28
Jul
City prepares to celebrate Ripon's patron saint
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The annual procession in honour of Ripon’s patron saint, takes place on Saturday August 2, when thousands of local residents and visitors will gather along the city’s ancient streets.
Antony Prince, chair of the St Wilfrid's Procession Committee, said:
This year’s event is shaping up to be one of the biggest and best yet, bringing together the city’s history, creativity and community pride in a spectacular day of entertainment and celebration.
More than 16 parade entries are already confirmed, featuring colourful floats, costumed groups, and live performances and, adding to the family-friendly nature of the event, free children’s rides will be operating from 12 noon on Market Square.
New for this year, there will also be the the Round Up cage ride – free for teens and adults.
At the heart of it all is the traditional procession, led by an actor on horseback, playing the part of St Wilfrid, winding through the streets, with the Ripon City Band, Morris dancers, and dozens of community groups.
The day ends with a short service and awards presentation at the majestic Ripon Cathedral, which Wilfrid founded in AD 672.
Procession route
Procession timings
Studley Road 13:40 Spa Gardens 13:45 Westgate 13:50 Market Place West Market Place East 13:55 North Street 14:00 North Road Magdalen’s Road 14:05 14:15 Stonebridgegate Allhallowgate 14:30 - 14:50 Southgate 15:15 - 15:35 14:25 14:55 Kirkgate 15:00 Bedern Bank 15:05 Bondgate 15:10 Barefoot Street 15:45 Harrogate Road 15:50 High Skellgate 15:55 Westgate 16:00 Blossomgate 16:05 Marshall Way 16:10 Market Place East 16:20 Duck Hill / Kirkgate 16:25 Cathedral
Mr Prince, pointed out:
Alongside the hornblower ceremony the procession, which dates back to 1108 and the reign of King Henry I, is one of the UK’s longest-running continuous community traditions.
It is is entirely funded by local business and council sponsors and delivered by volunteers, who give their time freely to bring this special event to life.
This isn’t just a day out, it’s a celebration of Ripon’s unique heritage and the incredible people who make it happen..
For further information about the procession, click here.
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