Ripon indies prepare for Easter bank holiday street party

Small independent businesses in Ripon are hoping to “blow the roof off” the city on Monday with an Easter bank holiday street party, organisers say. 

From 10am to 4pm, the day will feature artisan sellers, street food and live music, all designed to raise the city’s profile as a thriving cultural centre. 

The event will be part of the Totally Locally scheme and is supported by Ripon Business Improvement District (BID). All BID members will have £10 offers on the day. 

The event, which will be centred on the south side of Market Place, has been organised by Richard Hughes, owner of Manchega, the Spanish tapas restaurant on Kirkgate, and Paul Page, owner of street food vendor Squid & Tonic. 

Richard told the Stray Ferret: 

“Grassroots independent businesses like ours are at the sharp end of interacting with visitors, and we want to work together to raise the level of what Ripon has to offer. 

“Events like this really showcase the city and help to promote our great independent businesses. We’re looking to blow the roof off Ripon!” 

Manchega and Squid & Tonic will be joined on Monday by food providers including The Portly Pig, Prima, Mario’s Restaurant 27, Syrian Street Food and Jaflong, which last month was named Bangladeshi Restaurant of the Year at the National Curry Awards. 

The day’s soundtrack will be provided by a range of acts on two stages, including Time Machine, Knaresborough Vista Social Club, Jack & Amy, Mark Truelove, Freddie Cleary, Paul Astley, Ukrainian violinist Nadia Violin and Ripon’s own All For One Choir.  

Richard said: 

“We’re very excited. North Yorkshire Growth Hub have told us there are more independent businesses per head in Ripon than in any other town or city in the UK. We’re inviting the whole community to help us celebrate that.” 

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Visitors brave showers to join Ripon street party

Today’s Totally Locally party in Ripon provided a taste of how Kirkgate could be utilised throughout the year if the street was permanently pedestrianised.

The event, which was organised by independent traders in the city with the backing of Ripon Business Improvement District, attracted hundreds of visitors.

Despite an unfavourable forecast, the day of sunshine and showers saw family groups and individuals arrive from 10am to listen to live music, purchase gifts and enjoy some alfresco dining, as cafes, restaurants and other retailers lined the street with their stalls, tables and chairs.

Performers included the Hyde Family Jam (main picture) the All for One Ripon band (pictured above) and the Knaresborough Vestal Social Club Band.

Richard Hughes, one of the event’s organisers and owner of Manchega Tapas Bar on Duck Hill, told the Stray Ferret:

“Independent businesses, not just in Kirkgate, but throughout the whole of Ripon, have made this happen.”

Mr Hughes, (pictured above, centre) with colleagues from the left: Tilly Whild, Brad Lucas and Felix Lees, added:

“It shows what Ripon could do by properly pedestrianising Kirkgate and enabling small businesses to work together to unlock the street’s full potential by making it a vehicle free area.”

Ripon BID manager Lilla Bathurst, said:

“It has been great to see how traders in Kirkgate and other parts of Ripon have collaborated to create such a tremendous community event under the Totally Locally banner and we hope that there will be many more to follow.”

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Ripon prepares to party after Knaresborough celebrates

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, Knaresborough

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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Kirkgate to close for Easter street party in Ripon

Live music, al fresco dining and entertainment will draw residents and visitors into central Ripon on Easter Monday.

The day of entertainment will see Kirkgate closed to traffic on April 10 from 10am to 4pm, allowing people to enjoy the party atmosphere and businesses to see the impact of pedestrianisation.

The street party will feature live music from Hyde Family Jam, as well as pop-up entertainers and street food from Jaflong Indian and Manchega’s tapas.

The event will be part of the new Totally Locally scheme being adopted by traders and Ripon Business Improvement District, designed to encourage people to spend with independent businesses in the city.

Promoting the event, the BID said:

“Totally Locally have calculated that if every adult in the population were to spend just £5 per week in local shops and businesses, that would contribute £13.5 billion per year to the local UK economy.

“If every adult in Ripon spent just £5 per week in their local independent shops that would result in an extra £3.1 million per year going into our local Ripon economy.

“Kirkgate is the heart of independent business. The street party on Easter Monday is a celebration of the ‘buy local’ movement.”

Independent businesses interested in getting involved in the event can contact Manchega.

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Advertise your Coronation event on the Stray Ferret for free

Events or street parties being held over the bank holiday weekend can be advertised on our What’s On page for free, using the code King. 

Charles III’s coronation will take place on Saturday 6 May at Westminster Abbey, in London. He will be crowned alongside the Queen Consort.

In February 2023, North Yorkshire County Council confirmed fees for street parties held in the Harrogate district to celebrate the coronation will be waived.

The standard street closure fee of £300 is being waived from Saturday 6 May to Monday 8 May for residential streets.

Various events will be held around the Harrogate district to celebrate the royally momentous occasion.

Submissions to the Stray Ferret What’s On can be made until Friday 5 May using the discount code.

The code can only be used on Standard Listings and only for events in aid of the coronation.

Submissions will be approved before posting.

Fees waived for Harrogate district street parties to mark coronation

Fees for street parties in the Harrogate district to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III will be waived.

North Yorkshire County Council today confirmed the move, which will encourage celebrations to mark the coronation of the first monarch in 70 years.

The council is waiving the £300 standard street closure fee on residential streets from Saturday, May 6, to Monday, May 8.

Charles III’s coronation will take place on Saturday, May 6, at Westminster Abbey in London, where he will be crowned alongside Camilla, the Queen Consort.

Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor of highways at the council, said:

“The coronation of King Charles III will be a momentous event in history, and we recognise that communities across North Yorkshire will want to plan their own celebrations.

“Street parties are always a popular way for people to get together, whether that’s for games or a royal lunch. By waiving the fees, we hope many residents will apply to ensure they have a safe open space to use.”

Anybody wishing to host a street party must apply before March 10. For more information on how to apply, visit the county council website here.

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‘Our lovely Queen has brought us together’, say Burn Bridge party organisers

Organising an official street party with North Yorkshire County Council and closing a road takes a bit of paper work and bureaucracy.

Neighbours Jilly Adams and Angela Palladino in Westminster Grove, Burn Bridge, were undeterred.

Both work for the NHS and thought it was the perfect opportunity to bring their neighbours together post covid.

This afternoon that happened as the cul-de-sac closed and neighbours brought food, drink, tables and chairs to meet and celebrate the jubilee.

Angela said:

“The local community is so important. We’ve lost looking after each other. Covid has highlighted how important it is to look after one another”

Angela Palladino (left) and Jilly Adams (right) 

Angela is a relatively new resident of the road, her neighbour Jilly Adams has lived in Westminster Grove for a long time:

“I think a lot of us have forgotten how important the Queen is. I’ve lived here for 18 years and have never done anything like this before.

“It’s taken our lovely, lovely Queen to get us together”

Both neighbours feel the Queen’s example of dedication and care is important for future generations.

Indeed sitting the shade was great grandmother, Margaret Holtby who is 80 years old holding her great grandson, Cooper, who is only two months old (pictured below).

As the sun shone in the afternoon the Stray Ferret left the Westminster Grove party in full swing. S Club 7 was playing loudly on the sound system and the bubbly was in full flow.

 

How to put on a good Jubilee spread and celebrate in style in the Harrogate district

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.”

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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 reveals plans to celebrate Queen’s platinum jubilee

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.

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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”.