Ripon is preparing for a bank holiday street party after Knaresborough took centre stage yesterday.
Knaresborough Spring Fayre saw thousands of people visit the sun-bathed Market Place.
The activities included a free petting farm, a free craft tent, fairground rides, a spring window competition, a magician and an appearance by the Easter bunny.
It was the second time the spring fayre has been staged by Knaresborough Business Collective, which was set up by a group of small businesses to make the town centre more vibrant.
Yesterday’s event certainly had the town buzzing for the entire six hours from 10am to 4pm.
Collective member Natalie Horner said:
“It was such a brilliant day and a huge success for both the event itself and the shops in town too.
“The weather was lovely and it was so nice to see so much community spirit and joy in town.”
The Nailery won the spring window competition.
The forecast looks a little less kind for tomorrow’s street party on Kirkgate in Ripon, but spirits will no doubt be equally high.
Kirkgate will be closed to traffic from 10am to 4pm while residents and visitors enjoy live music, al fresco dining and entertainment.
The event is part of the Totally Locally scheme being adopted by traders and Ripon Business Improvement District to encourage people to spend with independent businesses in the city.
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New Knaresborough business group to hold spring fayre
The two women behind the new Knaresborough Business Collective have revealed plans to hold a spring fayre and put on other projects to boost the town.
Annie Wilkinson-Gill, from The Crystal Buddha, and Natalie Horner, from Sid Horner and Son, launched the new not-for-profit venture in January to stage events and be a voice for businesses. About 30 other businesses have signed up so far as subscribers.
The two founders were previously members of Knaresborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce but decided to set up a separate group following the fallout from the doomed attempt to set up a Business Improvement District in the town.
The main premise for the collective is to encourage more people into town to spend money in local shops. It plans to hold multiple events each year to make the town more appealing and also organise projects such as a street sweeper and hanging baskets.
Ms Horner said:
“We wanted everyone to come together and get involved. We’re just very proactive people, we don’t just want to talk about doing things we want to do it.
“There’s no point complaining then not doing anything, so we thought if no one else is why don’t we.”
The pair said they have spoken to Knaresborough Chamber of Trade to make sure no events will collide and say they want to work with it and other groups to improve the town.
Ms Horner added:
“I think there’s room for us all in Knaresborough, we all want the best for the town.”
The group will also raise business concerns with bodies such as the town council and Harrogate Borough Council.
The pair are adamant they don’t want the organisation to run as a board with a small group of people taking different titles, instead they say all members can have a say and get involved in different projects.
Ms Wilkinson-Gill said:
“One thing we’ve spotted is how many people want to get involved. As much as we set it up and have to look over the finances we are happy for any businesses to jump in if we start organising an event they’re interested in.
“It’s all very exciting for Knaresborough.”
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Knaresborough Spring Fayre has been held in past years and the collective is hoping to bring it back on Saturday, April 9.
Aimed at young families, it will include over 20 stalls from local businesses, live entertainment and a petting zoo.
The pair said April can be a quiet time for the town and they hope this will generate a “great buzz”.
Further ahead, the pair will get involved in the banking hub project and jubilee celebrations. It is also hoping to bring back Children’s Day and Pet Day, formally held in Knaresborough House.