Ripon’s first major event since covid restrictions eased on July 19 was welcomed by bright sunshine this afternoon.
From the opening of the Yorkshire Day Weekend at 2pm, there were queues of excited boys and girls waiting for their go on the roundabouts and climbing wall.
Two free fairground rides for young children, provided courtesy of the city council, proved a magnet to attract families onto Market Square.
Children had to wear harnesses and safety helmets to go on the climbing wall
The climbing wall for older children, was also free of charge, giving an opportunity for budding Chris Boningtons to try out mountaineering skills.
The rides and wall were attended by stewards to keep the children and other visitors safe.
Nikita, with daughters Lexie (centre) and Octavia, after the children enjoyed a spin on one of the fairground rides.
The free rides and climbing wall will be open until 8pm today and again tomorrow between 10am and 4pm, when there will also be an artisan market on Market Square.
Sadie and her children Lewis (centre) and Jack (right) with family friend Catalin and his children Iris and Rafi
Music takes centre stage from 5.45pm today, when local singer-songwriter and acoustic guitarist Freddie Cleary performs on a stage in front of Ripon Town Hall.
He will be followed by Elton John, Amy Winehouse and Queen tribute acts, whose respective performances will begin at 7pm, 7.45pm and 9.45pm.
Between the tribute acts, at 9pm, hornblower Richard Midgley will be present to set the watch, with blasts of his horn at the four corners of the obelisk.
The Yorkshire Day Weekend is the largest public event to be staged in Ripon since covid restrictions eased on 19 July
The fairground fun and entertainment will be brought to a sparkling crescendo with a fireworks display.
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This day in Ripon’s calendar is normally dedicated to Wilfrid the city’s patron saint and founder of a church on which the cathedral stands.
The covid pandemic caused the cancellation of the 2020 St Wilfrid’s Day procession and also meant that this year’s event is not being staged.
However, to keep the tradition alive, an unofficial St Wilfrid’s Walk was conducted around a route taking in Ripon’s streets which, in non-convid times, would normally be lined by thousands of people.
