The focus turned to Kirkgate and Minster Gardens yesterday, as Ripon’s extended weekend of Bank Holiday entertainment continued with a fiesta of food and live music.

Saturday had seen fairground rides and a concert featuring tribute acts on Market Square, in the last large-scale public event of the summer staged by Ripon City Council and paid for from the parish precept.

Sunday and Monday brought a Little Bird Artisan market to the square and yesterday, independent businesses in the city, with administrative support from Ripon BID, joined forces for the second Bank Holiday street party of the year.

The Little Bird Artisan Market

Kirkgate closed to traffic and an al fresco dining and entertainment from the junction with Duck Hill to Minster Road.

In the evening the party moved to Minster Gardens, where there was a paella picnic, including performances from violin virtuoso Nadia and guitar duo Bailey Brown (pictured below).

Richard Hughes, owner of the Manchega Tapas Restaurant, who was one of the organisers of yesterday’s event told the Stray Ferret:

“This shows what can be achieved when independent businesses come together and stage events that are designed to attract more visitors and local residents onto the city’s streets.”

Richard Hughes

He added:

“Working alongside Ripon BID, the council  and all other interested parties in Ripon, we are looking to build on this success, with the aim of doing even more next year, with the objective of making the city a must-visit destination.”