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.