Enjoy award-winning brass music in Ripon

Ripon Concerts opens its new season this Sunday with an afternoon performance from award-winning brass quintet Connaught Brass at Holy Trinity Church.

The London-based ensemble has won both the Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition and the Royal Overseas League Competition, and its programme in Ripon will range from the French elegance of Debussy and Ravel to Piazzolla's tango, Florence Price and Gershwin.

It kicks off a season of six Sunday afternoon concerts at Holy Trinity Church, which includes a performance by pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason.

3pm, October 11, Holy Trinity Church, Ripon. Tickets from £12.50, under-18s free.

Get out and about around Knaresborough

If you fancy something free and low-key, Knaresborough Community is holding a Walk and Talk around Conyngham Hall on Friday.

The event is aimed at anyone looking for a relaxed way to get some steps in, meet people locally and spend a little time outdoors. It could be a good option for anyone who wants to explore the town without committing to a full-day walk.

The group meets at the Kingfisher Kiosk at Conyngham Hall.

11am-12pm, October 9, Conyngham Hall, Knaresborough. Free.

Saddle up for a countryside ride near Boroughbridge

There is also an option for horse riders in the Boroughbridge area this Sunday, with Boroughbridge Livery hosting a pleasure ride through the surrounding countryside.

The route takes riders through woodland and along the riverbank, with a choice of a two-mile or three-mile course. Riders can also make use of the Pony Playground and picnic area.

It's a more specialist option than some of the other events on our list, but a good one for anyone looking for an active way to see some of the countryside around Boroughbridge.

There are hourly slots throughout the day, and you need to book one in advance.

From 9am, October 11, Boroughbridge Livery, Humberton, near Helperby. £12. 

Take the kids to a very silly comedy show in Harrogate

Looking for something that will keep both children and grown-ups entertained? Award-winning comedian and children's author Olaf Falafel brings his Stupidest Super Stupid Show to Harrogate Theatre on Saturday.

The family-friendly hour promises plenty of daft jokes, audience participation, a live draw-along and a time-travelling portal – as well as some particularly silly toilet humour.

The show is part of this year's Harrogate Comedy Festival and won Best Kids' Show at the 2024 Leicester Comedy Festival.

1pm, October 10, Harrogate Theatre. Tickets from £19.

Head to Ripon for an evening of wildlife watching

For something a little more peaceful, Ripon City Wetlands is hosting a dusk bird walk on Friday afternoon.

The 90-minute guided walk is led by bird expert Sir John Lawton, who will take visitors around the wetlands to discover some of the birds that live and visit the reserve. If you're lucky, there may even be a chance to see one of the spectacular starling murmurations as dusk falls.

The walk is outdoors, so sturdy footwear and waterproof clothing are recommended, while binoculars are well worth bringing if you have them.

3.30pm-5pm, October 9, Ripon City Wetlands, Boroughbridge Road. Adults £15, students and under-25s £10.