Ripon is preparing for a huge day of celebration as the historic St Wilfrid's Procession returns this Saturday – coinciding with Yorkshire Day.
The annual event is expected to attract thousands of people to the city, with a spectacular procession, free entertainment and activities for all ages taking place throughout the day.
St Wilfrid's Committee Chairman Antony Prince says this year's event will be the 918th St Wilfrid's Procession, with its history dating back to 1108.
He said the event began after King Henry I granted Ripon a charter to hold a feast celebrating St Wilfrid, the city's patron saint.
Over hundreds of years, that original three-day celebration has evolved into the colourful procession that travels through the streets of Ripon today.
And this year, organisers are hoping to make the most of the fact the event falls on Yorkshire Day.
Antony said the committee has partnered with Ripon City Council to extend the celebrations into the evening, with entertainment continuing until a special horn-blowing ceremony involving all four of Ripon's hornblowers at 9pm.
He said:
"Yorkshire Day is going to be a special one, as well as St Wilfrid's Day."
There will be free entertainment in Ripon Market Square from around midday, with something planned for all age groups.
That includes two major rides aimed at teenagers, including the "Round Up" – described by Antony as a "spinning cage of doom" – as well as smaller teacup rides for younger visitors.
There will also be face painters and stilt walkers, who have created special Yorkshire Day outfits featuring large white roses.
And, despite the rising cost of family days out during the summer holidays, everything at the event is free.
The committee relies on sponsors, local businesses, grants and donations to make the event possible, with Antony thanking everyone who helps fund the celebrations.
The procession itself will set off from Ripon Cricket Club and is expected to reach the Market Square at around 1.30pm.
The route will remain the same as in previous years, with rolling road closures in place to allow the procession to pass through the city.
Organisers say no one should be held up for more than around 20 minutes.
At the front of the procession will be St Wilfrid himself, followed by Ripon City Band, Morris dancers and a host of decorated floats.
More than 20 elements are expected to take part this year – a significant increase on previous years.
St Wilfrid is played by a volunteer, with the role requiring someone who is able to ride a horse that can cope with the noise and crowds of the procession.
Organisers have also made the event increasingly inclusive, with no specific themes or restrictions on what participants should dress as.
Walking groups can take part alongside decorated wagons, allowing people to let their creativity run wild.
At the end of the procession, Ripon Cathedral will host a special service, followed by the presentation of awards recognising the best floats in a number of categories.
The service is expected to attract around 500 people, with organisers keen to reward those who have put time and effort into making the procession possible.
Antony says the event is a real community effort, relying on a huge team of volunteers – from traffic marshals and collectors to those helping organise the procession itself.
He is urging people from Ripon and further afield to come along and enjoy the celebrations.
He said:
"It's a free day out. The weather looks okay, so we're hedging our bets there on the weather. But yeah, it's just come and get involved. It's a fantastic day."
With tourists and visitors staying at caravan sites in the area also expected to join the celebrations, organisers are hoping people will come from far and wide to experience one of Ripon's biggest annual events.
The celebrations will continue throughout the day, culminating in the special Hornblower ceremony at 9pm.
The St Wilfrid's Procession takes place this Saturday in Ripon, with free entertainment in the Market Square from around midday and the procession expected to arrive at approximately 1.30pm.
LISTEN: Your Harrogate's Pete Egerton chats to St Wilfrid's Committee Chairman Antony Prince:
Simon Weaver hails Jack Evans after Harrogate Town exit
Councillor to 'brave the shave' after wife's devastating cancer diagnosis
New plans to build housing on site of former prisoner of war hostel
Mother Shipton Inn to reopen under new management
Knaresborough paddling pool reopens to public
WATCH: Ripon woman is latest Free Fuel Friday winner
Harrogate Town announce signing of 'powerful' striker
Elly Griffiths wins top honour at Harrogate crime writing festival
Boroughbridge mum wins adult learning award after fleeing Ukraine
Harrogate café launches free summer events for all ages
Harrogate learning disabled artists rally to save arts charity
Harrogate hospitality boss urges new Prime Minister to back restaurants
Lightwater Valley named second best-value theme park in UK
Appeal: Man kicks shop door on Harrogate's Beulah Street
130 new homes recommended for approval in Boroughbridge
Harrogate's Lottie McGuinness to compete in Commonwealth Games today
Symphonic Ibiza offers VIP tickets after Harrogate posters vandalised
Gilbert O'Sullivan announces Harrogate show to celebrate 60 years of music
Harewood House wins national education award
Marie Curie appeals for Harrogate volunteers this summer
