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17
Nov
GALLERY: Ripon lights up as the countdown to Christmas begins
More than a thousand people gathered on Ripon's Market Square for Saturday evening's festive lights switch-on.
The Stray Ferret was present throughout the afternoon and into the evening to capture these images, as the countdown to Christmas began.
Before the city's mayor and deputy mayor, councillors Sid Hawke and Jackie Crozier, flicked the festive switch families were treated to an afternoon of fairground fun and musical entertainment.
Reindeer Ronnie and Cracker attracted a lot of attention and there was a long queue of children to see Santa in the Cabmen's Shelter, which was transformed into a grotto for the day.
The event, organised by Ripon City Council and paid for with funds from the parish precept, was also supported by Ripon BID.
The business support organisation has produced a Ripon Christmas brochure, which has been delivered to 27,000 homes in the city and neighbouring towns and villages.
A donation of £5,000 from the BID, has also enabled the extension of Ripon's festive lights, with new displays at Moss's Arcade and on Bedern Bank.
The lights on Kirkgate
The Fishergate festive display
North Street
Five-year-old Harvey was among the many children to meet Santa
Reindeer Ronnie and Cracker attracted a lot of attention
There was also two free to ride fairground attractions for younger children
The musical entertainment throughout the afternoon and into the evening was provided by Tamsin and Emma, who sang a selection of festive songs and chart hits
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