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.

A feast of street parties is set to bring the jubilee weekend to a close. We will be praying for fine weather and covering the festivities in Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge and Masham, as well as the villages in between.

Our reporters will be out and about but please let us know what’s happening where you are and send us pictures so we can add them to this blog. DM us on Facebook or email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

5.35pm: Jubilee reunion for sisters of 1977

Three sisters who celebrated the 1977 silver jubilee waving flags did the same thing today on the same street where they grew up.

Their parents, David and Nelda, are one of two original families still living on Carr Close in Ripon.  The couple, aged 82, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary this year.

They bought the house new in 1973 and all three daughters live around the corner.

That seems like a fitting way to end our four days of live jubilee coverage. We hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for all your photos of beacons, street parties, pig races and everything else.

We will publish a jubilee photo gallery tomorrow.

4.46pm: Ripon rotary clubs unite

The family day provided a meeting point for friends from the Rotary Club of Ripon and Rotary Club of Ripon Rowels, whose charity work can be seen all over the city. They were joined by major Ripon benefactor Michael Abrahams (left).

He is pictured with, from the left: Peter Race (Rotary Club of Ripon) Josie Suddards (Inner Wheel of the Rotary Club of Ripon Rowels) Janet Race, Jenny Moss and Audrey Long (all members of the Inner Wheel of Ripon Rotary Club) and, front David Suddards of the Rotary Club of Ripon Rowels, which gave platinum jubilee pennies to every pupil at the 17 primary schools in Ripon and neighbouring villages.

After such a busy week for event stewards Elaine Reed (pictured left) and Cat Midgley, you might have expected them to be flagging, but there were smiles from them right until the end of four fantastic days that underlined Ripon’s status as one on the most royal and loyal places in the land.

3.55pm: Ripon’s big weekend draws to a close

Ripon’s packed programme of jubilee events is coming to an end. Our city-based reporter Tim has been at the heart of things for the last four days.

It was a day for both waving and wearing the flag, as the curtain came down on Ripon’s platinum jubilee celebrations with the focus on families, as epitomised by the fact that great grandmother Hazel Barker, of event organiser The Ripon Community Poppy Project had four generations of her family present, including grandson Martin Wright and great grandchildren Evie (aged 6) and cousins Alana and Imogen aged 5.

For Martin, it was an opportunity to dress to impress, with his Union Jack jacket, trousers and hat.

Ensuring that activities went off safely, was Andy Langford (pictured left) the safety manager overseeing four days of revelry in Ripon Market Square and this afternoon’s family day in Spa Park. He is pictured with Stuart Martin of Ripon Community Poppy Project, who told the Stray Ferret:

“The city-wide celebrations have been amazing and Ripon has done Her Majesty proud.”

3.05pm: Neighbours sing along to Sweet Caroline

This is what it’s all about… dancing in the street with neighbours to Sweet Caroline.

Almost 100 people from Carr Close in Ripon and invited guests got together this afternoon after resident Jennifer Spurgeon applied to close the street.

The gathering included a couple from Australia, who are friends with people who live on Carr Close.

June Wren, 91, wore a hat her mother made for the coronation in 1953.

There was a Queen’s pudding tent, line dancing and badminton.

2.40pm: Maypole fun in Burton Leonard

2.15pm: Band starts family fun in Ripon’s Spa Park 

The Ripon City Band kicked off Spa Park’s Platinum Jubilee family day with an ABBA medley..

1.40pm: Huby gets in the swing

There’s a fabulous party going on in Strait Lane, Huby. Below are some images we’ve been sent.

Send us pics of your jubilee events today and we will include then in our blog. DM us on Facebook or email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

1.25pm: Street parties underway!

Valerie Sanderson, 99, was invited to cut the ribbon this afternoon to start the street party in Almsford Oval, Harrogate.

The street is having a bake-off at 3pm organised by resident Karen Loughran.

Here’s a video and some images of the party.

Jake Crossfield who is 3 years old sent the Queen a letter and drew a picture of her majesty on it to tell her the street was having a party. She wrote back to thank him and wished him a lovely time!

Jean Whinnett who organised making the banner with her husband Alan said:

“We wanted to include all the children in the street – around 20 children were involved. The youngest was 6 months! We have an amazing community here. Everybody takes part”

1.02pm: Ripon Spa Park hosts family afternoon

From 2pm to 5pm today, Ripon Spa Park will be the main focus of the city’s final jubilee celebrations. The family day includes an afternoon tea along with music and children’s entertainment, including face painting, jubilee crafts and a treasure hunt led by Ripon Community Poppy Project. Members of Ripon City Band will performing its version of Last Night at the Proms.

12.32pm: Spitfire flypast at Newby Hall cancelled

Bad news – the weather has put paid to today’s Spitfire flypast at Tractor Fest at Newby Hall, near Boroughbridge.

@thestrayferret @your_harrogate @HgateAdvertiser @yorkshirepost Unfortunately bad weather in the South means no Spitfire flypast over the show today. Still lots of tractors and engines to enjoy though on our final day! #ripon @visitripon #yorkshire #tractor #tractors

— Tractor Fest (@thetractorfest) June 5, 2022

12.23pm: Picnic on the Stray in Harrogate

A picnic has just got underway on the Stray. Later in the day it will broadcast the films Encanto and The Greatest Showman on the big screens at 3pm and 5pm respectively.

Here’s a pic from last night’s big screen broadcast of the jubilee party at Buckingham Palace.

11.41am: Thunderstorm weather warning removed!

The weather forecast continues to inch in the right direction. The yellow weather warming for thunderstorms in the Harrogate district has been removed and the maximum temperature forecast has crept up to, er, 14 degrees centigrade!

Good news!

The yellow thunderstorm warning that just crept in to our district for today has been cancelled. While we may still see rain there are currently no weather warnings in force for the HBC area and the flood risk is very low.

Have a grand Sunday. pic.twitter.com/BzUb9SeTXl

— HBCEmergencyPlanning (@HBCPrepared) June 5, 2022

11.26am: Free electric buses today

The electric service on the 2A, 2B, 3 and 6 are free today as part of a joint initiative between the Harrogate Bus Company and Harrogate Business Improvement District.

https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1533347639856484352

10.20am: 3,000 people party in Ripon as new horn handed over

Ripon’s impressive bank holiday celebrations continued yesterday when about 3,000 people attended the Market Square celebrations, which included 12 hours of live music.

Last night also saw the new ceremonial horn handed over. You can read more here.

9.47am: 500 people expected at Bishop Monkton street party 

Bishop Monkton is preparing to stage one of the biggest street parties in the Harrogate district today. The throne which will transport the village Queen at the head of a ‘seven decades’ fancy dress parade is ready and the village is expecting to have an even bigger event than the last jubilee in 2012 with almost 500 people, about two thirds of the population, booked to attend.

9.27am: Free entertainment for kids about to start in Valley Gardens

It’s your last chance to catch the runaway train, bungee jump on trampolines and enjoy numerous other rides for children. There will also be magicians, a choir, juggling and face painting.

9.22am: Weather forecast improves!

We’ve had three days of mainly pleasant jubilee weather. Today’s forecast has looked a bit iffy for a while and although you’re unlikely to need your sun cream, with temperatures struggling to get above 14 degrees centigrade in Harrogate, the threat of rain has receded sightly.

It was due to rain from about midday but according to the latest update from the BBC, it might hold off until this evening. There’s also the small matter of a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms in place, but let’s not worry about that just yet.

9.15am: Where the Stray Ferret reporters will be today

Tim will be covering events in Ripon.

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.

We are just weeks away from celebrating HRH Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, making her the country’s longest-reigning monarch.

Her Majesty actually succeeded the throne from her father, King George VI, on February 6, 1952, but as her jubilee would also mark the date of his death, it has always been celebrated four months later on June 3.

Events are being planned across the Harrogate district in celebration, but many will want to enjoy the occasion more privately with friends and family at home.

We spoke to seven Harrogate food and drink businesses to find out how they are celebrating and got some tips on what to include in good old-fashioned British spread:

Mama Doreen’s Emporium

The 1950s-inspired Jubilee afternoon tea at Mama Doreen’s

Jessica Wyatt, owner of Mama Doreen’s, said:

“We are doing a 1950s-inspired afternoon tea. We are taking the most popular puddings from around that decade and including them in our afternoon tea. It’s something a little bit different and a little bit special. You’ve got the cherries Jubilee, English trifle, Victoria sponge butterfly buns, shortbread, Coronation chicken sandwich and even a cucumber sandwich.

“My favourite afternoon tea item is butterfly buns because that’s what my grandma used to make. I think a lot of people have that same nostalgia.”

“For the actual Bank Holiday weekend we’re going to dress up in 1950s outfits, we’ve got singers performing throughout the day. We are going above and beyond with the balloons outside. We are also doing the Jubilee afternoon teas to take away and we can deliver to the Stray.

“We are really trying to push the street parties and get communities together. So we have put everything for a street party on our website, from the bunting down to the hats.

“I’m really looking forward to just feeling the buzz around Harrogate. Loads of people will be visiting and all the locals will be out and hopefully the weather will be lovely as well. I just think after the last couple of years it’s what the community needs. “

Spirit of Harrogate, producer of Slingsby Gin

A Slingsby Gin Platinum Punch cocktail.

Beth Gordon, digital copywriter at Spirit of Harrogate, said:

“A party isn’t a party without some amazing drinks, and for the Jubilee it should definitely be the Queen’s favourite spirit; gin.

“If you’re thinking of serving Slingsby Gin, make sure you have everything you need for our signature serves. This means our perfect pairing of tonic and garnishes that guarantee an amazing gin and tonic every time. For example, you’ll need Elderflower tonic for your Yorkshire Rhubarb gin and Mediterranean for Gooseberry.

“A Jubilee party is the perfect excuse to get the pitchers and jugs out and fill them with cocktails. You could even fill up some Kilner jars with the pre-made mixtures so that your guests can help themselves. Our Platinum Punch is a delicious cocktail, as well as our Slingsby Sangria with London Dry gin. Don’t forget to accommodate your guests who aren’t drinking alcohol too – and make sure you have lots of garnishes alongside ice so that people can help themselves and add extra flavour (and aesthetics) to their cocktails.”

Weetons

Weeton’s Jubilee picnic hamper

Thomas Lonsdale, restaurant supervisor at Weetons, said:

“It’s only right that you should have strawberries and cream for your picnic or with your afternoon tea. I’d also choose choose sausage rolls, pork pies, salads, baguettes, cheese, olives and wine. We’ve actually got some cans of mixers coming in, which will be really good.

“I’ll be getting into the spirit of the weekend on the Stray or at a street party.

“We have luxury Jubilee hampers available, which are perfect for just picking up and carrying across the road to the Stray.”

Fodder

Iced shortbread biscuits and a cup of Yorkshire tea at Fodder.

Jo Francisco, PR manager at Fodder, said ready-made picnics would be available at the food hall.

Jo said:

“People can book their Jubilee picnic at Fodder with pies, quiches, cheese boxes, meat packs and barbecue packs all available to pre-order ready for the Jubilee celebrations.

“Throughout the Jubilee week,  there will be a Jubilee-themed afternoon tea on offer in Fodder café, as well as stunning cakes from the Cake Lady Harrogate. These will include Champagne truffle chocolate cake, raspberry blueberry and white chocolate cake and Victoria sponge cupcakes.”

Read more:

• Princess Anne to visit Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Show
• Timetable of Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Valley Gardens

All of Fodder’s profits help to fund the work of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, a registered charity which supports and promotes the farming industry.

Former CEO of Yorkshire Agricultural Society, Nigel Pulling, meets HM The Queen in Harrogate in 2008.

West Park Hotel

The Classic Dubonnet Cocktail.

Anthony Blundell, hotel commercial manager, said:

“We are doing a Jubilee cocktail, which is going to be a ‘Classic Dubonnet Cocktail’ – her Majesty’s favourite. It includes Dubonnet, Tanquery Gin and Angustura Orange Bitters with a flavour profile of fig, red berries, orange and junipers, which is elegant yet strong – quite like her Royal Highness.”

Thug Sandwich Company

Edward Lee with a ‘pig in a blanket’ at Thug Sandwich.

Edward Lee, barista at Thug Sandwich, said you can’t beat a good sausage roll or scotch egg when it comes to the perfect accompaniment for your Jubilee picnic.

He added:

“When it comes to sandwiches, I’d recommend a good old fashioned Ploughmans, as it includes popular British ingredients and you can’t go wrong.

“This should all be washed down with a good sessionable pale ale.

“Having great food and drink is important. However, it’s not all about the occasion, but about the people you spend it with.”

Whittaker’s Gin

The Jubilee edition Whitaker’s Gin.

Jane Whittaker, co-founder of Whittaker’s Gin, which is based in Dacre Banks, said:

“We are releasing a Jubilee Edition gin.

“We have based the recipe on our existing Summer Solstice Gin, but tweaked the amount of grapefruit in the distillation and have added natural colouring to the liquid.

“We have changed all our gold foiling to silver to match the with Platinum theme and added an additional commemorative label.

“We thought this would not only be pleasing to the eye because of the colouring on the official Palace Jubilee roundel, but also our Summer Solstice is so popular, especially at this time of year.”

Knaresborough will host a series of events to celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee in June, including a light beacon at the castle, an artisan market, a tea dance, a thanksgiving service and street parties.

Under the auspices of Knaresborough Town Council, a working group, chaired by Councillor Hannah Gostlow and including representatives from the Rotary, the Lions, chamber of trade, Christians Together, Civic Society, Knaresborough Business Collective, the Royal British Legion and Knaresborough in Bloom is preparing a programme of events.

It’s hoped the town will be decked out in flags and bunting over the weekend of June 2-5 to mark the royal milestone.

What’s on

Starting on Thursday June 2, Knaresborough will light a beacon on the top of the castle, along with 1,500 locations across the UK.

On Saturday June 4 at Knaresborough House, there will be an artisan market in the morning followed in the afternoon by a community garden party and performances event. There will also be a tea dance at St Mary’s Church Hall.

On Sunday June 5  organisers hope to hold a thanksgiving service at a yet-to-be-confirmed location. Sunday is also set aside for street parties.

• Knaresborough residents assess Storm Franklin flood damage
• Vacant bank could become sports therapy centre in Knaresborough

Throughout the weekend the new Knaresborough Museum will open in the former Castle Girls’ School with a special community history event to mark the jubilee.

The organisers are appealing for memorabilia connected with the Queen’s reign. Email info@knaresboroughtownmuseum.org if you can help.

Entertainers wanted

The working group also wants to hear from individuals and organisations about their plans and offers of help for the celebrations. Musicians and entertainers are needed for a garden party event. Email office@knaresboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk for more.

The Mayor of Knaresborough, Cllr Christine Willoughby, said

“I am delighted that Knaresborough will be joining in the national celebrations of the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

I will be assisting with the beacon lighting, and I thank all the organisations in the town who are working together to create a truly memorable jubilee holiday for everyone in Knaresborough”.