Passion for Movement
2024-07-07 12:30 - 13:00 UTC | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
FREE EVENT
12.30-1pm Little Bird Market

Ripon Goes to Bollywood
2024-07-07 13:00 - 13:30 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Ripon goes to Bollywood is an inclusive dance group led by Sarita McDermott. The group started dancing together after the last lockdown and meet weekly. They perform at events and festivals in Ripon throughout the year.
This style of dancing is Indian Kathak dancing. It expresses emotions through story telling, and connects the body to the mind. Great for exercise and wellbeing. The group is very excited to perform in the festival.
FREE EVENT
1-1.30pm Little Bird Market

Ripon City Morris, Betty Lupton's Ladle Laikers & Slubbing Billy's
2025-07-05 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-07-05 15:45 - 16:15 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Ripon City Morris will be joined this year all-female side, Betty Lupton’s Ladle Laikers and by The Slubbing Billy’s – a mixed side from West Yorkshire.
About the Ripon City Morris: “We are a North West Morris Dancing team from Ripon. We practice most Monday evenings from 7.45pm in Bishop Monkton Village Hall, which is between Ripon and Harrogate. In the summer months we dance at various pubs in the area on Monday evenings and at Festivals, weekends of dance and at many other events. We are instantly recognisable by our patriotic kit and fresh flowered hats.”
About Betty Lupton’s: A ladies morris dance team, formed in 1977 – the year of the Queen’s silver jubilee. The kit of the dancers reflects the national colours; red tights, white smocks and blue dresses with black shoes and bell pads. The team took its name from a local character from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, who was responsible for ladling out the medicinal spa waters to the visitors to the town during the 19th century. She was based at the pump room, now a museum, where you can still sample the waters and see a model of Betty Lupton.
About Slubbing Billy’s: A mixed North West Morris Team, with a reputation for colourful costumes (we call it ‘kit’) and lively, entertaining dances. The team was formed in 1986, and has a healthy age range, from enthusiatic teenagers to more experienced (mature!) members who have danced with the side since it started. Based in the Colne Valley but new members from all areas welcome. They attend events as far north as Barnard and as far south as the Cotswolds.
FREE EVENT
10-10.30am Ripon Market Place
12.30-1pm Cathedral Forecourt
2.30-3pm Cathedral Forecourt
3.45-4.15pm Market Place

Flamenco Dance Taster Session
2025-07-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Allhallowgate Methodist Church Hall, Victoria Grove, Ripon, HG4 1LG, United Kingdom
A relaxed and friendly one-hour beginners’ session led by Vanessa Matthews from Flamenco de Leeds.
Since 2015 Flamenco de Leeds has been providing regular workshops, events and performers across Leeds and further afield.
The ethos of Flamenco de Leeds is very much focused on enthusiasm and ensuring everybody feels welcome to participate in any way they can. If you can clap your hands, stamp a foot, bang a stick or shout Ole you can get involved!
No previous experience necessary.
Age guide 8+
Allhallowgate Methodist Church Hall
10-11am
Taster sessions are Pay What You Can (PWYC) events. You can just turn up, but booking in advance is recommended and helps us plan for numbers.

Saturday Street Entertainment
2025-07-05 10:00 - 16:00 | Ripon City Centre
Walkabout acts, crazy characters, circus and clowning bring the streets and open spaces of Ripon to life throughout the day.
Spend the day in Ripon soaking up the atmosphere – the best in street theatre, circus, dance, magic and fun.
Professional acts come together with community performers.
Performances will be staged at Ripon Market Place, Minster Gardens (in front of the Courthouse Museum), on Ripon Cathedral Forecourt and on Kirkgate.
All events are FREE.

Calamity Dames
These rootin tootin, gun slingin’, whip crackin’ cowgirls will give any cowboy a run for their money! Buckle up, it’s going to be a bumpy ride! Presented by Kitsch n Sync.

Books!
A high energy show featuring acrobatics, fire-juggling, jokes and, of course, books. Four bedraggled book enthusiasts travel from town to town – forced between the margins – on a mission to protect literature. Presented by Tit for Tat Circus.

Cloudscapes
Take some time to chill out, festival-style. Visit the Cloud Museum Trailer and relax on a giant beanbag to enjoy this fabulous part-installation/part-performance. As you lie back and look up, you’ll listen on headphones to a story all about the clouds, the sky and Lorna’s journey of a lifetime with her father. Presented by Gobbledegook Theatre.

The Dame Judy & Mr Punchinello Show!
Classic seaside mayhem with a family friendly modern twist!
Dame Judy (not that Dame Judi) has finally taken over! About time too! The show was getting far too rambunctious for it’s own good. But will Mr Punchinello agree to the new rules? It seems highly unlikely!
All the puppet show favourites are here in a topsy-turvy, parallel universe, reimagining of the seaside classic. That’s the way to do it….hopefully. Presented by Grandly Strange Puppet Theatre.

Lula Hoopa
Dynamic hula hoop circus act. Rhythmic gymnastics, dance and fun. You might even get a chance to give it a go yourself.

The Knighty Knights
Two brave and fearless knights on a quest to travel the land and bring forth joy and laughter.

The Fantastic Mr Forster
Prepare to be amazed! The Fantastic Mr Forster brings 45 minutes of wonder, laughter, and a touch of magic to audiences of all ages. Mr Forster’s dazzling tricks and fun-filled performances will have everyone talking long after the final “abracadabra”!

Victoria Sponge & Flour Power
A living, breathing and beautifully-dressed dessert, accompanied by her proud baker. The sweetest duo in town!
Presented by Chicks on Sticks.

Tooti Fruity
A “pear” of flamboyant, fruit-obsessed, banana-battling eccentrics take to the streets.
Presented by Kerfuffle Street Theatre.

The Story Cart
A travelling storyteller and his medieval cart. Choose a myth or a monster and see where the story leads. Presented by Stories Alive.

Plus a line-up of community performers from across the region, including:

Ripon City Morris
Yorkshire Voices
Slubbing Billy’s
Belebele
The Wakeman Mummers’ Musicians
Ripon Dance Academy
Betty Lupton’s Ladle Laikers
Lily Worth
Calle Oche
Grace Hughes
The Daytones
Skellside Folk
Flamenco de Leeds

Slubbing Billy's
2025-07-05 11:00 - 11:30 | Cathedral Forecourt, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT, United Kingdom
“We are The Slubbing Billy’s, a mixed Morris side dancing in the North West style. We dance in clogs , and bowler hats decorated with fresh flowers. Our large bass drum keeps us in time and our musicians play traditional folk dance tunes. In purple kit , sticks and bells we put on a colourful energetic display.”
The Slubbing Billy’s will also be dancing on Sunday in Ripon Spa Gardens and at the Little Bird Artisan Market.
FREE EVENT
10-10.30am Ripon Market Place (with Ripon City Morris & Betty Lupton’s Ladle Laikers)
11-11.30am Cathedral Forecourt
12.30-1pm Cathedral Forecourt (with Ripon City Morris & Betty Lupton’s Ladle Laikers)
2.30-3pm Cathedral Forecourt (with Ripon City Morris & Betty Lupton’s Ladle Laikers)
3.45-4.15pm Market Place(with Ripon City Morris & Betty Lupton’s Ladle Laikers)

Morris Dance Taster Session
2025-07-05 11:00 - 12:00 | Allhallowgate Methodist Church Hall, Victoria Grove, Ripon, HG4 1LG, United Kingdom
Do you love to see traditional Morris sides dancing in public spaces over the summer months? Have you thought about joining in? It’s a great way to keep fit and keep a vibrant tradition going for the future. Rehearsals usually (always?) end in the pub, so it’s very sociable activity and a great way of making friends.
This informal have-a-go session is for anyone who wants to try something new and see if they like it. Led by Ted Dodsworth from Ripon City Morris.
Ripon City Morris are one of the best-regarding sides in the north and are recognisable with their flowered headgear and patriotic attire. They are also supported by talented folk musicians.
Since 1982 Ripon City Morris Dancers have been dancing in the style of Morris from North West of England. This is traditionally from Lancashire and the adjoining areas of Cheshire, Yorkshire and the Lake District.
No previous experience necessary.
Age guide 8+
Allhallowgate Methodist Church Hall
11am – 12pm
Taster sessions are Pay What You Can (PWYC) events. You can just turn up, but booking in advance is recommended and helps us plan for numbers.

Ripon Youth Theatre
2025-07-05 12:00 - 12:30 | Cathedral Forecourt, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT, United Kingdom
Ripon Youth Theatre (RYT) runs on Saturday mornings and has over 50 members aged between eight and eighteen from the City and surrounding areas. Here, young people are given the chance to work on the musical theatre skills of singing, dancing and acting as well as taking part in activities such as trips to see professional shows.
FREE EVENT
12-12.30pm Cathedral Forecourt

Ripon City Morris, Betty Lupton's Ladle Laikers & Slubbing Billy's
2025-07-05 12:30 - 13:00, 2025-07-05 14:30 - 15:00 | Cathedral Forecourt, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT, United Kingdom

Flamenco de Leeds
2025-07-05 13:00 - 13:30 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
Flamenco de Leeds was started in 2015 after looking for local Flamenco workshops and events and found they were few and far between. Since then, they are providing regular workshops, events and performers across Leeds and further afield.
The ethos of Flamenco de Leeds is very much focused on enthusiasm and ensuring everybody feels welcome to participate in any way they can. If you can clap your hands, stamp a foot, bang a stick or shout Ole you can get involved!
FREE EVENT
1-1.30pm Kirkgate (outside Davis & Lund Estate Agents)
*Want to give Flamenco a go? Sign up for the Flamenco Dance Taster Session – 10-11am at our Participation Zone in Allhallowgate Methodist Church Hall. Led by Vanessa from Flamenco de Leeds. Perfect for beginners.*

Ripon Dance Academy
2025-07-05 13:15 - 13:45 | Minster Gardens, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
Ripon Dance Academy offers high quality dance training in Ballet, Modern Jazz, Tap, Contemporary and Acro. Classes are offered from pre school to 18 and pupils have the opportunity to take part in IDTA examinations, full school shows and dance festivals.
RDA will also be performing on Sunday in Ripon Spa Gardens from 10-10.30am and on Ripon Market Place as part of the Little Bird Artisan Market from 2.30-3pm
FREE EVENT
1.15-1.45pm Minster Gardens

Ripon Dance Academy
2025-07-06 10:00 - 10:30 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
Ripon Dance Academy offers high quality dance training in Ballet, Modern Jazz, Tap, Contemporary and Acro. Classes are offered from pre school to 18 and pupils have the opportunity to take part in IDTA examinations, full school shows and dance festivals.
RDA will also be performing on Sunday at the Little Bird Artisan Market from 2.30-3pm and on Saturday at Minster Gardens from 1.15-1.45pm
FREE EVENT
10-10.30am Ripon Spa Gardens

Slubbing Billy's
2025-07-06 11:00 - 11:30 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
“We are The Slubbing Billy’s, a mixed Morris side dancing in the North West style. We dance in clogs , and bowler hats decorated with fresh flowers. Our large bass drum keeps us in time and our musicians play traditional folk dance tunes. In purple kit , sticks and bells we put on a colourful energetic display.”
The Slubbing Billy’s will also be dancing on Saturday on the Cathedral Forecourt and in Ripon Market Place.
FREE EVENT
11-11.30am Ripon Market Place (Little Bird Artisan Market)
2.45-3.15pm Ripon Spa Gardens

Cricket on the Hearth
2025-07-06 11:30 - 12:00 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
Cricket on the Hearth is an Appalachian step dancing team that meets in St. John’s Church Hall, Harrogate, HG1 3DT, on Sundays at 6.30pm to 8pm. We are a mixed side and dance mostly to American old time music played on the fiddle, banjo, guitar and mandolin. New members – dancers and musicians – are welcome. If interested, please contact Stella by email, sfzealand@hotmail.co.uk
FREE EVENT
11.30-12noon Ripon Spa Gardens

Ripon Goes to Bollywood
2025-07-06 11:30 - 12:00 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Ripon goes to Bollywood is an inclusive dance group led by Sarita McDermott. The group started dancing together after the last lockdown and meet weekly. They perform at events and festivals in Ripon throughout the year.
This style of dancing is Indian Kathak dancing. It expresses emotions through story telling, and connects the body to the mind. Great for exercise and wellbeing. The group is very excited to perform in the festival.
FREE EVENT
11.30am-12noon Little Bird Market

Ripon Dance Academy
2025-07-06 12:00 - 12:30 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
Ripon Dance Academy offers high quality dance training in Ballet, Modern Jazz, Tap, Contemporary and Acro. Classes are offered from pre school to 18 and pupils have the opportunity to take part in IDTA examinations, full school shows and dance festivals.
RDA will also be performing on Sunday at the Little Bird Artisan Market from 2.30-3pm and on Saturday at Minster Gardens from 1.15-1.45pm
FREE EVENT
12-12.30pm Ripon Spa Gardens

Medusa
2025-07-06 14:00 - 14:30 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Medusa Gothic Morris are a small Knaresborough-based dance team bringing elegance and Gothic mystery to the art of Morris dancing, with black kit and purple hankies, and tunes in a minor key. They would welcome new dancers (no experience necessary) and musicians. To join us, contact Sally on 01423 868753 or email spolem@hotmail.com
FREE EVENT
2-2.30pm Ripon Market Place (Little Bird Artisan Market)

Ripon Dance Academy
2025-07-06 14:30 - 15:00 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Ripon Dance Academy offers high quality dance training in Ballet, Modern Jazz, Tap, Contemporary and Acro. Classes are offered from pre school to 18 and pupils have the opportunity to take part in IDTA examinations, full school shows and dance festivals.
RDA will also be performing on Sunday at Ripon Spa Gardens from 10-10.30am and on Saturday at Minster Gardens from 1.15-1.45pm
FREE EVENT
2.30-3pm Ripon Market Place (Little Bird Artisan Market)

Slubbing Billy's
2025-07-06 14:45 - 15:15 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
