Ripon businesses have worked together to ensure tomorrow’s St Wilfrid’s Day celebrations continue until 10pm.

Budget cuts and the cost of living crisis looked set to restrict the day’s activities, which include the procession and a free climbing wall and bungee jumping on Market Square, to a 5.30pm finish.

But businesses, helped by a £829 grant from North Yorkshire Council, didn’t want one of the city’s biggest days of the year to be cut short.

So they arranged for the Kirkgate road closure to be extended into the evening and organised a night of eclectic live music, which includes two rock bands, a harpist and a singer.

It is hoped restaurants will put tables in the street and stay open later to encourage café culture that adds to the festive vibe.

Antony Prince, chairman of the St Wilfrid’s Procession committee, said:

“We are constrained with a reduced budget this year but, thanks to local volunteers, the council and local business sponsors, we are putting on a fantastic day of celebration for St Wilfrid.”

Ripon businesses worked with the St Wilfrid’s Procession committee and Ripon Business Improvement District to organise the evening of free entertainment at short notice.

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Local musician Alannah Creed will sing from her latest album and Lucinda Taylor will give a harp recital. Later in the evening, Knaresborough Vista Social Club and Time Machine will play live.

Kevin Hill, who runs Karma shop on Kirkgate and was one of the traders determined to extend the day’s festivities, said:

“These days, if money is tight, we are finding that events can still happen as long as we work together. We are all dedicated to supporting local business and also supporting local artists in the entertainment we provide.

“All the bands are from the Ripon area and they are of really high calibre.”

Richard Hughes, owner of Manchega Tapas restaurant, said,

“We are dedicated to supporting the economy of Ripon and the rural hinterland.  St Wilfrid’s Day is a great opportunity to party whilst bolstering local business.”

How the day shapes up

Tomorrow’s celebrations get underway with the 7.5-mile procession starting on Studley Road at 1.30pm.

The St Wilfrid’s Procession route

An actor on horseback, playing the role of St Wilfrid, will parade through the streets in honour of Ripon’s patron saint. The procession, accompanied by Ripon City Band, will include 20 decorated floats.

Free entertainment will take place on the market square throughout the afternoon. It includes a climbing wall, bungee jumping, stilt walkers and face painters.

Kirkgate will then take centre stage for the evening of live music.