Come for the Festival, Stay for North Yorkshire
A packed weekend of free family entertainment is set to transform Ripon this summer, as Ripon Theatre Festival invites visitors to make a weekend of it.
The Big Family Weekend, supported by Visit North Yorkshire, part of North Yorkshire Council, will bring street theatre, live performances, music and hands-on activities to the city centre – creating a lively, festival atmosphere for all ages.
And with so much happening across two days, organisers are encouraging people to stay longer and explore everything Ripon and the surrounding area has to offer.
Festival Director Katie Scott said:
“The Big Family Weekend is always a highlight – it’s full of colour, energy and things to see and do. We’re encouraging people to stay over, take their time and really enjoy what Ripon and North Yorkshire have to offer.”
From independent shops and cafés to green spaces and nearby attractions, Ripon provides the perfect setting for a relaxed summer weekend. Visitors can enjoy a full day of performances and still have time to explore the city’s historic streets, stop for food and drink, or take in nearby landmarks and countryside.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, whose responsibilities include the visitor economy, added:
“Events like the Ripon Theatre Festival’s Big Family Weekend are a powerful draw for visitors and play a key role in helping people fall in love with North Yorkshire. We’re delighted to support an event that not only encourages visitors to extend their stay but also gives residents the chance to enjoy high-quality experiences right on their doorstep.”
The festival’s central locations mean most events are within easy walking distance, making it simple for families to move between performances and make the most of their time. Many of the weekend’s events are free and don’t require advance booking, allowing visitors to dip in and out of the programme as they go.
Visitors can plan their trip online or pick up a printed Big Family Weekend leaflet from local shops and the tourist information centre when they arrive.
For more details on the Big Family Weekend with links to places to stay, eat and drink at, visit the dedicated webpage: Big Family Weekend – Ripon Theatre Festival
