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27
Jul 2023
Last Updated: 27/07/2023
Thousands expected in Ripon for St Wilfrid's Procession on Saturday
One of the most notable days in Ripon's annual calendar occurs on Saturday with the St Wilfrid's Procession and celebrations on Market Square.
Crowds line the streets and create a carnival atmosphere for the historic annual event, which is held in honour of Ripon's patron saint and founder in 672 AD of the city's iconic cathedral.
The procession's origins date back to 1108 when King Henry I granted a royal charter to Ripon to hold an annual fair in celebration of Wilfrid's life and work and the tradition has been maintained by a hard-working committee made up of volunteers.
Led by an actor on horseback, playing the role of St Wilfrid, the procession, which sets off from Studley Road at 1.30pm, will be accompanied by the award-winning Ripon City Band and will include 20 decorated floats with designs created by businesses and organisations.
A map showing the route.
The 26-stage procession, which covers 7.5 miles, will circle the city centre and outlying streets, before finishing at the cathedral, where a celebratory service will be held at 4.30pm.
The route, which will see numerous temporary road closures, can be seen by clicking here.
In addition to the procession, there will be free family-friendly activities on Market Square between 1pm and 6pm, followed by musical entertainment on Minster Gardens, where Time Machine and Alannah Creed will be among the performers.
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