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Ripon aims to be ‘Top of the Tykes’ during Yorkshire Day celebrations

Monday, 16 March 2026 08:12

Ripon aims to be leading destination for Yorkshire Day Celebrations.

Ripon is hoping that this year they will be the leading destination for Yorkshire Day celebrations.

The city council and Ripon BID say they want to showcase the city’s heritage and community spirit as part of celebrations on 1st August.

This year the date will coincide with the annual St Wilfrid’s Procession, which honours the seventh-century saint who played a key role in the city’s early history.

Speaking during a recent meeting of Ripon City Council, councillor Andrew Williams said the celebrations provide an opportunity to promote the city more widely.

“This is our opportunity to put Ripon at the top of the Yorkshire league table of towns and cities".

Plans for the day follow other initiatives designed to promote the city, including the illuminated “I Love Ripon” sign installed in Market Square, which has become a popular photo spot for visitors.

The city maintains the long-standing tradition of the Ripon Hornblower Ceremony, where a horn is sounded each evening at the Market Square obelisk.

The ceremony is believed to date back more than 1,000 years.

After the council meeting, Cllr Williams said the city hopes to highlight these traditions during Yorkshire Day celebrations.

“The evidence is there for all to see and the St Wilfrid’s procession will be the centrepiece of the day when we stake our claim to being top of the Tykes as the most Yorkshire of Yorkshire places,”.

Lilla Bathurst, Ripon BID Manager said businesses and organisers are also planning additional activity in the city centre.

“We’re aiming to have 50 Yorkshire flags flying proudly around the city centre and on the route of the procession,”.

She added that organisers are exploring the possibility of extending family-friendly activities in Market Square until the evening ahead of a special Yorkshire Day hornblower performance.

Celebrations are expected to include events throughout the day, with organisers aiming to attract both residents and visitors to the city centre.

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