From Ripon’s priceless regalia, to readings for children in the library, today’s Sights and Sounds event had something for all the family.
Seven of the city’s best-known locations opened their doors between 11am and 2pm to provide free entertainment and interactive fun for families.
The programme, organised by Harrogate Borough Council, included activities ranging from participation in a Victorian school lesson at the Workhouse Museum, to a visit to the bell tower at Ripon Cathedral.
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoe Metcalfe, who opened the event.
The Sights and Sounds of Ripon, was opened at the cathedral by North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Zoe Metcalfe (pictured above), who was born and bred in Ripon.
She said
:”I would like to thank Harrogate Borough Council for arranging this event, which is part of the North Yorkshire Neighbourhood Partnership Scheme.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to enjoy the history, heritage, arts and culture of this wonderful city.”
Visitors to the Prison and Police Museum, on St Marygate were able to find out how fingerprints have been used to catch criminals since the Victorian era, while being able to make their own inky impression to take home with them.
Retired solicitor Simon Crosfield, who works as a volunteer at the Courthouse Museum, let these two youngsters know what it’s like to face a judge.
At the nearby Courthouse Museum on Minster Road, visitors learned about how the city’s criminals were brought to justice in bygone days.
In addition to the array of activities at the three heritage attractions run by Ripon Museum Trust, the cathedral, which celebrates its 1,350th anniversary this year, hosted an exhibition featuring community services provided by 14 local organisations.
The city’s silverware and other treasures, collected over centuries, were on display at Ripon Town Hall where they were the focus of talks in the Mayor’s parlour.
There was an opportunity to watch Ripon Youth Theatre rehearsing at the city’s Arts Hub.
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In addition to the array of activities at the three heritage attractions run by Ripon Museum Trust, the cathedral hosted an exhibition featuring community services provided by 14 local organisations.
Freddie (left) and Taylor were among those to join in an interactive storytime at Ripon Library
Those who were seeking more interactive entertainment found it at Ripon Arts Hub on Allhallowgate, where they watched a working rehearsal by Ripon Youth Theatre and were then invited to join in an Oliver! workshop,
Storytime readings were held at the library for children aged 0-6 and 7-11-year-olds, where community information stalls were also on display