A partnership behind Ripon's bid to become the UK's Town of Culture 2028 says it will continue to invest in the area's cultural future despite missing out on a place on the shortlist.
The city's "Small City, Big Landscape" bid was submitted through the Uredale Community Partnership, with Ripon Together as the proposed Delivery Body and North Yorkshire Council as the proposed Accountable Body.
Although unsuccessful, those behind the bid say the process has strengthened relationships between organisations across Ripon and Uredale and created momentum that will continue beyond the competition.
Dean John, Chair of Ripon Together and the Uredale Community Partnership, said:
"Of course we are disappointed not to be taken forward in this competition, but nothing about what we have built together over recent months is diminished by that.
"Ripon's story, rooted in pilgrimage and centred on a cathedral that has welcomed people seeking sanctuary and connection since the seventh century, remains as strong and as true as it ever was.
"This process has brought partners together in ways that will outlast the bid itself, and that civic pride and sense of shared purpose across Ripon and Uredale is something we intend to carry forward."
The bid was shaped following a workshop in February that brought together cultural organisations, venue managers, community groups, heritage organisations and public sector partners from across the area.
More than 100 cultural assets were identified, alongside a number of priorities for Ripon and Uredale's future cultural development.
Lilla Bathurst, Manager at Ripon BID, said:
"We can already see what's possible when partners work together on culture and creativity.
“Work is already under way on Ripon BID's Creative Streets project, funded by the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire's High Street Fund, which will bring a new Hornblower statue, heritage trail and street art to the city centre.
“And we have just enjoyed another fantastic Ripon Theatre Festival, with performances staged across the city by local volunteers, drawing visitors from across the region.
“There is real momentum here, and we will keep working with partners to build on it and to keep growing Ripon's reputation as a place worth travelling to."
The partnership says work carried out during the bid process, alongside evidence gathered through the Ripon City Investment Plan, will now help shape future cultural projects across the area.
It has also thanked residents, community groups, businesses and organisations from Ripon, Masham, Ripley and surrounding villages who contributed to the bid, saying it remains committed to strengthening the area's cultural offer regardless of the competition's outcome.
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