham Moor Road, HG3 4DW. 

Enjoy a day at the races

The final Family Funday of the season takes place at Ripon Races on Bank Holiday Monday.

This ever-popular event includes loads of free entertainment including a magic show, Punch ‘N’ Judy, barrel rides, face painting and bouncy castle.

And, of course, there’s the racing itself, with the day featuring the only listed race of the season, the EBF Ripon Champion Two-Year Old Trophy.

Bring a picnic and enjoy!

Accompanied under 18s go free, tickets start at £7, see website for details, Ripon Racecourse, Boroughbridge Road, Ripon, HG4 1UG. 

Looking for more articles like the one you've just read? Visit Things To Do in and around Harrogate for more content. And do you have an event that you’d like us to feature in the future? Drop me an email to francesca@thestrayferret.co.uk