Ripon Youth Theatre
2026-07-11 11:45 - 12:15 UTC | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
A volunteer-run youth musical theatre group providing inclusive, affordable access to the performing arts for 8-18 year olds. Support and leadership from previous members, enthusiasts and industry experts offers a welcoming space for creativity, confidence-building and skill development. Saturday morning sessions at the Ripon Arts Hub, nurture talent, foster friendships, and inspire a love for theatre in a fun, non competitive and supportive environment. On stage or behind the scenes, every young person has the chance to shine. To join our waiting list, please email; ryt@raos.co.uk
FREE EVENT
11.45am-12.15pm Ripon Market Place

Morris Dance from 400 Roses & Slubbing Billy's
2026-07-11 12:30 - 13:00, 2026-07-11 14:30 - 15:00 | Ripon Cathedral, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
Formed in 2005, the 400 Roses are a unique dance troupe, that combine Tribal Belly Dance with UK-style Folk and Morris Dance.
The Black, Red and White themed costumes use an abundance of red and white silk roses to represent our Yorkshire and Lancashire origins.
The group is based in and practice in Shipley, West Yorkshire.
Slubbing Billy’s is a mixed Morris side dancing in the North West style. They dance in clogs and bowler hats decorated with fresh flowers. A large bass drum keeps them in time and their musicians play traditional folk dance tunes. In purple kit , sticks and bells they 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
9.45-10.15am Market Place
12.30-1.00pm Ripon Cathedral forecourt
2.30-3pm Ripon Cathedral forecourt
4.00-4.30pm Market Place

St Aelred's Irish Dance
2026-07-11 13:00 - 13:20 | Minster Gardens, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
St Aelred’s Principal Dance Teacher, Una says: “We are a traditional Irish dance group made up of 25 dancers. We go from young talent, all the way to incredibly skilled older dancers. We love performing for our local community. We regularly perform to thousands each year on St Patrick’s day in Leeds and York. Our group is eye catching in vibrant traditional dresses. We can’t wait to perform at RTF for the first time!”
FREE EVENT
11.45am-12.15pm Ripon Minster Gardens
1.00-1.20pm Ripon Minster Gardens
3.30-4.00pm Ripon Cathedral Forecourt
Una will be leading a free “Irish Dance for First-Timers” workshop for everyone aged 8+ in our Saturday Participation Zone – 2-3pm – come along and give it a try!
And the dancers will also be back on Sunday for more performances:
11.15-11.45am Little Bird Market, Ripon Market Place
12.30-1.00pm Ripon Spa Gardens
2.15-2.45pm Little Bird Market, Ripon Market Place

Irish Dance for First Timers
2026-07-11 14:00 - 15:00 | Allhallowgate Methodist Church & Halls, Victoria Grove, Ripon, HG4 1LG, United Kingdom
Come and join St Aelred’s Irish Dancers for a fun, relaxed céilí! This isn’t a structured class; it is all about getting involved and having a go.
Our dancers will be right there in the mix to guide you through the moves, making it easy to pick up the rhythm as you go.
Whether you are a complete beginner or just want to join in the fun, it is a great way for anyone aged 8 and up to experience the energy of Irish dance. No experience is needed. Just bring your trainers and plenty of enthusiasm!
Led by popular teacher Una O’Connor (pictured), St Aelred’s Irish Dancers train in Harrogate and regularly perform to thousands each year on St Patrick’s day in Leeds and York.
No previous experience necessary.
Participants must be aged 8+ & under 16s accompanied by an adult.
All Participation Zone events are Pay What You Can Events (PWYC). You can just turn up, but places are limited so advance booking is recommended. You are encouraged to choose a small amount to pay on booking your place then consider donating to the Festival at the end of the session. Thank you!

Ripon Dance Academy
2026-07-11 15:00 - 15:30 | Cathedral Forecourt, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT, 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.
FREE EVENT
3.00-3.30pm Ripon Cathedral Forecourt

St Aelred's Irish Dance
2026-07-11 15:30 - 16:00 | Cathedral Forecourt, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT, United Kingdom

Morris Dance from 400 Roses & Slubbing Billy's
2026-07-11 16:00 - 16:30 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom

Ripon Dance Academy
2026-07-12 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-07-12 13:45 - 14:00 | 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 Saturday on the Cathedral Forecourt from 3.00-3.30pm.
FREE EVENT
10.00-10.30am Ripon Spa Gardens
1.45-2.00pm Ripon Spa Gardens

Morris Dance from Slubbing Billy's & Medusa Gothic Morris
2026-07-12 10:45 - 11:15 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Medusa Gothic Morris
This small Knaresborough based dance team brings elegance and Gothic mystery to the art of Morris dancing, with black kit and purple hankies, and tunes in a minor key.
Slubbing Billy’s
Slubbing Billy’s is a mixed Morris side dancing in the North West style. They dance in clogs and bowler hats decorated with fresh flowers. A large bass drum keeps them in time and their musicians play traditional folk dance tunes. In purple kit , sticks and bells they put on a colourful energetic display.
The Slubbing Billy’s will also be dancing on Saturday on the Cathedral Forecourt and at the Market Place and on Sunday in the Spa Gardens at 3.30pm.
FREE EVENT
10.45-11.15am Little Bird Market
1.00-1.30pm Little Bird Market

St Aelred's Irish Dance
2026-07-12 11:15 - 11:45, 2026-07-12 12:30 - 13:00, 2026-07-12 14:15 - 14:45 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
St Aelred’s Principal Dance Teacher, Una says: “We are a traditional Irish dance group made up of 25 dancers. We go from young talent, all the way to incredibly skilled older dancers. We love performing for our local community. We regularly perform to thousands each year on St Patrick’s day in Leeds and York. Our group is eye catching in vibrant traditional dresses. We can’t wait to perform at RTF for the first time!”
FREE EVENT
11.15-11.45am Little Bird Market, Ripon Market Place
12.30-1.00pm Ripon Spa Gardens
2.15-2.45pm Little Bird Market, Ripon Market Place
Una will be leading a free “Irish Dance for First-Timers” workshop for everyone aged 8+ in our Saturday Participation Zone – 2-3pm – come along and give it a try!

Ripon Goes to Bollywood
2026-07-12 11:45 - 12:15 | 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
11.45am-12.15pm Little Bird Market

Orb Community Arts
2026-07-12 12:15 - 13:00 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Orb is a creative health charity, working to support mental health across Knaresborough, Harrogate and North Yorkshire.
Orb Drama Group work together to devise performances, through movement, writing and comedy. The Puppetry Group work on different puppetry skills each term to create a film or performance. More information at www.orb-arts.org
FREE EVENT
12.15-1.00pm Little Bird Market

Morris Dance from Slubbing Billy's & Medusa Gothic Morris
2026-07-12 13:00 - 13:30 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Slubbing Billy’s
Slubbing Billy’s is a mixed Morris side dancing in the North West style. They dance in clogs and bowler hats decorated with fresh flowers. A large bass drum keeps them in time and their musicians play traditional folk dance tunes. In purple kit , sticks and bells they put on a colourful energetic display.
Medusa Gothic Morris
This small Knaresborough based dance team brings elegance and Gothic mystery to the art of Morris dancing, with black kit and purple hankies, and tunes in a minor key.
The Slubbing Billy’s will also be dancing on Saturday on the Cathedral Forecourt and at the Market Place and on Sunday in the Spa Gardens at 3.30pm.
FREE EVENT
10.45-11.15am Little Bird Market
1.00-1.30pm Little Bird Market

Cricket on the Hearth
2026-07-12 14:30 - 15:00 | 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
2.30-3.00pm Ripon Spa Gardens

Morris Dance from Slubbing Billy's
2026-07-12 15:30 - 16:00 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
Slubbing Billy’s
Slubbing Billy’s is a mixed Morris side dancing in the North West style. They dance in clogs and bowler hats decorated with fresh flowers. A large bass drum keeps them in time and their musicians play traditional folk dance tunes. In purple kit , sticks and bells they put on a colourful energetic display.
The Slubbing Billy’s will also be dancing on Saturday on the Cathedral Forecourt and at the Market Place.
FREE EVENT
10.45-11.15am Little Bird Market (with Medusa Gothic Morris)
1.00-1.30pm Little Bird Market (with Medusa Gothic Morris)
3.30-4.00pm Ripon Spa Gardens
