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31
Jan 2024
Ripon singer serenades couple’s romantic Harrogate engagement
A Ripon musician serenaded a couple during a surprise marriage proposal outside The Blues Bar in Harrogate last Friday.
Singer and guitarist Freddie Cleary was asked by Conor Walsh, the soon-to-be-groom from Newcastle, to be a part of a secret proposal during a weekend trip to Harrogate with his now fiancé, Ashley.
Conor took to social media to find a singer who could pose as a busker and then perform Ashley's favourite song while he got down on one knee.
Freddie, who is well known locally, told the Stray Ferret:
Conor Walsh pops the question outside the Blues Bar. Pic: LS Photography.
Freddie said he helped Conor choose a location in the town, adding it was a “no brainer” to select the Blues Bar on Montpellier Parade bar, a live music venue where he regularly performs.
Noticing Freddie being photographed while performing outside the bar as they arrived, Ashley said she "just assumed he was having promo pictures taken".
She told the Stray Ferret she was then left “completely speechless” when Freddie played the song and Conor got down on one knee. She said:
Pic: LS Photography.
The couple also said they were so impressed by Freddie they have already planned for him to be part of their wedding day.
They had not visited Harrogate before the engagement, they said, but added it now holds a “special place in our hearts”.
Read more:
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- Merger of three Ripon doctors' surgeries to be discussed this weekend
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