31
Jul
Ripon set for giant Yorkshire Day and St Wilfrid’s Procession party
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Ripon is preparing for one of its biggest days of the year tomorrow (August 1) when it holds the annual St Wilfrid's Procession on Yorkshire Day.
Yorkshire flags have been raised around the city for what is likely to prove a memorable day of free entertainment for families.
It will conclude with all four hornblowers setting the nightly watch for the first time at 9pm.
As one of the oldest regularly held events in the country, the procession dates back to 1108 when Henry I celebrated the life of St Wilfrid, who was the founder of Ripon Cathedral and patron saint of the city.
Taking place from 1.30pm to 5pm, it will see decorated lorries, bands and dancers follow a person on a donkey dressed as St Wilfrid parading around the city.
There will also be free family entertainment in the city centre from 12pm, such as fairground rides, stilt walkers, and face painting.
St Wilfrid’s Procession’s chair, Antony Prince, said:
St Wilfrid’s Procession is one of Ripon’s most treasured traditions, but this year we have a chance to make the day even more special by celebrating Yorkshire Day at the same time.
With the support of Ripon City Council and Ripon BID, we are creating a fantastic free family event that brings people into the heart of the city and showcases everything that makes Ripon so special.
Our ambition is simple – we want Ripon to be the jewel in Yorkshire’s crown.
We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, donors and the army of volunteers who make this event possible.
Fifty Yorkshire flags, hung by Cllr Chris Hardisty, have been installed by Ripon BID throughout the city centre to add to the carnival atmosphere.
The 9pm hornblowing ceremony, part of a 1,140-year-old tradition, will wrap up the activities.
Yorkshire Day Celebration. Photo: The Yorkshire Society.
What is Yorkshire Day?
Yorkshire Day was first celebrated on Aug 1, 1975 by the Yorkshire Ridings Society and was later made an official event in 1985.
Since 2018, the Yorkshire Society has expanded the event into the community and general public is encouraged to participate with additional themed elements.
The host town or city is provided a chance to boost the local economy, grow reputation worldwide, and connect with its citizens.
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