Ripon has launched a late bid to become the UK's Town of Culture 2028.
The city, which has a population of around 17,000, is promoting itself under the theme “Small City, Big Landscape”, reflecting both its historic status and its rural surroundings at the meeting point of three rivers.
The bid is being led by the Uredale Community Partnership and is built around the theme of “pilgrimage”, which organisers say will shape cultural activity focused on journey, connection and place.
Charlie Studdy from the partnership’s Culture and Green Space Working Group said:
“Ripon has been a place of pilgrimage since 672 AD. In 2028, we want it to be one again – this time for culture.
"Our vision is to build on Ripon’s unique, ancient foundations to create a sustainable, culture-led future, using the all-encompassing idea of pilgrimage.”
The concept draws on Ripon’s historic links to pilgrimage, including the 7th-century crypt of St Wilfrid at Ripon Cathedral and the annual Boxing Day pilgrimage to Fountains Abbey.
Other longstanding traditions include the nightly Hornblower ceremony, which dates back to 886 AD, and the St Wilfrid’s Procession held each summer.
The audience at the Ripon Theatre Festival 2026 launch event. (Image: Ben Coulson)
The national Town of Culture competition aims to highlight places that are less widely recognised, with £3 million awarded to the winner and £250,000 for two finalists.
The bid also references Ripon’s cultural and historical connections beyond the city, including links to figures such as Lewis Carroll and Wilfred Owen, as well as nearby sites including Fountains Abbey and Hackfall Woods. Organisers say these landscapes continue to influence creative work today.
Charlie Studdy added:
“Across Europe, pilgrimage routes like the Camino de Santiago attract millions. Today, people are seeking connection more than ever – whether through nature, creativity, or shared experience.
"Culture and the outdoors can play a powerful role in tackling isolation and supporting wellbeing. We want to reimagine pilgrimage as something modern, inclusive, and transformative.”
Plans for the programme include linking Ripon with surrounding communities along the River Ure, from Masham to Bishop Monkton and Langthorpe, with activities taking place across multiple locations rather than a single venue.
The Dean of Ripon, John Dobson, who chairs the Uredale Community Partnership, said:
“Ripon has always been at the heart of a wider rural area and has an impact far beyond the city boundaries.
"It is wonderful that the Uredale Community Partnership has been the catalyst for this bid and has been able to bring together so many committed partners across the area.”
Organisations involved in the bid include Ripon Together, Ripon BID, Ripon Theatre Festival, Ripon Cathedral, Ripon YMCA, Ripon Disability Forum, Ripon Civic Society and Ripon Arts Hub, along with community groups across the Ure valley.
Lilla Bathurst, manager at Ripon BID, said:
“Ripon captures hearts with its heritage, community spirit, and countryside, but it is often overshadowed by larger neighbours such as Harrogate and York.
"This is a major opportunity to invest in a sustainable, culture-led future and raise Ripon’s profile nationally.”
The bid is supported by recent local engagement work, including the Ripon City Investment Plan, which identified culture, heritage and creative infrastructure as key priorities among residents, businesses and organisations.
Kate Sharpe, trustee for Ripon Disability Forum, said:
“This approach is inclusive by design – from family-friendly and accessible trails to creative experiences that can be brought indoors for those unable to travel.
"Whether through walking, storytelling, music or art, pilgrimage can be something everyone takes part in. It may sound simple, but connection like this is powerful.”
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