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11
Mar
Ripon bids to become ‘most Yorkshire place’ as events programme announced
Ripon will be decked in 50 Yorkshire flags for its annual St Wilfrid’s Procession on August 1 as part of the city’s events programme this year.
The vibrant horse-led procession, which celebrates Ripon’s patron saint, falls on Yorkshire Day this year.
At this week’s city council meeting, Councillor Andrew Williams said the council’s events committee and Ripon Business Improvement District wanted to “make Ripon the most Yorkshire place in Yorkshire”.
The procession, which includes decorated lorries, marching bands and dancers, will become the focus of the bid.
Cllr Williams added:
The BID are going to ensure that about a week before the procession that around 50 large Yorkshire flags go on display around the city.
He said he hoped the event would attract regional publicity and free marketing.
Cllr Williams added he had met Anthony Prince, who chairs the St Wilfrid’s Procession committee, and the city council was likely to be asked in April “to provide funding so activities on square that usually stop at 5pm carry on until 8.45pm so we make it much more of a family day”.
New talent show
Ripon City Council has allocated £69,000 from its £501,546 budget in 2026/27 towards events.
Discussing this year’s programme, Cllr Williams said it included:
- A new talent show called Ripon Amplified two weeks after St Wilfrid’s Procession.
Cllr Williams said: “It will be an event where local talent can come and showcase, whether they sing or dance or want to do magic or whatever, this will be their opportunity to take to the stage.”
- August bank holiday free rides in the market square
- Carols around the Christmas tree – a new event on the Saturday before Christmas
- Free New Year’s Eve party
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