Ripon is set to come alive this Saturday as the city celebrates one of Yorkshire's oldest and most colourful traditions.
St Wilfrid’s Procession dates back over 900 years and commemorates St Wilfrid - the founder of Ripon Cathedral.
And the carnival-style celebration always draws thousands of spectators to the city centre.
Ahead of the event, here’s everything you need to know…
Key times
Entertainment in the Market Square begins at 12pm, with children’s rides, face painting, live acts and a brand-new adrenaline ride, the “Round Up Ride” for teens and thrill-seekers.
The main procession sets off at 1:30pm, travelling through Ripon’s city centre streets.
A service and awards ceremony will take place at Ripon Cathedral shortly after the procession concludes at around 4:30pm.
Procession route
The vehicles form up on Studley Road (S) then move off along Park Street, Westgate, Market Square, Fishergate, North Street, North Road, Magdalens Road, Stonebridgegate, and Allhallowgate.
The procession will stop on Allhallowgate for a break before moving on to Finkle Street, Queen Street, Kirkgate, Bedern Bank, King Street, Bondgate, Southgate, Heckler Lane, Barefoot Street, Low Skellgate, High Skellgate, Westgate, Blossomgate, Marshall Way, North Street, Queen street, Kirkgate and terminating at Ripon Cathedral.
Expect decorated floats, the Ripon City Band, Morris dancers, community groups, and of course, St Wilfrid himself leading the way.
After festivities in the square, the procession will return via the cathedral side streets, concluding outside Ripon Cathedral, where the winners of float competitions will be announced.
Family fun
The event is entirely organised by local volunteers, with around 16 participating entries expected this year.
Families can enjoy a host of free activities, including live music, funfair attractions, and plenty of local food and drink.
Float participants will compete for prizes, and there's even an opportunity for the public to vote on their favourites.
Visitors
Entry is free and no tickets are required.
Roads along the route will have rolling closures, so plan travel and parking accordingly.
Most streets are wheelchair-accessible, and public toilets (including accessible facilities) will be available in the city centre.
History
St Wilfrid’s Procession has its roots in 1108, when King Henry I granted a charter for Ripon to honour its patron saint with an annual feast and celebration.
More than 1,300 years after Wilfrid established a monastery in Ripon, the city continues to pay tribute with floats, music, dancing, and a vibrant parade featuring Wilfrid himself—riding on horseback and accompanied by monks.
Wilfrid was a 7th-century Northumbrian bishop and missionary who founded Ripon’s monastic community and played a key role in aligning the English church with Roman practices.
For the latest updates, entry info, or to support the event, visit: www.stwilfridsprocession.com
Your Harrogate Radio's coverage of St Wilfrid's Procession is sponsored by Harrogate College.
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