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05
Aug 2024
GALLERY: Crowds line streets as Ripon celebrates patron saint Wilfrid
Bright summer sunshine brought a large crowd to Ripon's streets on Saturday, as the city celebrated its patron saint in fine style.
The St Wilfrid's Procession is a tradition that dates back to 1108, when King Henry I granted a charter for the people of Ripon to hold an annual fair to mark the anniversary of Wilfrid's birth.
The founder of Ripon Cathedral, who was born on July 30, AD 633, was one of the most influential figures in 7th century Britain and the early English church and 1,391 years after his birth his name lives on.
Antony Prince, chairman of the St Wilfrid's procession committee, said:
We are incredibly grateful to our business sponsors, volunteers, and supporters. Without donations and support, this event cannot happen, and there is always great expectation of the event locally.
In addition to the local businesses and organisations that took part in the procession around the city centre and adjacent streets, the committee organised family friendly entertainment and activities on Market Square, including a performance by the All For One choir
Led by Ripon City Band, the procession began at 1.45pm and concluded at 4.30pm with a service at the cathedral following the arrival of an actor on horseback playing the role of St Wilfrid
Ripon City Band led the procession
The Procession
The Bishop Monkton Floateers float had a Lego theme
Ripon Farm Services had two floats in the procession, one based on Top of the Pops and the other inspired by the musical Grease
Bishopton Vets brought some wild west action to the city streets
Klasswerks had the spookiest float with its Spirit of Ripon ghost train
886 (City of Ripon) Air Cadets provided a ground level Red Barrows display
Ripon City Morris Dancers added to the spectacle, as they danced around the procession route.
Ripon Swimming Club, which has been teaching the children of the city to swim for 90 years, caught the eye with its colourful Swim Fest 24 float.
Before the service of celebration at the cathedral, clergy led by the Dean of Ripon the Very Revd John Dobson, took part in the procession.
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