Climbing wall Photo: Juliet Hawkins, Ripon BID

Facepainting in the Cabman’s Shelter Photo: Juliet Hawkins, Ripon BID

Ripon’s summer season of family fun events comes to a close on Market Square on Saturday (August 29th) with seven hours of family-focused activities.

Running from 10am until 5pm, the event being organised by Ripon City Council, will include free fairground rides for children of all ages, a football shoot out, balloon modelling, fun with bubbles and face painting.

Though light rain is forecast, another large attendance is anticipated, adding to the thousands of additional people, both local residents and visitors, who have been drawn to the city centre by a series of fun-filled and sun-filled activities
Increased footfall

Ripon BID manager Lilla Bathurst told Tim Flanagan of the Rejoicing in Ripon Blog: “Our figures show that in the period from July 1st to August 16th overall footfall rose by 13.31% compared with the same period in 2025 and 18.14% when compared with 2024.

“From the landmark fifth Theatre Festival in early July brilliantly curated by director Katie Scott, to the historic Saint Wilfrid procession and Yorkshire Day celebrations on August 1st headed by Antony Prince, who marshalled an army of volunteers, the BID is delighted to support events and activities that bring additional visitors to the city centre.”

"In addition to the mass participation events, July saw the reopening of the Workhouse Museum following renovation of the residential block and the reception building, which was completed in time for the start of the school summer holidays. The BID also held a series of Saturday events on the Market Square in August including a climbing wall and face painting.

This was complimented by Ripon City Councils music, crafting and magic shows.”

”On the sporting front, Ripon’s biggest race day of the year on August 15th, when the Great St Wilfrid handicap was held, saw an estimated 10,000 racegoers through the gates – many of whom visited the city centre for something to eat and drink before and after the racing.”