This live blog of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is proudly sponsored by Boundless Networks – delivering quality broadband connectivity at a reasonable cost to homes and businesses in the Harrogate district.

It’s the Saturday of the jubilee weekend and we will be covering all the festivities in Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge and Masham, and the villages in between.

Our reporters will be out and about but please let us know what’s happening where you are and if we can’t attend we will add it to this blog. DM us on Facebook or email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Today’s highlights include:

• Party in the Park in Pateley Bridge
• Free live music in Ripon’s Market Square.
• Horse racing on the big screen on the Stray in Harrogate.
• See our full jubilee what’s on guide here.

6.06pm: Harry Gration cuts the ribbon in Valley Gardens

To most of us, he’s the bloke that used to present Look North on BBC One.

But he’s also known as Dr Harry Gration, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, and he was invited in that capacity to open Valley Gardens in Harrogate today.

The venue has hosted free rides for children throughout the four-day weekend and will do so again tomorrow.

Harry even hitched a ride on the runaway train .

5.38pm: Saturday night partying begins

There is free live music in Harrogate and Ripon tonight and, mercifully, it’s still sunny.

The big screens on the Stray in Harrogate will be showing Ed Sheeran and others at Buckingham Palace while in Ripon, where they have had two days of solid live music, there will be tribute acts signing the songs of Elvis, Tina Turner, Madonna, Madness and Little Mix in Market Square.

5.03pm: Mr Snout wins Birstwith Pig Race

A wacky village tradition finally made its comeback today as the Birstwith Pig Race returned to the Station Hotel.

For £5 you could sponsor the race and for £3 you could name one of the battery-powered pigs.

In the first round it was between Mr Snout, Stinky Pig, Chunky Cheeks, Miss Piggy and Peppa Pig.

You can watch the video here.

4.58pm: Street Party on Harrogate ‘s Stray

There are two concerts on the Stray tonight. Street Party starts at 5pm, followed by Party at the Palace at 7pm.

3.58pm: Prince of Wales leads celebrations in Starbeck 

Not the actual Prince of Wales, but the Prince of Wales pub in the centre of Starbeck, which is probably just as well known locally as Prince Charles.

The large pub has hosted a family party this afternoon, organised by Starbeck Community Group, with the proceeds from the raffles and stalls going to a Starbeck charity.

Tonight, from 7pm, the adults take over for a night of games and karaoke.

Iron Man was among those making an appearance. He should be safe walking home tonight.

3.30pm: Tractor parade and BBQ in the sun at Kirkby Malzeard

Hillside Playing Fields is the place to be in Kirkby Malzeard today.

As Suzannah arrived some families were just drying off after taking part in a friendly ‘It’s a Knockout’ tournament.

The BBQ was well underway with organiser Marlon Johnson saying they’ve already had to make an emergency trip to the shops after running out on burgers.

Today was the third day of festivities in the village with the highlight being this morning’s tractor parade through the town.

Marlon said he expects people to be on the fields until 5pm with other activities including a tug of war and egg throwing planned later this afternoon.

He said:

“I’m amazed by how many people have come down, I think the weather definitely helped. It’s great to get everyone together again.”

2pm: Rocking around Pateley Bridge bandstand

Pateley Bridge’s ‘Party in the Park’ was enjoyed by hundreds this afternoon with many bobbing along to second act of the day Ant & Frank.

The event is being held in the town’s recreation ground until 3pm.

Our roaming reporter Suzannah filmed a Facebook live of the performance, check it out here:

1.14pm: Dachshunds dominate in Knaresborough

Two Dachshunds caught the eye of the judges in the prettiest dog contest in Knaresborough today.

The winning dogs are in the top picture.

Our devastated reporter Tom, whose dog didn’t get the verdict, has at least had the pleasure of meeting town crier Roger Hewitt, who in a former life taught Tom chemistry at Harrogate Grammar School.

1pm: Pateley’s Picnic in the Park gets underway

Our reporter Suzannah has hot-footed it from Knaresborough to Pateley Bridge where 150 people are already at the recreation ground to enjoy the town’s big event today, Party in the Park.

Summerbridge and Dacre Silver Band has kicked things off and two other acts are set to follow this afternoon.

The free event, organised by Bewerley Parish Council and Pateley Bridge Town Council, runs until 3pm today.

Event manager Tracey Dawson said:

“I’m just so pleased with how many people have come out. It’s all generations coming together and enjoying the weekend.”

12.45pm: Knaresborough sisters meet town crier

The flag parade has been Knaresborough’s morning highlight. Scroll down to see our reporter Suzannah’s video of it.

Caroline McHuge sent us this lovely picture of her children Elodie (left) and Clemmie with town crier Roger Hewitt. Keep your pictures coming!

12.27pm: Patriotic pug in Harrogate

There seems to be a lot of dog action on our website today — dog shows, stray dogs and now a jubilee dog. It’s all good.

Sue Lovatt from Harrogate sent us this picture of her adorable pug Betsy, as well as this picture of the Queen making an appearance in her window, waving at passers by.

Do send us your jubilee pictures and we will add them to our live blog. You can DM us on Facebook or email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

11.59am:  Knaresborough’s Market Cross looking splendid

Thanks to Lesley Dalton, who has written to say Knaresnorough Flower Club has installed bunting and flowers on the Market Cross in Knaresborough’s historic Market Square.

The cross was erected in 1953 for the Queen’s coronation so it’s very fitting, Lesley adds.

Our reporter Tom has entered his pet into the prettiest dog category in the dog show in Knaresborough today. Do you think she has a chance? She’s looking a bit camera shy here. Or perhaps the pre-match nerves are kicking in. Come on, number 6!

11.28am: Knaresborough festivities underway with flag parade

Children dressed in red, white and blue and waved homemade flags for the Knaresborough Flag Parade today.

Families, local cadets and town crier Roger Hewitt marched through Market Place to the grounds of Knaresborough House.

Stray Ferret reporter Suzannah was there — you can watch her video here.

This afternoon multiple events are taking place in the town, including dog shows, band performances and the museum exhibition at Knaresborough House.

10.55am: Thunderstorm threat to tomorrow’s street parties

Harrogate Borough Council has highlighted the threat posed by a Met Office weather warning, which is in place from midnight tonight until 6pm tomorrow.

A Yellow thunderstorm warning will be in place from midnight tonight to 6pm tomorrow that just catches the bottom part of our district. More info below: https://t.co/lBYAWuQYWc

— HBCEmergencyPlanning (@HBCPrepared) June 4, 2022

10.29am: The Queen in Harrogate in 1957

Great photo of Her Majesty at the Great Yorkshire Show in 1957 — the year of the Suez crisis and when Paul McCartney and John Lennon first met.

https://twitter.com/nyccarchives/status/1533010681984782338

10.18am: Hog roast in Bishop Monkton

The highlight of Saturday’s jubilee celebrations in Bishop Monkton will be a hog roast in the centre of the village.

The cooking of the 87kg pig started at 4am this morning in preparation for a day which will also include duck races down the beck running through the village, tabletop pig races and a village ceilidh.

9.50am: Live music and new jubilee horn in Ripon

The royal revelry continues in Ripon’s Market Square today with tribute acts signing the songs of Elvis, Tina Turner, Madonna, Madness and Little Mix.

Striking a different note just before 9pm, the Ripon Platinum Jubilee Horn will be officially handed over to the city by ‘Mr Ripon’, former mayor and Freeman of the City, John Richmond, when he presents the specially commissioned instrument to Ripon’s new mayor, Cllr Sid Hawke.

9.41am: More free rides for children in Valley Garden

Valley Gardens is again offering free rides for children.

Elsewhere in Harrogate, there will be street entertainers in the town centre and the big screen on the Stray will be showing horse racing. The Stray will also host a wellbeing morning and another Harrogate mastermind quiz before some tribute acts take to the stage.

Here’s a pic of yesterday’s dog show.

9.22am: Festivities in Kirkby Malzeard, Laverton and Dallowgill  

Thanks to Pippa Manson, chairperson of Kirkby Malzeard, Laverton and Dallowgill Parish Council for sending us these images of what’s been going on in the parish.

Let us know what’s happening where you are and we will add it to this blog.

Garden party yesterday afternoon at Laverton.

Reeth Brass Band in Kirkby.

Thursday’s night’s bonfire beacon at Greygarth.

9am: Where the Stray Ferret reporters will be today

Suzannah will be in Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge, Kirkby Malzeard and Birstwith.

Tim will be covering events in Ripon.

Tom will be in Knaresborough.

John will be in and around Harrogate.

Tamsin will be covering events across the district.

Say hello if you see us in our Stray Ferret hats and please send us your photos to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will do our best to upload them on to our blog throughout the day.

Around 200 people flocked to Pateley Bridge recreation ground today for the town’s Picnic in the Park.

The free event, organised by Bewerley Parish Council and Pateley Bridge Town Council, invited locals to come down and have a picnic whilst enjoying music from three bands performing on the band stand.

Our roaming reporter Suzannah enjoyed tunes from Summerbridge and Dacre Silver Band and well-know local musicians Ant and Frank when she visited.

This was Ant and Frank in action.

Event manager, Tracey Dawson said:

“I’m just so pleased with how many people have come out. It’s all generations coming together and enjoying the weekend.”

The event ran from noon to 3pm today.

Read more:

Here are some more pictures from the afternoon:

(Left to right) Rita, Benjamin, Richard and Alexander.

Joanne Griffith (left) and Debbie Anson dressed up for the occasion.

Sandra and Sharon from Nidderdale Plus showed how the community group helps local people.

People standing for the National Anthem.

This live blog of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is proudly sponsored by Boundless Networks – delivering quality broadband connectivity at a reasonable cost to homes and businesses in the Harrogate district.

Welcome back to day two of our live jubilee blog, where we will be covering all the Friday fun in Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge and Masham, and the villages in between.

Let us know what’s happening where you are and we will add it to this blog. DM us on Facebook or email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Today’s highlights include:

• Free rides for children in Harrogate’s Valley Garden and a dog show on the Stray.
• Free rides for children in Market Square and a Timeline Tea Party.
• Newby Hall Tractorfest, featuring a Hawker Hurricane.
• Masham parade of floats this afternoon and band and fireworks tonight.
• The Great Afternoon Tea at Boroughbridge Football Club from 12pm to 6pm.

5.38pm: Buglers on Coldstones Cut

Two buglers from Summerbridge Band provided the musical backdrop for last night’s beacon lighting ceremony at Coldstones Cut, near Pateley Bridge.

Our #PlatinumJubilee appearances got underway last night with 2 buglers taking part in the Beacon Lighting ceremony at Coldstones Cut above #PateleyBridge #Nidderdale. An honour to be invited & amazing to think of the 1000's of people taking part across the country and beyond. pic.twitter.com/tYBkhHBID6

— Summerbridge Band (@sdpsb1) June 3, 2022

5.31pm: Great Almscliffe beacon

Thanks to Barbara Massey for this dramatic image showing last night’s beacon on top of Great Almscliffe, organised by North Rigton Parish Council.

5.20pm – Newby Hall flypast captured

This RAF enthusiast captured the moment the Hawker Hurricane flew over Newby Hall as part of the return of Tractor Fest.

https://twitter.com/SpotterPD/status/1532736925022420995?s=20&t=4WFoiw1UGsd0CSAV1Q6l7g

4.55pm: Big street party in Harrogate

We’ve just been to Westbourne Grove where we’ve seen the biggest street party so far.

A welcoming crowd of about 200 people are enjoying the sun in chairs on the street after a competitive best cake competition.

Viv Poskitt, who applied for the road closure, said the street had hosted parties on several previous occasions, including for the diamond jubilee 10 years ago and for VE Day celebrations.  She said:

“We just plan to keep going until dusk.”

Here’s a video of the fun.

4.05pm: Knaresborough gets dancing

These residents at Knaresborough Community Centre got on their feet for a tea dance as the celebrations continue well into this glorious Friday afternoon.

3.45pm: Burn Bridge street party underway

Cheers to the residents of Westminster Grove in Burn Bridge, who are having one of several street parties in the Harrogate district today. Tamsin from the Stray Ferret was there to capture this great community moment.

If you’re holding a party, send us a photo to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

3.20pm: Street entertainers in Harrogate town centre

Have you seen the street entertainers in Harrogate town centre? They will be out and about throughout the four-day weekend.

https://twitter.com/BidHarrogate/status/1532728005507928064

3pm Boroughbridge entertainment is underway

Our roaming reporter Calvin is now in Boroughbridge where an afternoon of entertainment is getting in full swing at the football club.

There are bouncy castles, carnival games, face painting, tug-of-war, a barbecue, a raffle and a visit from Boroughbridge firefighters.

Proceeds from the event will go to the charity Dementia Forward.

Organiser Laura Hutton

2.50pm: Hawker Hurricane due to flyover Newby Hall shortly

The flyover at Tractorfest is due to take place at 3.10pm. We’d love to see your photos – send them to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

2.35pm: Staveley women make village collage

A group of Staveley women have made a village collage as a lasting memento to the Queen’s platinum jubilee. You can read more here.

1.50pm: Superb parade in Masham

Masham has done itself proud with this wonderful parade of floats through the town centre, captured a few minutes ago by our reporter Calvin. It’s hard to imagine a more English scene.

1.35pm: Opera in the streets of Harrogate

Full marks to the West Park Hotel in Harrogate for one of the most innovative jubilee ideas so far. Two opera singers appeared on the balcony and began belting out classics, ranging from Jerusalem to Schubert’s Ave Maria.

Here they are singing Rule Britannia to an appreciate crowd below.

12.59pm: Archbishop of York tweets Ripon picture

Ripon Cathedral hosted North Yorkshire’s civic service honouring the Queen, which attracted a host of dignitaries.

Among them was Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, who has posted this photo of himself at the 1,350-year old cathedral.

Great to be @riponcathedral this morning to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with @joropner1 and @nickbaines Big one tomorrow @StPaulsLondon pic.twitter.com/dbkPUwuvQl

— Archbishop of York (@CottrellStephen) June 2, 2022

12.28am: Ripon is rocking again

Ripon is having a good jubilee, with Market Square the focus of the fun and the cathedral the centre of civic activity. There are large crowds and a great vibe in the city.

Today’s highlights include the Timeline Tea Party for 150 invited guests,  including 70 Riponians representing the 70 years of the Queen’s reign — from a year-old child to a 70-year-old.

Tomorrow’s highlights include the handover ceremony for the new Ripon Platinum Jubilee Horn from 8.30pm onwards and Sunday’s line-up includes a picnic in the park at Spa Park.

Iris, 8, and brother Rafael, 5, wait to go on the fairground rides.

12.07pm: Free rides for children in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens

Every parent knows how quickly you can burn money on funfair rides so it’s little surprise the lure of free rides in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens is proving irresistible to many.

It’s been less busy in Jubilee Square, where BBC coverage of the thanksgiving service for the Queen’s 70-year reign has been shown on big screens, but it’s expected to pick up later when the dog show and a Harrogate Mastermind competition take place.

There are also street entertainers in the town centre, which is part of a Harrogate Business Improvement District initiative.

11.58am: Jubilee book competition for children

North Yorkshire County Council, which runs the county’s libraries, is running a jubilee initiative to encourage children to read.

Our library staff are excited for the #PlatinumJubilee.

Children who borrow two books from our libraries until June 11, will be entered into a prize draw to win a copy of Michael Morpurgo's book, There Once is a Queen.

More: https://t.co/P9YyHeQUZR pic.twitter.com/qUlv0yfVw0

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) June 3, 2022

11.15am: Tractor heaven at Newby Hall

If you like tractors and machinery, Newby Hall near Boroughbridge is the place to be for the next three days.

Our reporter Calvin is amongst the hundreds of people there for Tractorfest, which has returned to the Harrogate district for the first time in two years.

An estimated 1,000 exhibits are on display, including tractors from the Queen’s coronations and silver jubilee.

11.10am: Spofforth skies lit up

Last night’s beacons appear to have been a big hit. Do keep sending us your photos of them.

Thanks to Mike Streeton for these wonderful images at Spofforth Castle last night.

Mike says:

“The local farrier created a wonderful beacon constructed of horseshoes which seemed very appropriate because the Queen is so fond of horses and equestrian events.

“It was rather ingenious and quite unexpected since a tractor lifted the blazing beacon up in the air high above all the spectators who were positioned at a safe distance. It was enjoyed enormously by all the excited onlookers.”

10.56am: Sports day fun in Bishop Monkton

An estimated 400 people — more than half the population of Bishop Monkton — turned out for a village sports day and children’s games yesterday. Twenty-one teams competed in seven different games based on sports clubs represented in the village.

10.29am: Beacons prompt 999 calls

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service reports that fire crews responded to numerous reports of large fires in the open, which turned out to be controlled burnings of jubilee beacons.

Harrogate fire station did not get called out to any — we are unaware if other fire stations in the Harrogate district were.

About 3,000 beacons were lit across the UK and the Commonwealth last night.

10.21am: Tractorfest at Newby Hall underway

Our reporter Calvin is at Newby Hall, which is hosting Tractorfest for the next three days.

Here’s a photo of Ian Muir and Tractorfest organiser Kevin Watson with a special Queen’s coronation tractor that Ian painted.

10.15am: Almscliffe Crag beacon lights up the sky

Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, has tweeted some images of last night’s beacon lighting at Almscliffe Crag in North Rigton.

Night-time adventures in Knaresborough and at Almscliffe Crag. Love a bit of firestarting. pic.twitter.com/CuYCAMhoXK

— Sharon Canavar (@sharoncanavar) June 2, 2022

9.40am: Ripon prepares for a second day of partying

Ripon is waking up this morning after the biggest royal party in its history and with three more days of family fun and entertainment ahead.

Away from Market Square and the cathedral, which were hives of jubilee activity yesterday, in the city’s residential streets Union Jacks are flying. Every house in Victoria Grove (named after the Queen’s great, great, grandmother) is linked by a string of red, white and blue flags.

The same applies to the railings at the nearby bus station, also adorned with bunting produced by the tireless knitters of the Ripon Community Poppy Project. Hillshaw Park Way is ready to party again today and, the promise of fine weather, will make for a busy day of pulling pints at The Magdelen’s pub on Princess Road.

9.26pm: North Stainley beacon

Thanks to Steve, who has sent us this image last night’s beacon lighting in North Stainley. The beacons appear to have been a big hit, drawing large crowds — we’d love to see your pics and hear your thoughts. Drop us a line at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

9.15am Today’s Stray Ferret team on the road

Calvin will be at Tractor Fest at Newby Hall and also in Boroughbridge and Masham.

Tim will be covering events in his home city of Ripon.

Tom will be in Knaresborough.

John will be in and around Harrogate.

Tamsin will be covering events across the district.

Say hello if you see us in our Stray Ferret hats and please send us your photos to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will do our best to upload them on to our blog throughout the day.

This live blog of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is proudly sponsored by Boundless Networks – delivering quality broadband connectivity at a reasonable cost to homes and businesses in the Harrogate district.

The sun is out as four days of jubilee celebrations get underway in the Harrogate district today.

The Stray Ferret will be covering the festivities and the fun, the street parties and the ceremonies over the next four days in Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge and Masham, and the villages in between.

We want to hear what’s happening in your town, village or city so email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will add it to the blog.

5.24pm: Will it stay dry for tonight’s beacons?

It’s been a warm and sunny opening day to the jubilee celebrations but it is clouding over.

Beacons are due to be lit across the Harrogate district tonight, with most occurring at 9.45pm. According to the BBC weather forecast for Harrogate, some rain is possible.

Spofforth Castle, Ripon Market Square,  Almscliffe Crag in North Rigton, the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, Kirkby Malzeard and Roomer Common in Masham are among the locations taking part.

So too is Knaresborough Castle, where Tamsin from the Stray Ferret will be among the onlookers.

4.35pm: Spofforth hosts children’s party

Fresh from his trip to Blubberhouses, our reporter Tom has been to Spofforth to witness today’s jubilee activities.

You can read his full account here.

4.17pm: Great and the good attend Ripon Cathedral’s civic event

Julian Smith MP

Harry Gration

North Yorkshire dignitaries gathered at Ripon Cathedral today for a service in honour of the Queen.

Those attending included the Archbishop of York, Ripon MP Julian Smith, Grantley Hall owner Valeria Sykes and former Look North presenter Harry Gration.

You can read our Ripon reporter Tim’s full account here.

3.58pm: Human plant pots in Harrogate town centre

Last year there was fake grass in Harrogate town centre — now there are human plant pots. And they’re certainly proving more popular with visitors, who posed for photos alongside them. It’s all part of the jubilee fun. Send us your jubilee pictures to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

3.27pm: First street party underway in Pannal Ash

Most street parties are on Sunday but the residents of Castle Hill Glade in Pannal Ash thought today might be a more family-friendly day and, judging by the weather forecast, they may have chosen the right day

Rachel Baskin (pictured far left), who applied for the street closure, told us the party idea evolved from covid, when residents living on the cul-de-sac would have socially distanced meetings on Thursdays.

There’s also an informal group called Ladies of Glade, who meet a glass of wine each week.

Residents in nearby streets are bringing their own teas and sitting outside together to enjoy the occasion.

2.55pm: Bilton’s Party on the Pitch proves a hit

People are pouring into Bilton Cricket Club’s free Party on the Pitch event, which runs until 9pm.

We’ve just been down and there is a wonderful atmosphere, which shows there is a great community spirit in Bilton and a thirst for get togethers like this since the demise of Bilton Gala on May Day.

There’s a barbecue, live music and plenty for children to do. People are just rocking up and having a picnic on the pitch.

Matt Thomas, cricket secretary, estimated about 1,000 people were there an hour ago and the number is growing. He added:

“It’s a great opportunity for the local community to get together and have fun.”

There is a collection for Yorkshire Air Ambulance — a cause dear to the club’s heart after a player had a heart attack on the pitch at an away game last year.

1.20pm: Jubilee shenanigans on Harrogate’s Beulah Street

It’s not every day you wander along Beulah Street and see people dressed like this belting out Land of Hope and Glory. But that’s what the jubilee does to you. It’s that kind of weekend.

What’s happening out in Bilton, Starbeck and Jennyfields, or in Pateley Bridge? Wherever you are in the Harrogate district we want to receive your jubilee news and images. Email us and we will add them to this live blog.

1.12pm: Live music all day in Ripon 

Among those early to arrive on Market Square was four-year-old Aylar and her mum Susannah (pictured), who were blowing bubbles as the free entertainment started on stage with Lily Worth.

Lily sang a selection of songs from musicals, including the Greatest Showman. There is free live music all day in Ripon’s Market Square.

Meanwhile, a giant TV screen next to Ripon Town Hall linked the city to Horseguards Parade in London, where the Trooping the Colour ceremony, broadcast live on the BBC, marked the Queen’s official birthday.

Lily Worth on stage in Ripon today.

The big screen.

1.01pm: Blubberhouses flower festival tells Queen’s story

Our reporter Tom has been to Blubberhouses, where a jubilee-themed flower festival is underway.

You can visit it at St Andrew’s Church in Blubberhouses, just past Fewston Reservoir off the A59, from 11am to 4pm every day over the four-day weekend.

Further details are here.

12.26pm: Bishop leads county service of celebration 

Ripon is pulling out the stops this weekend with activities galore, and Ripon Cathedral is at the heart of things. The Bishop of Ripon has tweeted about a service she led this morning.

https://twitter.com/HartleyHAM/status/1532321794765488128

12.05pm: Ripon mum wins Bettys Jubilee Bake Off 

Ripon mum Lori Hendry (pictured holding the cake) has beaten three other shortlisted bakers to win the Bettys Jubilee Bake Off.

Lori’s Victoria sponge decorated with red, white and blue icing adorned with a crown and Union Jack flags wowed the judges. You can read more here.

11.10am: Free rides, entertainment and face painting in Valley Gardens

Free events are taking place in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens until 6pm. It’s very much a family occasion: kids can meet Elsa, Batman and Cinderella (pictured above), ride on the runaway train, climb a wall, jump on a bungee trampoline, watch jugglers — all for free.

Elsewhere in Harrogate, on a section of the Stray, which has been renamed Jubilee Square, people can watch a big screen of the BBC coverage of the jubilee.

10.27am: Recycling depots open as usual

North Yorkshire County Council tweets that its household recycling centres are open as normal this bank holiday weekend.

All our household waste recycling centres are open, as usual, from 8.30am to 5pm, throughout the Queen's #PlatinumJubilee bank holiday weekend.

Find your nearest site and what items you can take athttps://t.co/llRAH0z30s pic.twitter.com/rASZiF1jhk

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) June 2, 2022

9.32am: Bishop Monkton choir starts the jubilee weekend

Bishop Monkton kicked off the jubilee weekend last night a community concert given by a choir developed on Zoom during the pandemic.

The choir entertained an audience of 120 in the village hall with a show titled Seven Decades of Song, featuring music from the 1940s to the present day. The concert included hits from musicals like Oklahoma and the Sound of Music as well as more recent numbers from Leonard Cohen and Gary Barlow.

The choir grew out of the village’s Singing for Fun group, which had started just before the pandemic and which kept going through the covid lockdowns by meeting on Zoom. The show included a live rendition of a song called Lockdown, written during covid by the village’s jubilee queen, Pauline Beecroft, to the tune of the Petula Clark 1960s hit Downtown.

The concert ended with the singing of Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory and the National Anthem.

Thanks to Colin Philpott for sending us this jubilee news in Bishop Monkton. What’s happening where you are? Message us your jubilee news and pictures at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

8.52am: Free music all day in Ripon

The stage is set in Ripon for the biggest royal party of the ancient city’s long history. Lily Worth will kick off a day of free music at 10.30am and she will be followed by Ripon’s own talented singer-songwriter Freddie Cleary.

Later, tribute acts will sing the songs of Stevie Wonder, Cilla Black, George Michael, the Everly Brothers and Katherine Jenkins. For nostalgia lovers, there will be wartime songs of Vera Lynn and others from 4.50pm.

Organisers Ripon City Council are hoping that the blue skies that have started the day will remain over the town hall and stage facing onto Market Square, where large crowds are anticipated.

8.45am: Stray Ferret journalists set to hit the road 

Tim will be in Ripon all day and for the lighting of the beacon.

Tom plans to head to Blubberhouses and Spofforth

John will be in and around Harrogate

Tamsin will be in Knaresborough for tonight’s beacon lighting.

Say hello if you see us in our Stray Ferret hats and please send us your photos to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will do our best to upload them on to our blog throughout the day.

An eight-year-old boy has become the latest person to require rescuing at Brimham Rocks.

Seven members of Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association were called to the National Trust-owned site near Pateley Bridge when the boy got stuck at the top of a rock outcrop.

The association’s website says:

“He had managed to jump the gap to get onto the rock before realising that the jump back would be much harder.”

North Yorkshire Police summoned the rescuers at 11.30am on Monday and they managed to assist the boy to safety.

The volunteer-run association has attended several incidents at Brimham Rocks already this year.

Read more:

• Second climber rescued from same rock at Brimham Rocks
• Daleside Garage in Pateley Bridge to relocate this year

A Nidderdale school is celebrating achieving a ‘good’ rating in its latest Ofsted report.

Glasshouses Primary School maintained its rating from the previous inspection in 2012, with the report particularly praising its ethos and the attitudes of pupils to learning.

In their introduction, the inspectors wrote:

“Glasshouses Primary School is a small school that has big ambitions for all its pupils.

“A caring and respectful ethos runs through all areas of the school. Leaders are determined to provide pupils with the knowledge and understanding they need to be happy, confident and successful.”

Reacting to the report, headteacher Nicola Thornber said:

“That top line absolutely encompasses what Glasshouses Primary School is about. There’s some great statements in there but that, for me, is the best.”

At the beginning of the year, the school, which has 55 pupils, forming Upper Nidderdale Federation, with Fountains Earth and St Cuthbert’s primary schools.

Read more:

• Harrogate nursery retains ‘good’ rating in new Ofsted report
• Delight as Summerbridge school rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted

The inspection report praised the new governing board for having a good understanding of the school’s priorities. It added:

“They hold leaders to account effectively and have clear plans for the ongoing development of the school.”

Inspectors said the school could make further improvements by having more ambitious lessons to enable pupils to stretch themselves, and doing more to support pupils who are working slightly below expectations so they can catch up with their peers.

Miss Thornber said she was happy with these recommendations and that the school was already working on those improvements.

Meanwhile, after a recommendation by Ofsted, Glasshouses has been invited to be part of a small schools forum run by North Yorkshire Council, sharing its experiences with others.

Miss Thornber added:

“I’m absolutely delighted with the report – we’ve had such great comments.

“We have some great relationships with parents. Everyone has worked so hard.”

Yurtshire, in the Nidderdale countryside, is drawing on the power of nature, to create a revitalising experience for visitors from across the Harrogate district and further afield.

The 93-acre site, which features Eavestone Lake, is being developed by Tom Sterne, whose family are long-term investors in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors, in Ripon and surrounding areas.

Located between Ripon and Pateley Bridge, just off the B6265 road, the site with its nine luxurious tree yurts, opened last summer.

Following the high demand of a staycation year, three more units are being added, after planning permission was granted by Harrogate Borough Council.

Plans are also in hand to add spa-type facilities and services, including a sauna, facial and body massages.

The site features the 13-acre Eavestone Lake

Mr Sterne, who has more than ten years of experience of outdoor hospitality-based business, gained through his operation of hire company Yorkshire Yurts and    YurtBar, which caters for the corporate entertainment market, told the Stray Ferret:

“I’m using the expertise that I have gained to create a new facility to satisfy the needs of people who are increasingly focused on wellness, lifestyle issues and the environment.”

He pointed out:

“Our site has an abundance of natural assets, including forty acres of forest, a 13-acre lake and the biodiversity that goes with them, from birds, butterflies and insects to clear night-time skies that are perfect for people whose spirits are lifted by looking at the stars.

“The aim is to harness and harmonise with all aspects of the natural environment – woodland, water and wildlife – to provide guests with a restful and regenerative stay that is good for mind, body and the healing process.

“That is why people wanting to find a peaceful and idyllic place to go on retreat, represent a growing part of our business.”

The yurts have been designed to provide a five-star level of luxury

In the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Yurtshire is surrounded by stunning  scenery, that would not look out of place on a canvas by the landscape master painter J.M.W. Turner.

Views from the decking of each Yurt site, which has its own private hot tub, underline why nearby Grassington was chosen for filming of the smash-hit Channel 5 programme All Creatures Great and Small.

Each of the nine placements has its own private hot tub and decking area

With Grassington and other attractions, such as Fountains Abbey, Studley Royal, Brimham Rocks and Stump Cross Caverns, drawing more staycationers to Yorkshire, there is scope for Yurtshire to build on a successful first season.

Nicola Warters, pictured here with Tom Sterne, says the yurts provide five-star luxury in idyllic surroundings

Yurtshire manager Nicola Warters, said:

“We are providing the type of luxury accommodation that can be found in a five-star hotel, but instead of waking up surrounded by bricks and mortar, our visitors are in the heart of the woodland and arise to the sound of birds singing.

“Some also come for the pleasure of picking out the star constellations, as they relax in the soothing waters of their hot tub. It’s therapeutic on every level.”

Read more:

• The natural beauty of Fountains Abbey captured on camera
• Stars of All Creatures Great and Small stars seen in the Harrogate district

The Royal Baths Chinese Restaurant in Harrogate re-opened last night.

The restaurant, set in the Grade II listed Royal Baths, is one of the most historic and opulent places to dine in Harrogate.

It has been closed since the end of 2020 and was also shut for most of 2020 due to lockdowns.

But after extensive repair work due mainly to damp, people once again have the chance of a unique eating experience.

The building, which has a central dome and pillars down the side, was built between 1894 and 1897 and for many years was Europe’s premier destination for spa treatments. It is now owned by North Yorkshire County Council.

The restaurant has served traditional Chinese food for about 13 years and will continue to do so.

Read more:

• Owner of Royal Baths Chinese Restaurant opens Pateley Bridge takeaway
• 4km of jubilee bunting goes up around Harrogate

A restaurant spokesman said the 100-seat venue would be similar to how customers remembered it, with the VIP room and terrace bar and dining area back in operation. However, the party room is currently unavailable.

He added:

“We have a new team of staff starting and ask people to be patient when we first re-open.

“But it’s very much the same Royal Baths Chinese Restaurant. We have been here for 13 or 14 years now and look forward to welcoming customers back.”

The owners opened the Royal Baths Express takeaway in Pateley Bridge in February.

They also continue to operate Haks Little Royal Baths Chinese Restaurant, on Harrogate’s Station Parade.

More pictures from The Royal Baths Chinese Restaurant

The bar, which leads to the outside terrace.

The terrace area.

The Grade II listed building was built from 1894 to 1897.

Inside the main dining area.

A new surface dressing programme has begun on roads in North Yorkshire this month.

North Yorkshire County Council has hired a new contractor to carry out this year’s work, which the local authority said can extend the life of a road surface by up to 10 years.

The 2022 programme, which will cover about 200 miles, will be the first delivered by NY Highways, the roads maintenance company created by the county council last year.

NY Highways has recruited Birmingham road construction firm Kiely Bros as its contractor.

Ross Bullerwell, managing director of NY Highways, said:

“Over the past four months we have worked with Kiely Bros to prepare them for the contract, to make sure they understand what we demand in terms of finish and quality.

“The company has already been providing white lining services for us and we have received good local feedback about their work.”

Read more:

• Coming soon! New pothole machine to improve Harrogate district roads
• Ripon’s new councillors to focus on roads, housing and crime

A press release issued by the council today described surface dressing as “a quick, efficient and cost-effective way of maintaining skid-resistant and waterproof road surfaces”.

The process involves spraying the surface with bitumen, then spreading stone chippings on top and rolling these into the bitumen. Once the bitumen has set, the road is swept to remove any loose chippings.

Weather warning

Barrie Mason, assistant director highways and transportation at the county council, said:

“We know the value of surface dressing from experience. It is vital in maintaining the condition of our roads network. That’s why it is a key component of our annual roads maintenance programme.

“Year after year, through the programme we enhance the quality of sections of our road network. This is crucial in ensuring that businesses, residents and visitors can travel with confidence.”

Signs should go up at each location before work starts to alert residents and drivers.

Mr Mason warned the programme can be affected by weather, adding:

“This can makes communicating exact dates challenging, so we urge residents to check the advance site signage regularly. The contractor will amend this to highlight any change in the schedule.

“After a stretch of road has been treated, it is important for drivers to heed the temporary speed limit put in place while the new surface stabilises to prevent damage to their own vehicle and those of other road users.”

For more information about surface dressing, click here.

The Liberal Democrats won the most divisions in the Harrogate district but the Conservatives secured an overall majority on North Yorkshire Council.

Here’s what happened.

3.42pm: Tories win majority on North Yorkshire Council – just

The Conservatives needed 46 councillors to secure a majority on the new North Yorkshire Council. They got 47. Nine came from the Harrogate district, where the Liberal Democrats had 10 councillors elected.

2.56pm: Lib Dems in jubilant mood

There’s no doubt which party is in the most jubilant mood. The Lib Dems are still whooping and hollering and most Conservatives have left the building. The final tally in the Harrogate district is: Lib Dems 10, Conservatives 9, Independents 1, Greens 1.

But remember, the Conservatives have overall control of North Yorkshire Council.

Here are the 10 Lib Dem councillors.

2.50pm: Lib Dems victorious in Harrogate district – but Tories have overall control

The Liberal Democrats won 10 of the 21 divisions contested in the Harrogate division. It makes them the largest party locally but the Conservatives have secured overall control of North Yorkshire Council.

2.42pm: Margaret Atkinson wins Masham and Fountains

Margaret Atkinson defeats Independent Lady Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, who owns Swinton estate, by gaining 1.076 votes compared with 738.

2.40pm: Andrew Jones declines to comment

Andrew Jones 

The Stray Ferret approached Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, for comment on today’s results but he waved us away.

2.36pm: Matt Walker wins Knaresborough West

Matt Walker defeats Tory Phil Ireland. Mr Ireland got 988 votes — the cheers drown out Cllr Walker’s final vote as soon as ‘one thousand’ was announced.

Mr Ireland is the cabinet member for carbon reduction and sustainability at Harrogate Borough Council so this is another big loss for the Tories.

2.32pm: Graham Swift gracious but defiant in defeat

Graham Swift, the Conservative deputy leader on Harrogate Borough Council, was gracious in his speech after losing to the Liberal Democrats in Coppice Valley and Duchy.

He congratulated all his opponents but reminded the audience that there was still cause for Tory optimism as it has won overall control of North Yorkshire Council.

Daniel Thompson, the Independent candidate in the division, said in his speech:

“It’s a sad day when the Conservatives can’t win a safe Conservative seat so look out Andrew Jones.”

2.29pm: Peter Lacey wins Coppice Valley and Duchy

Significant win for the Lib Dems, with Tory big beast Graham Swift relegated to second with 739 votes compared with Peter Lacey’s 940.

2.25pm Don Mackenzie says ‘combination of factors’ led to Tory losses. 

Conservative Don Mackenzie, who did not seek re-election, is at the count. We asked why the Conservatives had lost many divisions in the Harrogate district.

“Combination of things. National issues, a reticence of traditional supporters to come out and vote.”

Does he think Boris Johnson could damage the party’s General Election prospects?

“Without question national politics was an issue, not necessarily Boris. Covid, cost of living crisis. These things will settle down. When it comes to the General Election it will be a much more benign national picture”

2.22pm: Labour calls for proportional representation

Beaten Labour candidate Geoff Foxall calls for the introduction of proportional representation. Labour has yet to win a division in the Harrogate district with just two to declare. Mr Foxall adds:

“Today marks a dent in the Tory majority that’s grown so large they have become arrogant and out of touch.”

2.16pm: Chris Aldred takes High Harrogate and Kingsley

In his victory speech, Cllr Aldred admits he didn’t think he would win. He says:

“What a day to be a Liberal Democrat. Best set of results in 20 years. We are back in Harrogate.”

2.13pm: Liberal Democrats make big gains in Harrogate district 

The Conservatives have secured an overall majority in North Yorkshire. But the picture is close in the Harrogate district where, with just a few results to go, the Tories have won nine divisions and the Liberal Democrats 8.

2.06pm: Barbara Brodigan wins Ripon Ure Bank and Spa

Cllr Brodigan says the time for competition is over, the time for cooperation has started amongst opposition parties.

2.02pm: Confirmation of Tory win

1.58pm: Greens win in Ouseburn

Arnold Warneken becomes the first Green county councillor elected in the Harrogate district. He beats Conservative candidate Richard Musgrave by 1,328 votes to 586.

1.55pm: Conservatives win North Yorkshire Council!

The Conservatives have secured the 46 seats needed to have an overall majority on the new North Yorkshire Council.

Results are still coming in the the Harrogate district.

1.53pm: Andrew Williams wins Ripon Minster and Moorside

1.51pm: Robert Windass wins Boroughbridge and Claro

Robert Windass wins with 936 votes, ahead of Independent Jon Starkey with 486 votes.

1.48pm: Michael Harrison wins Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate

1.45pm: Will Conservatives get majority?

The Conservatives need 46 divisions for an overall majority. This graphic doesn’t include some of the latest Lib Dem wins.

1.42pm: Pub landlord Mike Schofield wins Harlow and St Georges

Shepherd’s Dog landlord Mike Schofield wins with 1,239 votes, ahead of Tory Steven Jackson, with 845 votes.

1.37pm: Andrew Murday wins Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale

Mr Murday says it’s been a great day for the Liberal Democrats and the result shows the Conservatives can’t sit back and be complacent.

Beaten Conservative candidate Stanley Lumley says it’s a sad day for him after 23 years serving local people and congratulates the winner.

1.34pm: Hannah Gostlow wins Knaresborough East

1.31pm Nathan Hull wins Washburn and Birstwith

1.25pm: John Mann takes Oatlands and Pannal

John Mann, Conservatives, 1,175

Justin Chan, Lib Dems, 820

Gillian Charters, 266

Margaret Smith, Labour 250

1.23pm: Has Boris Johnson cost Tories?

Monika Slater, the successful Liberal Democrat in Bilton Grange and New Park, says:

“I’m stunned. I’m so happy. I’ve had so much support from people. I’m really excited to represent the area.”

Asked why the Conservatives did badly in her division, she said:

“It’s a mix. Boris Johnson played a part but people in Harrogate are really fed up. They see Harrogate in decline and think things need to change.”

1.20pm: Nick Brown wins Wathvale and Bishop Monkton

Nick Brown, Conservative, 1,334

Hannah Corlett, Greens, 455

Chris Knight, Liberal Democrat, 559

1.14pm: Philip Broadbank wins Fairfax and Starbeck

Philip Broadbank, Lib Dems, 921

Sue Lumby, Conservatives, 442

Gordon Schallmo, Greens, 103

Chris Watt, Labour, 337

Cllr Broadbank says it “looks like being a reasonable day for the Liberal Democrats”.

Beaten Tory candidate Ms Lumby says it is a sad day for Harrogate and Knaresborough because some great councillors have gone. “Be careful what you wish for,” she says.

A Liberal Democrat shouts back that “we’ve got some great new councillors”.

1.10pm: Paul Haslam wins Bilton and Nidd Gorge

Conservative Paul Haslam wins with 1,017 votes, well ahead of Liberal Democrat Andrew Kempston-Parkes, who got 663 votes. The Lib Dem issues a plea for parties to work together to oppose the Tories.

1.06pm: Conservatives take Spofforth with Lower Wharfedale & Tockwith

Andrew Paraskos is elected in Spofforth with Lower Wharfedale & Tockwith with 929 votes. Green candidate Alexandra Marsh was second with 630.

1pm:  Sam Gibbs wins Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate

Lucy Gardiner, Independent 331

Sam Gibbs, Conservative 871

David Johnson, Liberal Democrats 545

Paul Ko Ferrigno, Green Party 162

Andrew Williamson, Labour Party, 275

12.55pm: Pat Marsh wins Stray Woodlands and Hookstone

12.52 First result: Monika Slater wins Bilton Grange and New Park

Monika Slater, Lib Dems 968

Matt Scott, Conservatives 677

Andrew Zigmund, Labour 159

Tamsin Worrall, Greens, 123

12.49pm: First results in Harrogate district due now

Returning officer Wallace Sampson is on the plinth.

12.37pm: Conservatives silent as first results loom

There are some glum faces on the Conservative table, amid increasing rumours of losses. The Stray Ferret asked if it would be issuing a comment on proceedings and was told by council leader Richard Cooper, who is not seeking election, that it would not talk to us. Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, is sitting with them.

12.43pm: Still no Tory majority

With 33 of the 90 divisions decided, here’s the current state of play. We are still waiting for the first official result in the Harrogate district.

Conservatives 15

Independents 8

Labour Party 5

Green Party 3

Liberal Democrats 2

12.30pm: Pat Marsh tipped to win in Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone

Pat Marsh, the leader of the Liberal Democrats on Harrogate Borough Council, is said to have beaten Conservative John Ennis, Independent Anna McIntee and Labour’s Helen Burke.

People are talking openly about results here at the count but none have been formally declared.

12.27pm:  Is hung council possible?

Could the unthinkable happen and the Conservatives not have overall control? Results in North Yorkshire are flying in — but none yet in the Harrogate district. The Tories are winning but don’t have an overall majority. Here’s how it looks.

Greens 3

Lib Dem: 2

Conservative: 15

Lab: 3

Independent  7

Liberal Party: 1

I1.23pm: Independents not expecting any wins in Harrogate

The Independents are not expecting any wins in the Harrogate district but they insist it has been worth standing and are predicting a ‘pink landslide’ in any future elections for Harrogate Town Council.

Daniel Thompson, who is standing in Coppice Valley and Duchy, says:

“We have made an impact. The goal was to open up the debate and we’ve done that.

“There could be Harrogate town council elections coming up and there could be a pink landslide.”

12.15: Rumours Graham Swift has lost to Lib Dems

The Conservatives are looking increasingly glum amid talk of several defeats in the Harrogate district. There is speculation that Graham Swift is struggling in Coppice Valley and Duchy, where the Liberal Democrats are confident.

Cllr Swift is one of the leading Conservatives in the area. He is deputy leader of harrogate Borough Council and the Cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development.

12.10pm: Five divisions for Independents so far

The Independents have made a strong start, with five wins so far, the latest victor being Robert Heseltine in Skipton East and South. Will the five Independents in the Harrogate district fare well when the votes comes in?

Robert Geoffrey Heseltine (Independent) has been elected to the Skipton East and South ward with 640 votes.

See the full results at https://t.co/tFpV2fNhdV#NorthYorkshireElections pic.twitter.com/HN2EYeO2xy

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) May 6, 2022

12.07pm: Two wins for Labour

Stephanie Annette Duckett (Labour Party) has been elected to the Barlby and Riccall division with 797 votes.

See the full results at https://t.co/tFpV2fNhdV#NorthYorkshireElections pic.twitter.com/PJb4fCtxy8

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) May 6, 2022

Labour has its first councillors, although there are still no results declared in the Harrogate division.

11.55am: Conservatives establish lead

Despite fears of a poor night in the Harrogate district, the Conservatives have made a good start across North Yorkshire as a whole. They currently have 10 councillors, compared with four for Independents, one for the Liberal Democrats and one for the Greens. We still await the first result in the Harrogate division.

11.52am: Greens win first seat on North Yorkshire County Council

The Green Party has won its first ever division on the county council. Andrew Brown has the distinction in Aire Valley.

Andrew Kenneth Brown (Green Party) has been elected to the Aire Valley division with 1602 votes.

See the full results at https://t.co/tFpV2fNhdV#NorthYorkshireElections pic.twitter.com/Y5tqzD5YK6

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) May 6, 2022

11.49am: Counts underway in Ripon and Knaresborough

Counting is underway in Knaresborough East and Ripon Ure Bank and Spa. Turnout is 36% and 38% respectively.

11.47am: Conservatives braced for losses in Knaresborough

A senior Conservative has said the party is expecting to lose in Knaresborough and it was ‘looking rocky’ in some marginal divisions in the Harrogate district.

11.40am: Conservatives establish early lead in North Yorkshire

No results have been declared in the Harrogate district yet but so far in North Yorkshire as a whole, the Conservatives have won four divisions and two have gone to Independents. There are 90 seats being contested.

11.36am: Council leader Carl Les elected

Carl Les, the current leader of North Yorkshire County Council, has been elected. Cllr Les has indicated he wants to stand as leader for the new North Yorkshire Council, which comes into existence next year. Richard Cooper, the current leader of Harrogate Borough Council, is not standing for election today.

Carl Anthony Les (Conservative) has been elected to the Catterick Village and Brompton-on-Swale division with 760 votes.

See the full results at https://t.co/tFpV2fNhdV#NorthYorkshireElections pic.twitter.com/3mkMEKG29E

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) May 6, 2022

11.28am: Variable turnout figures

Counting is underway in most divisions now. Turnout is 42% in Ouseburn, 43% in Pateley and Nidderdale, 41% in Oatlands and Pannal, 34% in Wathdale and Bishop Monkton and 32% in High Harrogate and Kingsley.

11.19am: Could Green Party make history?

The buzz is that Arnold Warneken, pictured above, is a shoe-in for the Green Party in Ouseburn. We just saw a Labour candidate in another division congratulate him but Mr Warneken is refusing to get carried away. If he is elected he could become the first Green Party councillor on North Yorkshire County Council. Counting for Ouseburn has just got underway – turnout is 42%.

11.11am: Higher turnout in central Harrogate

Counts are starting in many areas now and there are higher turnouts in some of the central Harrogate areas, with turnout up to 43% compared with rural areas, where it is struggling to get above 30%.

11.05am: Labour’s ‘positive message resonating with voters’

Chris Watt, the Labour candidate for Fairfax and Starbeck, says he’s confident its vote has “held up and even increased”. He said:

“We are pleased in our target areas our vote seems to have held up and even increased. We’ve run a strong campaign across the district. Labour’s positive message seems to be resonating on the doorstep.”

10.56am: Bilton turnout 33%

Counting has begun for Bilton and Nidd Gorge and for Bilton Grange and New Park. Turnout in both divisions was 33%, with 1,991 votes cast in the former and 1,989 in the latter.

10.50am: Low turnout likely

Returning officer Wallace Sampson says the turnout in Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate was just 30%, with 1,865 votes cast. By comparison, turnout at the last Harrogate Borough Council elections in 2018 was 37%.

10.43am: Count begins first in Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate

Returning officer Wallace Sampson, chief executive of Harrogate Borough Council, announces the count is about to begin for Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate, where Conservative Michael Harrison is standing against Liberal Democrat David Goode, Labour’s Edward Clayson and Green Party member Bill Rigby.

10.32am: Green Party ‘confident’ of winning Ouseburn

Green Party candidates Bill Rigby and Hannah Corlett, pictured, say they are confident Arnold Warneken could spring a surprise and defeat Conservative Richard Musgrave in Ouseburn. They are the only two candidates standing there. The Greens say they are less hopeful in Knaresborough.

10.18am: Conservatives ‘cautious but confident’ in Wathvale and Bishop Monkton

Nick Brown, the Conservative candidate for Wathvale and Bishop Monkton. says he is quietly confident but cautious.

9.55am: Independents hopeful in Ripon

Ripon Independents are hopeful of doing well in the city. City mayor Eamon Parkin, pictured here at the count, is hoping to be elected in the Ure Bank division, where he is against Liberal Democrats Libby Clements and Helen Mason

9.25am: Verification of votes underway

There’s a couple of hundred people here at Harrogate Convention Centre, including candidates. The verification process is underway. Conservative council leader Richard Cooper, who is not standing for election, is in the blue shirt in the image.

8.50am: North Yorkshire results due this morning

The Harrogate district results will be announced at Harrogate Convention Centre. Nationally, the Conservatives have made losses and Labour, the Liberal Democrats and Greens have made gains. But the scale of the task facing opposition parties is highlighted by fact that 54 of the 72 councillors currently on North Yorkshire County Council are Conservatives, with some getting as much as 80% of the vote at the last elections in 2017.