Blessed with bright spring sunshine, today’s annual Palm Sunday procession from Ripon Market Square to the city’s magnificent cathedral, heralded the start of Holy Week.

With Easter Sunday just a week away, people of all denominations congregated on the square for an ecumenical open air service led by the Dean of Ripon the Very Revd. John Dobson (pictured below).

Christ’s triumphant journey to Jerusalem was re-enacted as clergy and choristers carried large palms and followed Lily the donkey attended by 12-year-old Phoebe and her 13-year-old cousin Liza.

The procession went from the city centre and down Kirkgate to the cathedral, where a Sung Eucharist service was held.

Donkey Lily was led by cousins Phoebe (left) and Liza

The walk, with choristers singing and led by the Cathedral’s director of music, Dr Ronny Krippner, took the procession along Market Place East before the turn into Kirkgate and into the ancient church for the 10.30 service.

Phoebe and Liza, pictured before they led the procession with Lily the donkey

Along the route, they passed an array of Easter-themed decorations created by the non-stop knitters of Ripon Community Poppy Project. Two of their eye-catching designs can be seen below.

Crowning glory. The post box on Market Place East wearing its own Easter bonnet

Knitted Easter eggs adorn the trees around Market Square

Main image: Choristers on Kirkgate in Ripon’s annual Palm Sunday procession

There’s plenty going on in and around Harrogate over the two-week Easter break – take the movie-themed mini crazy golf course and Springtime Live from our ‘5 things to do at the weekend’, for example.

But if you’re specifically looking for activities to keep the kids occupied during the school holidays, here’s a few fun family-friendly ideas to get you started.

An Easter trail and children’s theatre performance at Newby Hall

Newby Hall reopens to the public on 28 March, just in time for Easter. Explore the Easter trail – where fairies will help guide you on a theatrical adventure through the woods while meeting a few cheeky creatures such as Mr Fox along the way –  before enjoying a live children’s theatre performance.

Performed by members of Story Craft Theatre, The Case of the Missing Bunny is an interactive show that will bring puppetry and problem-solving together.

Various prices, the trail runs from 11.30am to 2.30pm on Easter Sunday March 31 and bank holiday Monday April 1 and is included free of charge with a Gardens Admission ticket, Season Ticket & Historic Houses Membership.

The live children’s theatre performances start at midday, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm on Easter Sunday March 31 and bank holiday Monday April 1. Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5AE.

Fun for all the family at RHS Garden Harlow Carr

(Image: RHS Garden Harlow Carr)

RHS Garden Harlow Carr has a whole host of goings-on this Easter; think a giant Easter egg hunt, adventure walks, forest school, clay modelling, Lego workshops, recycling workshops, orienteering and crafts – there’s sure to be an activity to suit everyone.

Various prices, times and dates, RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate, HG3 1QB. 

Lamb feeding at Yolk Farm

(Image: Yolk Farm)

Nothing says Easter more than little lambs, and if you’ve not yet fed one, it makes for a memorable experience as lambs enthusiastically suckle from the bottle. Before or after lamb feeding, pay a visit to the other animals on the farm and little ones will love the Yard at Yolk play barn too.

Lamb feeding £7, supervising adults do not need a ticket. Entry to the play barn is £2.50 per child, adults and under 1s are free. Various time and dates, Yolk Farm, Minskip Road, Boroughbridge, York, YO51 9HY.

Try a wellbeing, musical theatre or creative dance workshop for free

(Image: Enchantica’s)

This Easter, Enchantica’s is running free 30- to 45-minute taster sessions of some of the after-school courses that it puts on throughout the year, including Rising Stars – a combination of drama, yoga and mindfulness – Musical Theatre and Creative Dance classes, all of which are sure to inspire and get your kids’ creative juices flowing.

Be quick though – some of the sessions are already fully booked. 

Free, various times, April 3, Enchantica’s Workshop, Unit 9, Beech Avenue Business Park, Harrogate, HG2 8DS.

Go to a Wonka-themed tea party or Easter bunny bop party

(Image: Rascals Entertainment)

As a parent or caregiver, if you’ve not yet been to a Rascals Entertainment party, you’ve not yet lived. And this Easter it’s running both a Wonka and Friends Pure Imagination Tea Party and an Easter Bunny Bop Disco Party at The Crown Hotel on 29 March.

For the former think an Oompa Loompa dance show, Easter crafts and a Wonka’s chocolate fountain for the kids. For the latter there will be an Easter bunnies meet and greet, dancing and games, to name but a few of the activities on offer. Not forgetting bubbles… and more bubbles – a sure-fire winner for every age. 

Wonka and Friends Pure Imagination Tea Party, from £22 per child with food, £10 per adult (no food), 12-2pm. Easter Bunny Bop Disco Party, £14 per child, adults £6. Both on 29 March at The Crown Hotel, Crown Place, Harrogate, HG1 2RZ.

Go to one of three shows at Harrogate Theatre

(Image: Harrogate Theatre)

Harrogate Theatre has a trio of family shows this Easter holidays. Take your pick from Dear Zoo, a classic story with a cheeky monkey, a jumpy frog and a perfect puppy; channel your childhood nostalgia at Sooty: The 75th Birthday Spectacular! where beloved characters Sooty, Sweep and Soo are brought to the next generation; or enjoy a live action retelling of The Tortoise and the Hare by Northern Ballet, which recounts the renowned story about a cheeky hare who won’t boasting about how fast he can run, though the tortoise might just give him a run for his money.

Dear Zoo, from £17, 1.30pm, March 27, 10.30am March 28. Sooty: The 75th Birthday Spectacular!, from £21, 11am and 2.30pm, March 30. The Tortoise and the Hare by Northern Ballet, from £13, 11am, 2pm and 4pm April 6. Harrogate Theatre, 6 Oxford Street, Harrogate HG1 1QF.

Get crafty at Ripley Castle

(Image: Rhythm Camp Events)

As well as a Children’s Easter Trail where kids go in hunt of the bunnies in the gardens and grounds of Ripley Castle, there will also be a Children’s Easter Crafts workshop held by Rhythm Camp Events at the Castle’s Stables. Kids can forage for their supplies in the gardens and grounds and turn their findings into a unique artwork or memorable memento to take home with them.

Children’s Easter Trail, £3.50 per child (children must be accompanied by an adult, entrance to the grounds are £9.50 per adult, free for children 12 and under), March 23 to April 8. Children’s Easter Crafts, £12.50 per child, one-hour slots from 10am-pm, March 31, Ripley Castle, Ripley, Harrogate, HG3 3AY.

Read more:

• 5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend
• What’s on
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Lightwater Valley Adventure Park is set to reopen later this month in time for the Easter Weekend.

The theme park is set to open its doors on Thursday March 28.

Lightwater Valley is launching two brand new attractions, which include a new rollercoaster and a Safari Jeep Ride. Plus the soft play area and theatre are both relocated and extended.

The park in North Stainley, near Ripon, was first established as a farm attraction in 1969 and became a theme park in the 1980s after introducing its first rollercoaster ‘the Sewer Rat’, which remained in place until 2009 when it was changed to Raptor Attack.

More rides and activities have been introduced over the years with the ‘Ultimate’ rollercoaster launching in 1991, bagging the world record as the longest rollercoaster at the time.

It has been at Lightwater Valley longer than any other remaining ride but last year Brighton Pier Group, owners of the park announced it would be closing for good after they found they could not bring it up to “acceptable standards”.

The Ultimate has been closed for a number of years

The new Rocket Rollercoaster is aimed at 10-12 year old visitors taking riders on an “adrenaline fuelled journey that gives everyone a thrill as if the rocket is flying amongst the stars”.

It will join the Caterpillar ride and Ladybird ride for rollercoasters catered to younger visitors. The park aims to “boost their commitment to the under 12s” and The Safari Jeep Ride is also part of this plan.

The ride will see large model animals set in landscapes relevant to their habitat, including elephants, zebras and lions. Visitors sit in their own Jeep which takes up to four people. The safari experience will also offer face painting and a chance to handle various small reptiles, bugs and creepy crawlies.

Go Safari attraction at Lightwater Valley

The theatre is also set to host a programme of children’s shows including Sing-a-long Safari, Bluey & Bingo and Peppa Pig & George.

Upgrades to the attractions have been completed during the closure of the park over winter.

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Ripon is preparing for a bank holiday street party after Knaresborough took centre stage yesterday.

Knaresborough Spring Fayre saw thousands of people visit the sun-bathed Market Place.

The activities included a free petting farm, a free craft tent, fairground rides, a spring window competition, a magician and an appearance by the Easter bunny.

It was the second time the spring fayre has been staged by Knaresborough Business Collective, which was set up by a group of small businesses to make the town centre more vibrant.

Yesterday’s event certainly had the town buzzing for the entire six hours from 10am to 4pm.

Collective member Natalie Horner said:

“It was such a brilliant day and a huge success for both the event itself and the shops in town too.

“The weather was lovely and it was so nice to see so much community spirit and joy in town.”

The Nailery won the spring window competition.

The forecast looks a little less kind for tomorrow’s street party on Kirkgate in Ripon, but spirits will no doubt be equally high.

Kirkgate will be closed to traffic from 10am to 4pm while residents and visitors enjoy live music, al fresco dining and entertainment.

The event is part of the Totally Locally scheme being adopted by traders and Ripon Business Improvement District to encourage people to spend with independent businesses in the city.

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An alternative Easter window display is catching the eye of shoppers and passers-by in Harrogate.

Art collector Mark Hinchcliffe has curated the display at West Park Antiques, which hosts 40 independent traders on West Park.

Mr Hinchcliffe, who owns The Chapel on Grove Road, has created a window that combines taxidermy with Easter eggs.

A white peacock, a golden eagle and a black swan are among the star attractions.

Easter eggs and taxidermy

Mr Hinchcliffe, who is keen to shake-up Harrogate’s art and cultural scene, said the idea was to combine birds and eggs to promote the life-affirming Easter message in an original and less obvious way.

He said:

“It’s a left-field and Victorian gothic alternative to Bettys Easter window.”

West Park Antiques

Lisa Hawksworth, who owns West Park Antiques, said:

“We always do our own window theme and Mark approached us about doing something new. We’ve known him for years and know he’s creative.

“Mark has a great eye and knowledge of design and when you see what he has achieved at The Chapel, it was an easy decision to let him do it.”

The display is expected to remain in place until April 17.

Read more:

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Free chicks are once again appearing in Bilton over Holy Week to bring some Easter magic to children.

Members of Bilton Grange United Reformed Church knit the chicks and leave them on the hedge outside the building each morning.

They will be appearing every day this week until Easter Sunday.

Children are welcome to take them for free.

The volunteers have run similar initiatives during other Christian festivals. For instance, they put out angels at Christmas and doves at Whitsun to spread joy.

The chicks are laid on the hedge at the junction of Skipton Road and Woodfield Road every morning until Easter Sunday.

Read more:

• Boroughbridge walking festival to be held this Easter
• Ripon’s non-stop knitters create Easter displays for the city centre
• Kirkgate to close for Easter street party in Ripon

Members of Bilton Grange United Reformed Church pictured giving away the chicks last year.

A walking festival is set to be held in Boroughbridge over the Easter weekend.

The Boroughbridge Easter Walking Festival will see a range of walks take place from Friday, April 7, to Monday, April 10.

They will include three, four, five, 11 and 16 mile walks around the town and surrounding area.

The festival, which has been held annually for 10 years and is free of charge, has seen 200 walkers turn up for the four-day event in the past.

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The guided walks start from a range of places, including the Crown Hotel, Rabbit Hill and Langthorpe Picnic Area.

The hikes are suitable for all abilities and all are welcome. Dogs are welcome on short leads.

For more information, visit the Boroughbridge Walks website here. 

A farm in upper Nidderdale that has diversified into family tourism has revealed its latest attraction, which is set to open over the Easter holidays. 

Studfold – The Nidderdale Experience offers a variety of holiday and leisure activities and says that visitors can now search for “little people” along its Adventure Trail.

Studfold is at the top end of Nidderdale.

Anne Challis, who runs the business with her brother, Ian Walker, said: 

“Magically, fairy doors have appeared throughout the trail as the springtime fairies arrive in the Dales. 

“The Great Studfold Easter Egg and Fairy Hunt is a day the whole family can enjoy. Pick up a clue sheet and then explore and discover large willow nests, brightly coloured eggs, golden rabbits and the famous Studfold spring fairies and their countryside friends. There’s also go-carts, ride-on tractors and den-building. 

“The woodlands at Studfold are always magical but spring sees an extra level of enchantment.” 

Ride-on tractors are one of the activities on offer at Studfold – The Nidderdale Experience.

The Walker family has farmed at Studfold, near Lofthouse at the top end up Nidderdale, for 16 generations, and started to diversify into tourism in the 1970s. Siblings Anne and Ian have since developed it into an award-winning business. 

In addition to its adventure trail, Studfold now also has a caravan, camping and glamping park and a café, and hosts school groups and seasonal events. 

Anne added:  

“We are very much custodians of this wonderful countryside. We aim to educate inquisitive minds and enable children to have a lifetime love of the countryside. Memories made at Studfold will become part of your heart and soul!” 

The Great Studfold Easter Egg and Fairy Hunt will run during the Easter school holidays, from April 1 to 16. 

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Yorkshire Water is urging visitors to their reservoirs to act with caution ahead of future bank holidays.

They are asking people to follow the Countryside Code and not to take risks by using disposable barbeques or swimming in the water.

A number of moorland fires in 2022 have been linked to disposable barbeques.

Gaynor Carpenter, head of land and property at Yorkshire Water, said:

“With half-term upon us and a number of Bank Holiday weekends ahead, it is important that visitors to our reservoirs do not take risks by using disposable barbecues or entering the water. We’ve recently seen the very real dangers fires caused by barbecues pose to our moorland, which can take hundreds of years to recover.”

Disposable barbeques are not permitted on any of Yorkshire Water’s sites, and some of its areas are covered by Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO’s), which means people could face on the spot fines if they are found using one.

Firefighters recently battled a large fire at Brimham Rocks, with the fire service urging people to be careful about putting out cigarettes and barbeques.

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Gaynor added:

“It is also important visitors to our sites remain vigilant around the water, particularly parents with children who may be tempted to enter the water.
“We work hard to ensure our sites can be enjoyed by visitors from the region and beyond and it is important people leave the sites as they found them. Following the Countryside Code and ensuring to take litter home, keep dogs on leads and park considerately will all help to make visits to our reservoirs enjoyable for everyone.”

If visitors do see someone in the water who requires help or a fire, call 999 and ask for the fire service immediately.

Easter, a top-tier holiday as far as I’m concerned.

Less stressful than Christmas and with even more chocolate, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year. And no, you are never too old for an Easter egg.

While times are undoubtedly tough at the moment, chocolate is an affordable luxury that most of us are still willing to splash out on.

And during times of economic hardship, it is not uncommon to see chocolate sales increase.

I spoke to three Harrogate-based chocolate businesses that are gearing up for their busiest time of year.

Bettys

I couldn’t really write about Easter treats without including this famous Harrogate institution. You can’t deny the chocolatiers at Betty’s make the most stunning creations and they taste pretty amazing too.

Ruth Burke-Kennedy, PR Manager at Bettys, said this year the business expected to sell a total of 47,000 Easter novelties, including treats like sugar-coated mini eggs and speckled rabbits, plus 25,000 Easter eggs.

She said:

“The best-selling Easter product this year is our milk chocolate sugar-coated miniature eggs – we have sold almost 8,000 so far.

“The milk chocolate buttons egg  is the most popular large egg, with 2,800 sold between branches and online so far.

“The best-selling hamper is our family Easter gift box, with 1,951 sold.”

When asked how many of their famous made-to-order milk chocolate Imperial Easter Eggs – priced at £295 – they had sold, she added:

“We have sold seven. We can’t reveal details of who we sell these to, but in the past we know they have been used at Easter weddings in place of a cake!”

Read more:

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The 100-year-old Betty’s Craft Bakery has a dedicated chocolate room, where it is kept at a lower temperature than the rest of the bakery.

The chocolate team works there from the very early hours of the morning until around midday, so the increasing temperature of the bakery ovens doesn’t affect the chocolate.

Ruth said:

“Bettys has been providing little luxuries for over 100 years now.

“We have noticed that when times are tough, especially during the pandemic for example, that when people were fed up and missing their friends, family and colleagues, our online sales increased.

“While many of the sales were from people sending love to those they missed, we also saw in an increase in people treating themselves.”

Farrah’s of Harrogate

One of Harrogate’s oldest businesses, Farrah’s has been serving up sweets and chocolate for more than 100 years – and its toffee-making roots go back even further.

At Easter Farrah’s, offers a selection of hand-wrapped Belgian chocolate eggs filled with mini eggs or luxury chocolates.

There is also an option to choose your own hand-wrapped Belgian chocolate egg filling, whether it be your favourite sweets, chocolates or even a miniature gin.

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

“Other than Christmas, this is our busiest time of year and we work hard to fulfil all of the Easter Bunny’s orders.

“Our most popular product is a milk chocolate egg shell filled with a fine caramel selection or a half-and-half milk and white chocolate egg filled to the brim with mini eggs.”

Hotel Chocolat

It might be a chain, but there’s no denying that Hotel Chocolat’s Easter offerings are always impressive.

Manager of the Harrogate store Hannah Cosgriff said sales were starting to ramp up as the Easter school holidays get underway.

She said:

“The Extra Thick eggs are definitely our best-sellers. Whereas most people do a really thin egg and package them up with the filled chocolates on the edge, we did the opposite and did really thick chocolate eggs with the chocolates inside. They come in sustainable packaging as well.

“Our eggs aren’t the cheapest, but you do get what you pay for. Not only do they include quality ingredients, but the way we grow our cocoa is really ethical and sustainable as well. For me that’s really important, and I think a lot of people are more aware of that now.”

Hannah said she had noticed that when times were tough, the shop was often busier as people wanted an affordable treat.

She said:

“This is the first Easter we’ve been properly able to celebrate in two years. I think that although people might be starting to feel the pinch, it’s not going to stop families wanting to come together and celebrate.

“With the energy increases, people might not be able to afford holidays, but might treat themselves to a nice Easter egg. It’s smaller treat but still a luxury. People don’t want to feel like they are completely going without. You have to have those little perks.”

Like Betty’s, Hotel Chocolat does a giant luxury egg. Their version is an Ostrich Egg, filled with chocolates, priced at £85. My husband moans at the price of Lindt Gold Bunnies, so I won’t hold my breath.

Hannah said:

“This is definitely one to share. We actually do sell a lot of these, especially the patisserie version.”