A fireworks display will provide a spectacular end to coronation day celebrations in Ripon’s Market Square on Saturday night.

North Yorkshire Council and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have given the go-ahead to a 10-minute display starting at 10.50pm.

The return of pyrotechnics to the city centre follows the cancellation in 2021 and 2022 of Ripon’s traditional New Year’s Eve displays, because of safety concerns about the launch area for the fireworks at the rear of the town hall.

This issue has now been resolved with approval given to a new launch area on The Arcade Car Park.

The Market Square, which has been decked in bunting created by Ripon Community Poppy Project, will be a focal point for the free-to-attend event organised by Ripon City Council to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Today (Saturday) from 11am until 8pm, there will be free fairground rides and from 3pm onwards there will be performances on stage from Cilla & Friends; Katherine Jenkins tribute, Midnight Soul Sisters, and an 80s Pop tribute band.

The Flash: Queen tribute band takes centre stage at 9.30pm to give a rousing build up to the fireworks finale.

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Hopes are high that Ripon will once again be able to stage a city centre fireworks display as part of the coronation celebrations for King Charles and Queen Camilla on Saturday May 6.

Traditional New Year’s Eve displays in 2021 and 2022 did not go ahead because of safety concerns about the launch site at the rear of the town hall, but a new location on a section of The Arcade Car Park looks set to get official approval.

Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams told the Stray Ferret:

“Following constructive discussions with officers at the new North Yorkshire Council,  I am confident that we will receive the necessary approval  required from the authority and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to hold a city centre display.

“Subject to that approval, the display on May 6, will provide the finale to an evening of free musical entertainment on Market Square, featuring a number of tribute acts.”

Cllr Williams added:

“It will also mean that the city can return to the tradition of holding a fireworks display as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.”

Ripon City Council’s programme for coronation celebration activities taking place on the evening of Friday May 5 and Saturday May 6, is still to be published, but will include free live music on both days and free fairground rides for children on May 6.

This article is sponsored by Boundless Networks

The four-day celebration of the Queen’s 70-year-reign is underway.

We have compiled a What’s On diary of events for the Harrogate district across those four days. Please send us details of your event for the extended jubilee weekend holiday so we can add it in.

Harrogate

Civic Celebration: 

Part of the Stray will be transformed into Jubilee Square. It will include a large stage and a big screen for the bank holiday.

Thursday: The big screen will be showing the Trooping of the Colour, The Queen’s birthday parade and the RAF flypast. Harrogate Spa Town Ukes will be performing, along with the big school sing, Freddie Cleary and band, Undercovered.

Friday: There will be a jubilee dog show, the Harrogate mastermind quiz, and live music from Ben & George. The big screen will also be playing the Service of Thanksgiving from St Paul’s Cathedral.

Saturday: A wellbeing morning has been organised, along with a second Harrogate mastermind quiz. The big screen will stream The Derby at Epsom Downs and the platinum party at the palace.

Sunday: There will be a jubilee picnic with DJ Mark Green, and the big screen will be showing films Encanto and The Greatest Showman throughout the day.

The town centre will be adorned with 4km of bunting and there will be street entertainers performing across the four days.

Valley Gardens will host a free family festival, which will feature jugglers, magicians, choirs and fairground rides. For a full timetable of events in Valley Gardens click here.

Little Bird Artisan Market  

Friday to Sunday: Little Bird Artisan Markets will be hosting an artisan market in Valley Gardens

The market holds stalls with an array of traders who sell baked goods, food, drink, arts, and crafts.

Palm Court Café Afternoon Tea

Friday and Saturday: Yorkshire Appetite have organised a guided walk and afternoon tea at 3pm.

The walk will include a short stroll through Harrogate central led by a local guide, keeping to the themes of the monarchy.

An afternoon tea will be held after in the Palm Court Café.

Tickets are £22.50 per person and can be booked here.

Cedar Court Hotel Tea Parties

Friday: Cedar Court Hotel is holding a Garden Tipi Jubilee Afternoon.

Priced at £16.00 per head the tea menu is extensive. For tickets book here.

Harrogate Street Parties

Currently, there are twelve officially planned street parties being held by the residents of Harrogate.

Rudding Park: 

Thursday to Saturday: Deer House Family pub at Rudding Holiday Park will be hosting a series of events such as a Jubilee disco and tea party. For more information click here.

Harrogate Library: 

Tuesday: Harrogate library is hosting the Twixt t’Covers regional event, where five special guests will discuss their favourite books from The Big Jubilee booklist. It will be livestreamed to audiences across the nation from 7:30pm to 9pm.

The 70 books, made up of 10 books from each decade of the Queen’s reign, will be available to borrow from Harrogate library. 

Oatlands Community Centre: 

Thursday: Oatlands Community Centre are hosting jubilee crafts for children from 10-12am. There will also be the chance to learn about Oatlands’ industrial heritage, view the centre’s ceramic mural design and sign up for a free clay workshop.

Live music at Harlow Carr: 

RHS Garden Harlow Carr are hosting a series of live music performances on each afternoon of the bank holiday weekend. The groups playing are:

Thursday: Take 2 Big Band

Friday: New Horizons Dance Band 

Saturday: Barnsley Brass 

Sunday: Chris Irvin Concert Orchestra

Knaresborough

Knaresborough’s Platinum Jubilee Committee has planned a celebration and entertainment programme. Flags, bunting and shop window decorations are already up. There will be a children’s shop window trail around the town. 

Thursday to Saturday: A community history display will be open in Knaresborough House from 10am to 4.30 pm daily. Admission is free.

Thursday: Knaresborough Flower Club will be decorating the Market Cross in the Market Place for the Platinum Jubilee.

At 9pm, along with more than 1,500 locations across the UK, the Mayor of Knaresborough will light a beacon on the castle top. All are welcome.

Friday: There will be a tea dance from 2pm to 4pm at the Knaresborough Community Centre, Stockwell Avenue. It is a free event, but people are asked to register their interest in attending. Tel. 01423 862702 

Saturday: There will be an artisan market in the morning, followed by an afternoon garden party and performances at Knaresborough House. Musicians and entertainers are booked for the free garden event with people encouraged to dress up in 1950’s attire.

From 10-11 am, there will be a children’s flag-making workshop at Gracious Street Methodist Church. The event is free and there will be refreshments at the workshop. 

At 11am there will be a flag procession from the Market Place led by the Town Crier to the grounds of Knaresborough House for the Jubilee Garden Party which opens at 12 Noon.

There will be a dog show. Entries are taken from 11am at the show ring. Entry £1 per class. Proceeds for Ukraine animal charities.

The approximate times are 12pm Best Rescue, 12.45pm Prettiest Bitch, 1.30pm Most Handsome Male, 2.15pm Waggiest tail and 3pm Fancy Dress.

Visitors can bring their own picnics, but a range of food and drink stalls will be available.

In St John’s Church, a specially commissioned film from Yorkshire Archives, looking at the Queen’s reign in Yorkshire and the Northeast, will be on a rolling programme with free entry.

In the Knaresborough House gardens entertainment will be provided by, The Hummingbirds, Roundel Pop group, Meadowside School Choir, Knaresborough Youth Theatre, Studio 3 and a traditional Indian Dancer. Knaresborough Silver Band will provide a fitting end to the day with music from the Last Night of the Proms.

Sunday: Christians Together in Knaresborough invite everyone to a Jubilee Celebration Service of worship at 10.30am in St John’s Church. Share with all the churches in the town as they come together to give thanks to for the Queen’s reign. 

Sunday afternoon is reserved for individually arranged street parties.

Knaresborough Chamber of Trade has announced a fancy dress competition. Get into the spirit of things with your best 1950’s outfits and you could win £50 (and some free publicity for your business or group if appropriate). Upload a photo of yourself or your team in your best 1950’s or Jubilee themed outfit. Use the hashtag #knaresboroughjubileedressup

See https://knaresboroughchamber.org for more details and terms. 

Ripon

Ripon City centre will be adorned with banners knitted by Ripon Community Poppy Project.

Ripon’s Civic Celebrations

Thursday to Saturday:  The focus of festivities will be on Market Square where there’ll be musical entertainment alongside free fairground rides. The entertainment will run from 11am -11.30pm

To accommodate the crowds, road closures will be in place on Market Place roads.

At 9pm on Saturday, the Platinum Jubilee Horn commissioned by the council will be used for the first time in the setting of the watch ceremony. All four of the city’s hornblowers will be on duty.

Ripon Cathedral service and tea party

Thursday: Ripon Cathedral, which is also celebrating its 1,350th anniversary year, will be the focus of North Yorkshire attention, as it hosts the civic service for the county between 11am-12pm.

Friday: Platinum Jubilee Tea Party 2-4pm for invited guests, who were born in each of the 70 years of the Queen’s reign.

Ripon’s new Platinum Jubilee Horn, will be unveiled to the public at 9pm on June 4

Children’s Entertainment in Spa Gardens

The focus on Sunday switches to Spa Park, where a day-long programme of family entertainment is being organised by Ripon Community Poppy Project.

Tractor Festival

Friday to Sunday: The UK’s largest tractor festival returns to Newby Hall, Ripon. After experiencing a break for two years, the festival will be extended to three days to cover the jubilee celebrations.

On average, the festival attracts around 12,000 visitors and 1,500 exhibitions of vehicles.

The event will run from 10am-5pm over three days.

Food, drinks, arts and crafts will be available to make the day more inclusive to children and families that wish to come down. Tickets are available on the Newby Hall website.

Boroughbridge

Wednesday, June 1: Boroughbridge Community Library is taking part in the Big Jubilee Read, and will be hosting a story time for children. There will be two story times for the book The Queen’s Knickers, starting at 10:15am for children aged 0-5 and 11:30am for children aged 5-11. The event will also involve activities based on the book.

Friday: The Great Afternoon Tea for the jubilee takes place at Boroughbridge Football Club from 12pm to 6pm. An afternoon of fun and games will raise money for the charity Dementia Forward.

There will be a barbecue and bar, along with a bouncy castle, tug of war, face painting, beat the goalie competition, and a raffle. There will also be an afternoon tea for local care home residents.

Pateley Bridge

Civic Celebration

Friday: A jubilee garden party will take place from 12pm – 4pm at Pateley Bridge Masonic Hall, including food, drink, face painting and games. The event will raise money for the Yorkshire air ambulance.

Saturday: The main festivities in Pateley Bridge are focused on a big party in the town’s recreation ground from midday until 3pm and there will be a royal themed fancy dress competition, a cake competition and live music.

Sunday: A platinum jubilee afternoon tea will be held from 1pm-4pm at Pateley Bridge & Bewerley Memorial Hall with live music, a raffle and a kids “design a crown or corgi” competition. No need to book.

Masham

Civic Celebration

Masham Parish Council has organised four days of events for the town.

Thursday:

• 10am onwards five-a-side football knockout tournament begins, plus bowls, snooker, quoits and a tug-of-war between businesses and community groups.
• 2pm Town Crier will read the proclamation
• 7.30pm A celebratory ring of church bells St Mary’s Church
• 9.40pm Lighting of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee beacons – bugle call to fanfare
• 9.45pm Lighting of the beacon on Roomer Common

Friday:

• 1pm Parade of Floats led by Reeth Brass Band – leaving from I’Ansons Mill, circling Masham.
• 2pm Fancy Dress judging – prizes for ‘best’ 5years and under, 6years to 10years, up to 16years and adults on Masham Market Place
• 3pm BYO BBQ on the Square – bring your own food and BBQ with friends on the square (dedicated veggie & gluten free BBQs available), people advised to bring a chair, on Masham Market Place
• 7.30pm Band on the Square – local popular band ‘The Doubtful Bottle’ on Masham Market Place
• 10pm Fireworks – what every celebration needs at St Mary’s Church yard to be viewed from the Market Place

Saturday:

• 10am Children’s Royal Crafts – craft a crown with Rev Sian Lawton at St Mary’s Church
• 3pm Afternoon Tea – enjoy a tasty light bite with a glass of fizz before the choir concert at St Mary’s Church. Tickets are £10
• Jubilee Choir Concert – come and enjoy music from members of Masham Musical Society, Singing for Fun and St Mary’s Choir. Tickets are £5
• 7.30pm Jubilee Evening Concert

Sunday:

• 10am Royal Peal of Bells – honouring the Queen at St Mary’s Church 10.45am  Service of Thanksgiving
• Midday The Great Get Together – bring your own food and share at this community luncheon, tables and chairs will be provided

For full details there’s more information on the Mashamshire Jubilee Programme website

Birstwith

Saturday and Sunday: The Birstwith Annual Village Show in Harrogate has planned separate events for both days

Saturday: A royal pig race will be held at the Station Hotel gardens in Birstwith. The event is family friendly and will start from 4:30pm running onwards.

Food and drink will be available with attendees having to bring cash for betting and food.

Sunday: BAVS have organised a village picnic to mark the Queen’s jubilee. Anyone is able to join, with participants required to bring their own picnic and drinks.

Dacre

A programme of events have been organised and Dacre, like Ripon, will be taking part in the beacon lighting ceremony on Thursday.

It will be lit at Dover Castle, up the path near Low Hall, by locally-based firefighters and attendees are asked to arrive by 9.30pm.

Songs will be sung, including the National Anthem.

Family fun day

Friday: A family fun day from noon until 4pm, will be held at the Max Pullan Playing Fields.

In addition to the live music and refreshments, there will be an egg and spoon race, coconut shy, bouncy castle, face-painting and  tug-of-war competition.

Sunday: The playing fields will also be the venue for an open air thanksgiving service starting at 11am.

It will be followed by a traditional village street party between the village green and church hall, from noon until 4pm attendees are asked to bring a picnic.

Throughout the week there is also a ‘Royal Treasure Hunt’ within Dacre Banks, with check in for the event at the village store.

Kirkby Malzeard  

Kirkby Malzeard Parish Council has organised a packed timetable of events across the four day bank holiday.

Thursday: A historical tour of the church has been organised, to begin at 3pm.

There will also be a jubilee bonfire lit at 9:45pm at Greygarth Monument, including a singalong where guests are encouraged to bring their own instruments. 

Friday: An off-road social run will begin at 9am, lasting for 90 minutes and setting off from The Mechanics’ Institute. 

Reeth Brass Band will be playing from 11am in Mowbray Crescent. 

From 2pm, Laverton’s party will be hosted on the green, including live music and the option to bring your own food and drink.

The Mechanics’ Institute are holding a coronation music night, starting at 8pm. 

Saturday: A Royal parade will begin at midday, where trailers and floats will lead the procession. The parade will start at the Market Cross, leading to the playing fields where the ‘Kirkby Queen’ will present a gift to every child taking part.  

This will be followed by an afternoon of games, entertainment and a barbeque from 12:30pm.  

At 1:30pm, the Kirkby Queen will plant an Elizabeth II rose in the jubilee garden.

The Mechanics Institute are ending the day with a royal quiz at 8pm.  

Sunday: A street party will take place from 1.30pm– 4.30pm on Church Street. Guests can bring their own food, drinks and table decorations, and The Queen’s head will also be running a barbecue. At 1:30pm the children of Kirkby School will perform a maypole dance, there will be a royal teddy bear’s parade followed by a teddy bear’s picnic, and a dance and singalong to live music. 

Spofforth  

Spofforth with Stockeld Parish Council is one of the villages to be awarded funding from Harrogate Borough Council to be used for the jubilee.

Thursday: A children’s party will start at 2pm at the cricket club, including a helter skelter, a bouncy castle, hook a duck, a craft tent and a dunking stool. There will also be afternoon tea and a barbeque.

At 2:15pm a parade of the Kings and Queens of England will begin, where children can dress up as their favourite King or Queen from history.  

At 9:45pm, Spofforth will join other communities across the district in lighting the jubilee beacon. This event will begin at 9pm in front of Spofforth Castle and will include music from Spofforth School Choir and saxophonist Millie Hope.  

Friday: A tea party with prosecco, afternoon tea and music for Spofforth and Stockeld seniors has been organised in the Long Memorial Hall, starting at 3pm.   

Royal party in the park  

Saturday: A party in the park will begin at 7pm outside the castle, where people are encouraged to bring their own picnics. The evening will include face painting, circus entertainers, a 50s style band, and an Oompah band.

A disco and fireworks will bring the night to a close at 11:30pm.  

Killinghall 

Killinghall is putting on a jubilee celebration on Sunday at the village hall and the cricket club.  

It will begin at midday with a packed timetable of activities, including a bouncy castle, a cricket match, a tug of war, and children’s races.

At 12:15pm a jubilee fancy dress parade is taking place, and at 3pm judging of the jubilee cake competition will begin. The day will be brought to a close with the live band Let Luce.  

People are encouraged to bring their own picnics, and refreshments will also be available at the cricket club bar.  

Winksley 

Saturday: Woodhouse Caravan Park is holding a garden party at 3pm, including games, face painting, a cake sale, a quiz and a raffle at The Barn restaurant.

There will also be a party tea between 5pm-7pm and music entertainment into the evening. The profits made from the event will be donated to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.  

Roecliffe and Westwick  

Saturday: The parish council have organised a platinum jubilee lunch on the village green from midday.   

Fewston and Blubberhouses  

Thursday to Sunday: Fewston and Blubberhouses are holding a flower festival at Blubberhouses church, lasting all four days of the bank holiday. Refreshments will be served from 11am – 4pm each day, with live music on Saturday from 2pm – 3pm. 

North Rigton  

There is a red, white and blue trail to do around the village, starting from 22nd May, and a jubilee flagpole will be put up in the village garden.

Thursday: An evening garden party will be held from 7pm -10pm at Hill Top Farm, where guests are encouraged to bring their own drinks and meal. 

They will also be lighting a beacon at 9:15pm, which can be viewed from the garden. 

Sunday: A bring-your-own picnic has been organised, which will be held in the church grounds.

Topcliffe and Asenby  

Thursday and Friday: The Angel at Topcliffe pub has organised a jubilee celebration between midday and 5pm. There will be a bouncy castle, a treasure hunt and games. The Cherry Tones will also be performing, with songs from across the seven decades of the Queen’s reign.  

Saturday: The main event in Topcliffe and Asenby will be a party in the park on Saturday. The event will include an inflatable assault course, children’s games, a bowls competition, an ice cream van and live music. There is also the chance to pre-order afternoon tea. It starts at 2pm on the village playing field.  

On Saturday afternoon, St Columba’s Church is offering guided tours, where the church tower will be open for people wishing to see the village’s jubilee decorations from above.  

Sunday: St Columba’s Church has organised a Choral Evensong with the choir at 6:30pm.  

Whixley  

Saturday: From 7pm there will be an evening of entertainment at the village hall, with songs, dances and tales of the past.  

Sunday: A jubilee picnic will start at midday, where events throughout the afternoon include a royal fancy dress parade for guests and their dogs, a dog show, sports day races and an inflatable assault course.  

Hampsthwaite 

Saturday: From 2pm the Memorial Hall will open, offering a hog roast and barbeque. There will also be a bouncy castle and live music from Spa Town Ukes and Still Crazy.  

Sunday: The Memorial Hall will continue its celebrations on Sunday, opening again at 2pm until 5pm. There will be tea, cakes and sandwiches, as well as a raffle and screenings of film clips and newsreels.  

Follifoot  

Sunday: Follifoot parish council have organised a jubilee picnic on the village hall lawn. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnics and dress in red, white and blue or 1950s style fashion. There will be sports, music and a craft corner.  

Great Ouseburn  

Friday: Great Ouseburn village hall will hold a jubilee celebration all day, with a number of activities planned.

Guests are encouraged to dress in 1950s style outfits, and there will be a 1950s themed window trail around the village, as well as a Queen’s parade. Children’s crafts and games will take place, including dress making and crown creating. A jubilee lunch has also been organised where guests will need to bring their own food and reserve a table beforehand. There will be live music into the evening, and food available from Bistro Guy and Pool Bridge Farm Shop.  

A commemorative mosaic plaque is also due to be unveiled on Friday.  

Norwood 

Sunday: Norwood social hall is hosting afternoon tea and family games to mark the jubilee weekend. The event will begin at 2pm, and will include an afternoon tea and picnic boxes for children, family games, a children’s craft corner and a children’s colouring competition.  

Markington 

Saturday: Markington village hall has organised a jubilee celebration that includes afternoon tea and live music. The event will be at 1pm – 4pm, with the singer beginning at 1:30pm. Tables can be booked via committee members.  

Bishop Monkton

Bishop Monkton has a large variety of events for the jubilee weekend. Throughout the four day bank holiday, there will be a decorated house and garden trail through the village, and St John’s Church will be hosting a flower festival each day from 10am – 4pm.

Wednesday 1st June: A community concert with the theme ‘seven decades of song’ will take place in the village hall from 7:30pm.

Thursday: From 10am – 4pm there will be music from DJ Billy Miller, followed by live music at 4pm – 7pm from the seven-piece band Groove Council.

From 11am to 1pm there will be the ‘It’s a knockout’ sports competition on the playing fields, with tea and coffee also available in the village hall.

Children’s games will take place from midday on the playing fields, along with a magician.

There will also be a selection of refreshments available throughout the day on the playing fields, with bacon baps and a barbeque from 10am, and a bar from 2pm – 7pm.

Friday: At 9:45am there will be a coffee morning at St John’s Church.

The village hall will be screening two films, ‘The Village Likes to Party’ and ‘The Village Pubs’ from the local history group. There will be two viewings of each film at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm.

From 10am the Methodist Church will hold a wedding dress and photos display. This will also be open on Saturday.

The Masons Arms is putting on an afternoon tea from midday until 3pm, which must be booked in advance.

Saturday: A hog roast with stalls, games and pig racing will begin at midday on Main Street.

In the school hall, there will be cream teas available, as well as the school’s jubilee exhibition, open from 12pm – 5pm.

From 7pm, the village hall has organised a ceilidh, with a cash bar on the night.

Sunday: At 10:30am, there is a join service from both the churches in Bishop Monkton in the school playground.

A fancy dress parade will take place from 2pm, where guests are invited to dress up to represent people and events from the Queen’s reign. This will be followed by a street party at 3pm on Main Street, then a prize giving at 4pm.

Monday 6th June: The parish council will present the children of Bishop Monkton primary school with commemorative mugs.

To bring the celebrations to a close, a time capsule will be created and buried at 10:30am in Jubilee Woods by the village hall.

Marton le Moor

The parish council have organised tea, cake and games on Devonshire green. The event will begin at 2pm and refreshments will be provided.

Harrogate Borough Council has announced the second Harrogate Christmas Fayre will take place from December 2 to 11.

The inaugural event was run by the council in the town centre in partnership with Market Place, a specialist market company from Greater Manchester.

It saw stalls and stands selling food, drink and gifts around Cambridge Street, Market Place, Station Square and Cambridge Crescent.

The fayre was organised after the original Harrogate Christmas Market, on Montpellier Hill, was cancelled after the council refused to sign off the organisers’ event management plan.

A survey of local businesses undertaken by the council reported that 68% said having a Christmas market was beneficial to the town and 94% said last year’s event had a positive impact on footfall.

Candy Cane Express

Destination Harrogate, the council’s destination management organisation, has also started to plan for Christmas with its ‘Destination Christmas’ campaign.

The Candy Cane Express, a free road-train that travelled around the town, will return, as will traditional fairground rides to add to the yuletide ambience.

Read more:

• Harrogate tourism boss questioned over £6,000 spend on snow globe and social media influencer

• Harrogate Christmas Market Ltd gives up battle to bring back Montpellier Hill event

Gemma Rio, head of Destination Harrogate, said:

“We are thrilled to be announcing the return of Destination Christmas. Which last year not only brought our community together at a special time of year after the challenges of the pandemic, but encouraged more visitors into our district for overnight stays at a crucial time of year for our businesses.

“Together with our partners we are looking forward with excitement and aspiration to building on the success of last year’s event. Through the market we provided a great platform to grow our offer of an engaging outdoor Christmas retail experience, and this together with the fantastic festive entertainment we are offering is set to showcase the Harrogate district as the perfect destination for Christmas.”

Original Christmas market gives up battle

Last month, the organisers of Harrogate Christmas Market on Montpellier Hill gave up their battle to bring the event back.

The market, which was staged from 2012 to 2019, attracted over 80,000 visitors, 187 coaches and nearly 200 traders.

But the event was scuppered late into its planning stages last year when Harrogate Borough Council refused its event management plan.

The bells of St Andrew’s in Kirkby Malzeard, which have been silent for several years, could ring again this year to celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

Jonathan Couchman of Two Dales Bell Ringers, which is an informal group that encourages and promotes bell ringing in Wensleydale and Swaledale, said:

“St Andrew’s church has six beautiful bells but nobody to ring them so in liaison with the church, we would like to mark the jubilee by establishing a bell band there.”

Last year, the Wensleydale ringers held a course of short, interactive online presentations on bell ringing, which resulted in nine new recruits.

The activity does not require great strength and children as young as 10 are able to participate.

This spring, a second course is planned, with hands-on training in local towers, including St Andrew’s, and other church towers in Askrigg, Aysgarth, Grinton and Richmond.

Training will be interspersed with online presentations. Times and dates of sessions will be arranged in agreement with participants and the aim is to hold the first session in late February.

Ripon City Council has set aside £105,000 for four days of celebrations to mark this year’s queen’s platinum jubilee.

To celebrate the queen’s reign as the longest-serving British monarch, Ripon will stage events for people of all ages over an extended Bank Holiday weekend from June 2 to 5.

There will be a civic service on the morning of June 2 at Ripon Cathedral (pictured below) and a street party the following day. Other activities will range from concerts to light shows that will turn buildings red, white and blue.

The city has deep royal roots dating back to Alfred The Great, who allegedly awarded Ripon its charter horn in 886,

In an echo of this, the city is commissioning the production of a new platinum jubilee horn in honour of the queen.

It will be used by a member of the hornblower team in the setting of the watch ceremony, which takes place nightly at 9pm at the obelisk in Market Square.

Four-day ‘extravaganza’

A peal of bells will sound at on February 6 to signal the platinum jubilee.

The bells will mark the 70th anniversary of the death of the queen’s father, King George VI.

His death in 1952 saw his elder daughter, the then 25-year-old Princess Elizabeth, take the throne.

Council leader Andrew Williams, told the Stray Ferret:

“We are aiming to create a four-day jubilee extravaganza that can be enjoyed by all members of the community. Beyond the bank holiday, the new horn will provide a lasting legacy and reminder of the queen’s remarkable service.

“The  council is working in partnership with Ripon Cathedral, Ripon BID and Ripon Together in planning the many activities and events that will take place.”

Read More:

• More than 1,500 attend  Ripon’s New Year’s eve concert
• New classroom planned for Bishop Monkton Primary School

A fireworks display, which had been due to take place tomorrow night as part of Ripon’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, has been cancelled.

No reason for the cancellation has yet been given and it is currently unclear whether the rest of the night’s activities will take place.

Ripon City Council leader Andrew Williams, told the Stray Ferret:

“We are having to cancel the display due to circumstances that are beyond our control and are also in discussion with authorities regarding the concert element planned for tomorrow.

“We will provide a further update later.”

Free entertainment was due to begin with the Ripon Hornblower ceremony at the obelisk at 9pm, followed by an Oasis tribute act and the Big Boyband Reunion.

The Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Eamon Parkin, was then due to address the audience at 11.55pm and, following a blessing by the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt. Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, the fireworks display was scheduled to start as the town hall clock strikes 12.

Read more:

• Ripon’s New Year’s Eve celebrations set to go ahead
• Ripon councillors call on crime commissioner to keep CCTV promise
• Pilgrims brave the elements for Ripon’s Boxing Day walk

Remember, remember the Fifth of November, toffee, parkin and ale…

Yes bonfire night is here! It’s time to wrap-up warm, dig out our hats and gloves, light the sparklers and watch fireworks illuminate the sky. 

With events more or less entirely called off due to covid last year, 2021 is a chance for families to make up for lost time.

And that also includes all the amazing food and drink that comes with the celebrations.

Here are some of our top food and drink picks for bonfire night from across the district:

Farrah’s Harrogate Toffee

Farrah’s Original Harrogate Toffee.

A real British classic, the jaw-breaking treacle toffee, known as bonfire toffee, dates back hundreds of years.

And Harrogate certainly knows how to do toffee with style, with the famous Farrah’s blue tins selling in shops all over the world.

Farrah’s was established in 1840 and the Original Harrogate Toffee was designed to clear the palate of the putrid taste of Harrogate’s Sulphur Water. Fortunately we can now just eat it for pleasure – and it’s perfect for bonfire night!

Natalie Smith, manager of Farrah’s Olde Sweet Shop, said:

“Our world famous Harrogate Toffee has often been comparable to the delicious taste of bonfire toffee. It’s brittle, butterscotch, treacle-like texture is full of flavour and the perfect accompaniment to a bonfire night feast.

Whether it’s the Harrogate or bonfire toffee you’re after, at this time of you they are both a guaranteed sell-out. Be sure not to miss out and visit the shop to grab yours now.”

Betty’s Yorkshire Parkin

Betty’s Yorkshire Parkin.

In Yorkshire, parkin is as much a part of bonfire night as sparklers, toffee apples and hoping that the rain stays away. It’s a real warm, cosy scarf of a cake, deliciously sticky and with a fiery ginger kick.

Like bonfires themselves, the tradition of eating parkin here at this time of year is much older than the Gunpowder Plot. The origins are unclear – they could be pagan or linked to All Saints’ Day – but for centuries it’s been enjoyed at the start of November, usually on ‘Parkin Sunday’.

We have the brisk Yorkshire climate that favours oats over wheat to thank for parkin. Over time the recipe has been sweetened and spiced to become the treat we know today.

And we all know Bettys does a fabulous Yorkshire parkin.

A spokesperson for Bettys said:

“Parkin has been a Bettys favourite for almost as long as Bettys has existed. We love making it because it’s so perfectly suited to its season – sticky, warming, hearty. It’s hard to imagine bonfire night without it.”

Read more:

• Guide to fireworks displays in the Harrogate district
• Three local gin cocktail recipes to get you in the Autumnal mood

Hustle & Co’s Bonfire bagel and hot spiked apple cider 

Hustle & Co’s Bonfire bagel.

Hustle & Co, on Harrogate’s Station Parade, will be opening a little later on Saturday for those who are on their way to the Stray Bonfire.

And for those who fancy something a little different this year, the independent healthy-eating cafe has created a special bonfire bagel and lots of amazing drinks to keep you warm, including a hot spiked apple cider.

Spiked apple cider at Hustle & Co.

The bonfire bagel is gluten free and features dill cheese, seasoned spinach, scrambled egg, smoked salmon and caper crisps. As well as the cider, which will definitely warm the cockles, drinks also include flamed orange mocha, peppermint hot chocolate and a gingerbread latte with ginger spice crunch topping.

Nici Routledge, owner of Hustle & Co, said:

“We’re always doing something a little out of the ordinary at Hustle & Co and this month’s festivities are no different. We’ve got lots of specialty warming hot drinks.

On this week’s specials board we’ve got some great treats, like our bonfire bagel stack, Mak Tok curry bowl, roasted root soup, sharing boards and lots of sweet treats with autumn spice.

“We look forward to welcoming our lovely guests on their way to the Stray Bonfire on Saturday. We are staying open a little later until 6.30pm and we will have out hot spike apple cider ready for you on your way over to the Stray.”

Taylor’s of Harrogate Apple and Cinnamon Tea

Taylors Apple and Cinnamon Tea.

Fancy something warming, but without the alcohol, while you enjoy this year’s bonfire night celebrations?

Taylor’s of Harrogate does an awesome apple and cinnamon tea. It might not be an actual toffee apple, but the inspired flavour still totally conjures up those childhood bonfire night memories.

Abigail Sawyer, brand PR specialist for Taylor’s, said:

“Inspired by apple strudel and toffee apples, this caffeine-free treat is spicy and sweet. It is made with real apple pieces and a warming cinnamon spice blend, making it the perfect bonfire night brew.

Turning Point Brewery’s Heavy Dreams Barley Wine

Turning Point’s Heavy Dreams Barley Wine.

For those who do want something with a bit of a kick, Knaresborough’s Turning Point Brewery does an English-style barley wine, hopped with Godiva, First Gold, and Bullion.

This classic sticky sweet barley wine, with notes of figs, caramel, ripe blackberries, and almonds, is a nice warming drink to swig whilst watching the fireworks.

Aron McMahon, co-founder of Turning Point Brewery, said:

“I guess you could say it is the perfect bonfire or autumnal warmer, for ideally sharing with a friend, or family, before heading out to your favourite bonfire display, or celebrating this date at home.

“It is also a very popular style at this time of year as many folk use barley wine as one of their ingredients for making Christmas pud, in advance of those festivities.”

Plans to make Ripon a focal point for the festive season are underway.

Last year the covid lockdown meant that the city and its traders were unable to capitalise fully on the £65,000 spent on a major expansion of Christmas lights and displays.

The decorations, paid for out of the parish precept, are designed to make the city’s streets more attractive for local residents and help increase footfall to benefit businesses.

This year extension, will see a tree lit up to the side of Ripon Cathedral and lighting from Bedern Bank to the Canal Basin, along Park Street, Church Street and Coltsgate Hill.

Ripon Town Hall will be one of the focal points for Christmas lighting

The lighting will be in place before the switch on event on the evening of 20 November, when a free to attend tribute act concert will be held on Market Square.

On 5 and 12 December, artisan markets will be held on the square and free children’s fairground rides will be in operation on those dates.

At the full city council meeting on Monday, members approved the production of a brochure for distribution in Ripon and surrounding areas, which will publicise Christmas activities in the city.

The brochure has been produced in previous years, but the pandemic put paid to its publication last year.

Council leader Andrew Williams, said:

“We want to reach as many people as possible living in the broad hinterland of Ripon and invite them to join in the city’s Christmas celebrations.”

Councillor Chris Davis pointed out that posters for placement in shop windows have previously been produced alongside the brochure and he hoped the same would happen this year.

Read more:

• Why does an Astronomer Royal for Scotland rest in peace near Ripon?
• Ripon care home to close before Christmas