The 2023 St Wilfrid's Procession, a celebration of the life and legacy of the patron saint of Ripon, returns on Saturday.
Everything you need to know ahead of return of St Wilfrid's Procession The 2023 St Wilfrid's Procession, a celebration of the life and legacy of the patron saint of Ripon, returns on Saturday (29th July). Held on either the last Saturday of July or the first Saturday in August each year, the St Wilfrid’s Procession is a unique event that was traditionally held to mark the feast of St Wilfrid. The origins of the procession date back to 1108 when King Henry 1st granted a royal charter to the City Of Ripon to hold an annual fair. So ahead of the event's return this weekend, here's everything you need to know... Route The 26-stage procession will meander through the city led by St Wilfrid on horseback. The group will be accompanied by monks, the Ripon City Band, walking groups and decorated floats to represent various businesses and organisations on the 7.5-mile journey. It will end at Ripon Cathedral where a celebratory service will be held. [caption id="attachment_72971" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The parade route (graphic: Rebus Design)[/caption] Timings The parade will kick off from Studley Road at around 1:40pm before heading towards Ripon Spa Gardens. As a result, Studley Road will be closed from 1pm. The procession will arrive at Allhallowgate for 2:30pm before a short 20 minute break. It then heads towards Southgate for another break at around 3:15pm and 20 minutes later sets off towards Ripon Cathedral for a 4:30pm finish (approx). [caption id="attachment_72975" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The procession passes through Ripon city centre.[/caption] Entertainment The parade will culminate at the Cathedral, but onlookers can take advantage of a host of free entertainment in the Market Square. This will include live music, dancers, rides, face painters and several amazing entertainers. The entertainment will be held in the Market Square between 1pm and 6pm. [caption id="attachment_72974" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] St Wilfrid's Procession is held annually on the last Saturday of July or the first Saturday in August.[/caption] History The origins of the procession date back to 1108 when King Henry 1st granted a royal charter to the City Of Ripon to hold an annual fair. It is however a contested and debated topic with historians unable to decide whether it was to mark the birthday of St Wilfrid or to celebrate his return from unjust exile in around 705AD. Whichever reason the charter was granted, the past few years have seen the procession survive a global pandemic - despite two cancellations. -and attract attention from all over the world, with entrants travelling from as far as Australia and USA to take part. Tune in to the latest episode of the Your Harrogate Podcast as we hear from Antony Prince, the chairman of St Wilfrid’s procession to preview the event. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
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