Ripon rocked last night, as a large crowd massed on Market Square for an evening of music and entertainment.
The finale was a spectacular fireworks display that lit-up the night sky above the city’s elegant town hall.
A five-hour programme started with talented local singer-songwriter Freddie Cleary and ended with a convincing Freddie Mercury sound-alike.
Tribute acts had the audience singing along to Elton John’s ‘I’m Still Standing’ Amy Winehouse’s ‘Rehab’ and Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody‘ among many other iconic British pop songs.
In a county where Tykes are known for their care when it comes to money — the icing on the Yorkshire Day Weekend cake, was the fact that it was all for free.
With the covid lockdown lifted, hundreds came to let their hair down on Market Square.
The day of fun for all the family, organised by Ripon City Council, was the first large-scale event to be held in the city since the coronavirus pandemic brought an abrupt end to all public gatherings.
From 2pm until 8pm, children with their parents and grandparents had Market Square North to themselves, as two free fairground rides and a climbing wall ensured enjoyment for all families, without the need to reach into purses and pockets.
The rides were still spinning as the music started on the stage in front of Ripon Town Hall.
Ripon-based singer-songwriter and acoustic guitarist Freddie Cleary was the opening act.
Freddie Cleary, singing some of his own songs and a selection of favourite tunes, was followed by the Elton John tribute act, with white piano in what was a fitting celebration of one of Britain’s best-known musical Knights.
The tribute performed hit after hit from Sir Elton’s songbook.
Before the Elton John tribute did his second set, an Amy Winehouse look and sound-alike sang in the distinctive style of the late legend.
Then came the finale and a scintillating rendition of the songs made famous by rock legend Freddie Mercury.
An emotional and power-packed tribute to Amy Winehouse, who died ten years ago
The Queen tribute act front man had the audience wrapped in the palm of his hands, as he sang ‘Don’t Stop Me Now.’
For the citizens of Ripon, the free entertainment continues today as the fairground rides and climbing wall will be open from 10am until 4pm.
Rock and rockets around the Ripon Town Hall Clock
And parents who saved money on the free rides may be spending some of it at the Little Bird Artisan Market, that will be open on Market Square South from 10am until 3pm.
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Ripon is ready to rock this weekend
Ripon will be rocking on Saturday when four musical acts perform in the city’s ancient square.
The Yorkshire Day Weekend will also feature free fairground rides for children, fireworks and a Little Bird Artisan Market.
The weekend has been arranged by Ripon City Council, which is funding the events from the parish precept paid by council tax payers.
It will be the city’s first mass public gathering since the relaxation of covid restrictions on July 19.
In line with the council’s family-friendly policy, two free fairground rides for young children will operate from 2pm until 8pm on Saturday and 10am until 4pm on Sunday.
For older children, a climbing wall will be in place for use free of charge.
Ripon’s first Little Bird Artisan Market this year was held on Market Square in May.
Music takes centre stage from 5.45pm on Saturday, when local singer-songwriter and acoustic guitarist Freddie Cleary performs.
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.
A more traditional performer will be on Market Square at 9pm, when a hornblower’s blasts at the four corners of the obelisk will signal the setting of the night watch.
Ripon’s day of fairground fun and entertainment will be brought to a sparkling crescendo with a Saturday night fireworks display.
Cupcakes by Ripon-based When the Cake Door Opens will be among the items for sale at Sunday’s market.
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Between 10am and 3pm on Sunday’s Yorkshire Day, the Little Bird Artisan Market will showcase more than 50 businesses, selling goods handmade or produced in the Yorkshire area.
Last month the market attracted many local people and visitors to the city centre, who browsed stalls selling an array of crafts, homeware, skin products, candles, clothing, photography, wood crafts and other goods.