Arrival at a Ripon Cathedral bathed in early-evening sunshine, signalled the conclusion of the 2023 St Wilfrid’s Procession.
It was the end of a 7.5 mile journey along residential streets and into the city centre, where thousands of people had gathered.
For the actor playing the part of the city’s patron saint and Colin the 19-year-old Cob Cross Clydesdale, there was a guard of honour provided by Ripon City Morris Dancers, as horse and rider approached the iconic building in time for a service of celebration.
Prior to that the rousing music of Ripon City Band (pictured above) resounded on Kirkgate as the procession made up of decorated floats and people in fancy dress carefully navigated the ancient street.
There was a carnival atmosphere throughout the day as crowds lined the streets to watch the parade go by and gathered in the Market Square for a Saturday afternoon of free family-focused activities and entertainment organised by the volunteers of the St Wilfrid’s Procession Committee.
Time to celebrate for these members of the procession
Among the musical entertainers were the One For All Choir, who performed to a large crowd in front of Ripon Town Hall.
Also singing and dancing throughout the day, were those who circled the city streets on the 20 decorated floats that took part in the procession.
The floats came with many imaginative themes and designs from superheroes, to one inspired by the TV comedy series Last of the Summer Wine.
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Ripon joins in Chinese New Year celebrations
Bambudda restaurant in Ripon served up a taste of Chinese New Year celebration with a lion dance yesterday evening.
The colourful event was due to take place on Kirkgate at 6pm, but the dancers and musicians were held up in traffic on their way from Manchester.
However, a large crowd of people, including families with young children, returned for 7.30pm to see two puppet lions gyrating to the percussive beat of drum, cymbals and tambourine.
The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, dates back more than 4,000 years and is the longest holiday of the year in China. This year is the year of the tiger.
The lions ‘scare off evil spirits and bring positive energy’
The celebrations will last until 15 February and end in China and other countries with a spectacular Lantern Festival, which features ancient spiritual traditions and celebrates family reunions and society.
Some ancient Chinese traditions were on display in Ripon, as Bambudda owner Benjamin Wu, who was born in Hong Kong, told the Stray Ferret:
“It is believed that the lions will scare off evil spirits and bring positive energy.”
He added:
“They can also bring good luck and good health, which is what everybody wants and I’m delighted that so many people came to share and enjoy this cultural tradition with us. “
Bambudda owner Benjamin Wu, with the lions who bring good luck and good health
General manager Lucy Nguyen, said:
“I come from Vietnam and the New year is also celebrated there in a similar way.
“It’s like Christmas in this country and is a time to be with family and friends.”
The musicians
She added:
“We’ve brought the lion dance to Ripon since we opened four years ago, but we couldn’t hold it last year because of the covid lockdown.”
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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.