The countdown to Christmas officially starts in Ripon this Saturday, 21 November 2015, with a series of festive events including family entertainment and the switching on of Ripon’s Christmas lights in the Market Place.
There will be children’s rides in the Market Place all day and the Salvation Army Band will be adding to the atmosphere by performing during the afternoon. The build-up to the Lights Switch-On will be hosted by Stray FM starting from 16:00 with entertainment from the
Harrogate and Ripon Rock Choir and adding to the festive atmosphere will be the snow machine.
The lights will be switched on by special guest Derek Brown, who is walking from Leeds to Ripon in aid of the Mayor’s Charities – Dementia Forward and Scuba Diving for All. He will be met by children dressed as elves from Greystones School, who will finish the walk together to the Market Place.
They will be joined on stage by the Mayor of Ripon, Cllr Pauline McHardy and Father Christmas for the countdown and to officially switch on the lights at 18:00.
The lights switch-on will be at the end of a festive fuelled family fun day in the City. The Cathedral Christmas gift and food fair will take place between 10:00 and 16:30 with over 100 stalls selling a wide variety of gifts, with refreshments, festive food and entertainment.
Tickets are £2.50 and accompanied under-14s are free.
Meanwhile, the Ripon Workhouse museum will be open between 11:00 and 16:00, for all to enjoy a traditional Workhouse Christmas! Whilst the Prison and Police museum and the Courthouse museum will be open too. Normal admission fees apply.
The Switch-On event is being organised by Ripon City Council’s City Development Team.
City Development Manager, Alan Weston said:
Christmas is an important trading period for businesses and it is important that we have a strong programme of events to attract people to the City.
This is going to be a fantastic festive day in Ripon, there’s something for everyone, so come along to these events and whilst you’re in the city visit our magnificent shops for those Christmas gifts or visit our wonderful cafes and restaurants.
It’s a great opportunity to Discover Ripon this Christmas.
For more and the latest information please visit: www.discoverripon.org/events
