Ripon’s Spa Gardens with its stunning Mick Burns Alice sculpture and fine fir trees, has once again been transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland.

Yesterday (Saturday) was the second of three days that have seen parents, grandparents and children  flock to see a fantasia of festive decorations and imaginative displays created by community groups across the city and supported by businesses and the council.

Adding to the atmosphere, was special lighting effects that illuminated trees, the war memorial and statue of  George Frederick Samuel Robinson, the first Marquess of Ripon and the city’s most high profile politician, who also served as Viceroy and Governor-General of India from 1880 to 1884.

The trees were lit.

The winter wonderland, with its free family fun and music, is run by volunteers and continues today (Sunday) between 2pm and 8pm.

Organiser Caroline Bentham, who is chair of the Friends of Spa Gardens, which organises the event, told the Stray Ferret:

“This is the fourth time that we have staged it and it has grown year on year, as we add new features and activities.

“Over the three days we will see around 2,000 people through the gates, most of them in family groups, who come to enjoy the sights and sounds of our pre-Christmas winter celebration.”

Children look at the knitted figures produced by members of the Ripon Community Poppy Project

This year has seen the introduction of an environmentally-friendly art show featuring more than 50 works created by members of the Littlethorpe Arts Group, which meets every Tuesday in the village hall,

Caroline Bentham (pictured left) and Caroline King, display some of the festive themed works featuring the Grinch, Santa and reindeer in the snow.,

The pieces have been produced on recycled roof tiles donated by Ms King,  who said:

“I had the roof on my house replaced and instead of having the slate tiles taken to the tip, I thought they could be put to good use, by providing the art group with a new medium for their work.

“They are such a good material to work with and the results have been spectacular.”

The Cheshire Cat , which is part of the Alice in Wonderland sculpture, had red light and a smile on his face.

The event, which costs around £7,000 a year to organise, is made possible by donations, grants and volunteers.

Ripon City Council, North Yorkshire Council, the Ripon Inn, and Ripon’s community scrap fund have all given money.

Crowds gathering for an evening of entertainment at Spa Gardens

Musical performances over the first two days were given by Holy Trinity Church Choir, local singer-songwriter Lily Worth, Masham Handbell Ringers, Brackenfield School Choir, and the All For One Ripon Choir.

Ms Worth will perform again today and the Spa Gardens bandstand will also provide the platform  for Yorkshire Voices, the  Jolly Wassailers, and a ukulele band.

Although the event is free, visitors are encouraged to make a donation or buy refreshments. The Sun Parlour cafe in Spa Gardens will be open

Main image: The Alice in Wonderland sculpture was looked spectacular bathed in red light.

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Ripon Spa Gardens will be transformed into a winter wonderland from tomorrow until Sunday.

The free public event will see the trees in Spa Gardens decorated with illuminations to bring the magic of Christmas.

There will also be activities, including Christmas carols and bellringing, from 2pm to 8pm from Friday, December 15 to Sunday, December 17.

Organiser Caroline Bentham hopes the event will ease financial pressure on families in the run up to Christmas as there is no charge to enter.

She said:

“When it gets to Christmastime everything gets so expensive.”

The event, which costs around £7,000 a year to organise, is made possible by donations, grants and volunteers.

Ripon City Council, North Yorkshire Council, the Ripon Inn, and Ripon’s community scrap fund have all given money.

All those involved are volunteers and all the crafts are made by local people.

The winter wonderland will host local performers, including Yorkshire Voices, Masham Hand Bell Ringers, Jolly Wassailers, and Brackenfield School.

Ms Bentham said:

“It really is a community event.”

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While the event is free, visitors are encouraged to make a donation or buy refreshments. The Sun Parlour cafe in Spa Gardens will be open.

This is the fourth year the wonderland has taken place.

Other free attractions in Ripon this week include a giant snow globe display.

The snow globe, which even has biodegradable snow, is popular for social media images.

The Greenhouse’s Christmas window entry.

There is also a Christmas window competition in town this week.

Visitors can vote for their favourite display among 34 entries.

Voting is open until Sunday, December 17.

Nearby 17th century house Grantley Hall will also be hosting jazz nights throughout the Christmas period.