The tightening of rules for public gatherings, mean that Santa won't be seen in Ripon's cabmen's shelter on Sunday - but the Christmas market, with free fairground rides for children will still go ahead.

Changes affecting both indoor and outdoor venues and events, were announced this week by the government, as part of its Plan B designed to tackle the Omicron variant of covid.

Ripon City Council announced on its Facebook page:

The rare and historic listed building (pictured below) was transformed into a temporary grotto to coincide with the switch on of the city's festive lights on 20 November.

Santa, who arrived on that day with two reindeer, attracted a large queue of families, whose children went to see him.



Though  the grotto is now closed, families and other visitors, will still be welcome on Market Square between 10am and 3pm on Sunday.

Free fairground rides for children will be in place next to the latest in the series of Little Bird Artisan Markets.

The following advice has been provided by the council for those planning to attend:

• People going to events are strongly advised to take a lateral flow test at home before attending


• Anyone with a positive test result must stay at home, and household members should follow national guidance for close contacts


• Face coverings should be worn indoors and in crowded spaces


• Keep a respectful social distance between yourselves and people who are not in your group


• Do not travel to the event if you are feeling unwell. If you start to feel unwell whilst at an event, you should leave the site immediately


• Follow all covid-19 measures in place at events, including regular hand hygiene

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