Pete Egerton

10:00am - 1:00pm

Email the studio

Myles Smith

Hold Me In The Dark

Listen Live

Ripon schoolchildren invited to design city's Christmas lights

Wednesday, 1 July 2026 07:35

Ripon's schoolchildren have been tasked with designing Christmas lights.

Primary school children in Ripon are being invited to design new Christmas lights that could be displayed outside their schools as part of the city's festive decorations.

Ripon City Council has launched a competition for pupils at three school locations that have not previously had Christmas lights installed nearby: Cathedral School, Moorside and Mowbray Primary Schools, and Outwood Academy Primary Greystone.

Children are being asked to create a festive design to fit vertically on a lamppost, with ideas ranging from Christmas trees and Santa to stars, animals or something inspired by their school or community.

The winning entries will be turned into bespoke illuminated displays and installed in time for Christmas.

The council says designs should be simple line drawings with colour added to help the manufacturer match the finished lighting.

Entries must be submitted by 10th September, before the winning designs are developed with Bradford MDC Festival Lights and manufactured.

Mayor of Ripon, Cllr Andrew Williams, said:

“Ripon’s Christmas lights are something the city can be rightly proud of. Visitors often tell us that Ripon’s lights are the best in North Yorkshire, and this competition will help us go further still.

“By inviting children to design lights for outside their schools, we are giving young people a real part in shaping how the city celebrates Christmas. It is a lovely way for pupils to see their own ideas brought to life and to help make Ripon even more festive, welcoming and full of community spirit.”

The competition is part of Ripon City Council's preparations for this year's Christmas programme, which will also include the city's Christmas Lights Switch-On event on 14th November, with further details due to be announced in the coming months.

More from Local News

Harrogate Town fan favourite pens new deal

Harrogate Town has announced that fan favourite George Thomson has signed a new one-year contract with the club.
Yorktoberfest to return 'bigger than ever' this autumn

Yorktoberfest is set to return to York Racecourse this autumn, with the popular Bavarian-themed event moving under a Big Top for the first time.
St Aidan's pupils to represent region at athletics championships

Four pupils from St Aidan's CE High School in Harrogate have been selected to represent North Yorkshire at this month's English Schools' Athletics Championships.
Harrogate charity rescues kitten found 'alone in a garage'

A Harrogate cat rescue has taken in an eight-week-old kitten after she was found 'alone at a garage' with an injury to her limbs.
Charity car show aims to give Ukrainian children a week away from war

A new family-friendly vehicle show in Knaresborough this Sunday is hoping to help give Ukrainian children something many have not experienced for years – a chance to simply be children.
First dedicated youth basketball club to launch in Harrogate

Harrogate is set to get its first dedicated youth basketball club, giving young players the chance to play competitively without travelling to Leeds or York.
Calls for share of £1.4 million fund to be spent on Knaresborough High Street

Knaresborough Liberal Democrat Councillors Hannah Gostlow and Matt Walker are calling on North Yorkshire Council to release funds from local housing developments to improve Knaresborough High Street.
New interior design shop set to open in Harrogate

A popular independent interior design retailer is targeting Harrogate for its second location.
North Yorkshire Council trials new pothole prevention treatment

North Yorkshire Council is introducing new road repair techniques this summer in a bid to extend the life of roads and reduce potholes.
Officers honoured for bravery after Harrogate railway crash

Three North Yorkshire Police officers have been recognised for their bravery after risking their own lives to try to save a driver following a horror crash in Harrogate.
North's biggest classic car show set to roll into Ripon

More than a thousand vintage and classic cars are set to roll into Newby Hall near Ripon next month as the historic estate prepares to host the North's largest classic car show.
New Specsavers hearing clinic to open in Knaresborough

A new collaboration with a local community facility is set to expand audiology services in Knaresborough, helping customers access care more quickly.
Talented Ripon footballer signs for Manchester City

One of Ripon Grammar School's brightest sporting talents has secured a dream move to Manchester City Women Under-21s.
Harrogate's 32-metre ferris wheel to return this weekend

Harrogate's popular 32-metre observation wheel is returning to the town centre this weekend.
Adventure activity camps returning to Ripley Castle this summer

A series of three-day adventure camps for children are returning to Ripley Castle during the school holidays this summer.
Harrogate pupils win national innovation award

Students from Harrogate Ladies' College have won a national innovation award after developing smart bandages designed to help treat chronic wounds in dogs.
Thieves steal Playstation from Bilton home

Police are appealing for information about a burglary that occurred in the Bilton area of Harrogate.
Harrogate house music festival announces major site upgrades for 2026

Love to be… Festival has unveiled a series of major site upgrades for its 2026 event in Harrogate, including a bigger main stage, new VIP garden and dedicated chillout zone.
Harrogate Town signs former York City goalkeeper

Harrogate Town has announced its fifth summer signing as goalkeeper Rory Watson joins on a one-year contract.
Harrogate students plant tree to honour Holocaust remembrance

Students at St Aidan's Church of England High School have planted a Tree of Remembrance and Hope following a Holocaust education project.