Theatre for One
2024-07-06 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
Street theatre with a difference. 3 short performances lasting 3 minutes.
Each performed to only one person at a time, (plus curious onlookers!)
A most intriguing, and then exclusive, theatre experience!
“A simple idea, the best ones often are, created with such loving care and attention to detail that you just have to smile. Sometimes three minutes is all that’s needed!” Dorothy Max Prior, Animations Online (UK)
Join Lempen Puppet Theatre for The Belly Bug and Dr Frankenstein.
Have a look down the “Belescope” and see the habitat and habits of the belly bug. Enjoy the dance of life!
Come and join Dr Frankenstein at his work table and watch him at work. Unsurprisingly he’s creating a new life!
FREE EVENT – just turn up!
Theatre for One is also running at Ripon Cathedral from 10.45 – 11.15am and from 1.30 -2.30pm on Kirkgate.

The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle
2024-07-06 17:30 - 19:30 | Newby Hall and Gardens, Skelton-on-Ure, Ripon, HG4 5AE, United Kingdom
Doctor Dolittle leads a simple life as the village doctor in sleepy Puddleby-On-The-Marsh. He often undercharges his patients, or even treats them for free, so he is terribly poor. But one day, with the help of his wise old parrot Polynesia, he makes an extraordinary discovery: that he can talk to animals.
As news of his talent as an animal doctor spreads, animals across the world send messages asking for his help. So he borrows a leaky old ship and embarks on a thrilling quest to cure illness, spread kindness, and better understand animals everywhere. He is joined on his adventures by a loyal animal crew: Jip (a dog), Chee-Chee (a monkey), Dab Dab (a duck), and Gub Gub (an ever-hungry, cake-loving pig) –who together may even help him fix his money problems once and for all!
Hugh Lofting’s timeless classic celebrates the power of empathy and inspires audiences young and old to see the world through the eyes of animals. This funny, exciting new family musical is performed with flair and wit by Illyria in the great outdoors.
Adapted by Oliver Grey. Presented by Illyria.
Running time (approx): 1hr 50mins (including 20 minute interval). Suitable for ages 5+
Sponsored by Elstob Auctioneers
*Tickets include access to Newby’s award-winning gardens from 1pm on the day of the performance*
Please bring your own rug or folding chairs (but no umbrellas!), picnics welcome.
Dogs are NOT allowed at the performance.
Performance continues regardless of weather.
Saturday 6 July, 5.30pm
Tickets £11.00 – £17.00

Sunday Family Day
2024-07-07 08:00 - 17:00
A whole day of family entertainment in the attractive surroundings of the Spa Gardens. Plus walkabout acts, music and street entertainment at the Little Bird Artisan Market and at The Ripon Inn.
With open-air theatre, dancing, puppet shows, face-painting and a chance to practice your circus skills, you’ll easily fill the day.
The professional programme will be complimented by music, drama and dance performances from local groups.
All events are FREE.
Printable running orders for Sunday 7 July are available here.
Sponsored by Concrete4U and Ripon Races

Hedge Heads
10-10.30am Ripon Spa Gardens/The Ripon INN
11-11.30am Ripon Spa Gardens/The Ripon INN

Trinity Singers
10.30-11am Ripon Spa Gardens
12-12.30pm Little Bird Market

The Not So Big Bad Wolf
10.30-11.30am Ripon Spa Gardens
3-4pm Ripon Spa Gardens

Struzzo & Maxim
10-10.30am Ripon Spa Gardens
11-11.30pm Little Bird Market
1.30-2pm Ripon Spa Gardens
2.30-3pm The Ripon INN

Cricket on the Hearth
11-11.30am Ripon Spa Gardens

The Three Suitcases
10.15-10.45am Little Bird Market
2.30-3pm Ripon Spa Gardens

Freddie Cleary
2-2.30pm Little Bird Market

The Bombardiers
12.30-1pm Ripon Spa Gardens

The U3A Ukulele Group
12.30-1pm Ripon Spa Gardens

The Story of Daniel
1-1.30pm Ripon Spa Gardens

Kit and Caboodle
11.30-12noon Ripon Spa Gardens
2.30-3pm Little Bird Market

Lily Worth
1.30-2pm Little Bird Market

Let them Eat Cake
12.30-1pm Little Bird Market
2-2.30pm Little Bird Market

Ripon Goes to Bollywood
1-1.30pm Little Bird Market

Circus Skills Drop-in
1-2.30pm Ripon Spa Gardens

The Golden Tree
2-2.30pm Ripon Spa Gardens (performance)
3.30-4.15pm The Ripon Inn Garden Marquee (workshop)

Ripon Walled Garden Performers
12-12.30pm Ripon Spa Gardens

Passion for Movement
12.30-1pm Little Bird Market

Struzzo and Maxim
2024-07-07 10:00 - 10:30, 2024-07-07 13:30 - 14:00 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
Struzzo (Pete Baynes) and Maxim (Mike Bettison) have been performing feats of derring-do on the streets for many decades. In 2019 a video clip of a performance on the streets of Goole went mega-viral, much to everyone’s surprise!
There will be music and magic. Look out for the Ostrich!
FREE EVENT
10 – 10.30am Ripon Spa Gardens
11 – 11.30pm Little Bird Market
1.30 – 2pm Ripon Spa Gardens
2.30 – 3pm The Ripon INN

Hedge Heads
2024-07-07 10:00 - 10:30, 2024-07-07 11:00 - 11:30 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
Look out! Our Hedge Heads are on the loose!…Can you spot the suspicious looking shrubbery lurking about the bushes? If you see them, let us know as they are in need of a trim!
FREE EVENT
10 – 10.30am Ripon Spa Gardens/The Ripon INN
11 – 11.30am Ripon Spa Gardens/The Ripon INN

The Three Suitcases
2024-07-07 10:15 - 10:45 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Three quirky characters that meet by chance at a train station. Where is the train? Will it arrive? As time tick-tocks onwards the three accidental companions become more and more playful, passing the time in adventurous and exciting ways – who knows what might happen next?
Full of mime, physical theatre, music and fun, this is a slapstick Rhubarb Theatre street-treat for all the family!
FREE EVENT
10.15 – 10.45am Little Bird Market
2.30 – 3pm Ripon Spa Gardens

The Not So Big Bad Wolf
2024-07-07 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-07-07 15:00 - 16:00 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
“Welcome back Listeners – Little Red Riding Hood here! Stay tuned as I go undercover to reveal the truth behind fairytales’ most infamous villain – The Big Bad Wolf”
Meet Little Red; adventurer, heroine and world-renowned “True Grimm” podcaster. She’s on a mission to debunk the myths around her so called nemesis, with the help of a few storybook favourites, her red cloak, and a basket full of music, mayhem and magic tricks! But the truth is no Fairytale… Behold as your favourite tales are re-spun and woven together in an epic new adventure from Wrongsemble.
https://video.wixstatic.com/video/fc2b2d_55be174c14ad4bf1ab27dec1e0e6ab90/720p/mp4/file.mp4
Age guide 4+
FREE EVENT
10.30 – 11.30am Ripon Spa Gardens
3 – 4pm Ripon Spa Gardens

Punch and Judy
2024-07-07 11:00 - 11:20, 2024-07-07 12:00 - 12:20, 2024-07-07 13:15 - 13:35, 2024-07-07 14:15 - 14:35 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
Beautiful, hand-carved wooden puppets come to life in a fast-moving and funny show that has lots of good old-fashioned knock-about fun, with loads of audience participation.
Each show lasts 20 minutes
FREE EVENT
Ripon Spa Gardens
11:00 – 11:20
12:00 – 12:20
13:15 – 13:35
14:15 – 14:35

Struzzo and Maxim
2024-07-07 11:00 - 11:30 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom

Kit and Caboodle
2024-07-07 11:30 - 12:00 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
With miniature puppet shows inside a big, rolling mule puppet, the timeless theme of migration is packaged up in Thingumajig’s latest street act, KIT AND CABOODLE.
A pack mule with its beautiful burden of tales is joined by two well-travelled companions. Bags and cases open to reveal stories and songs of remarkable journeys from the staggering sojourn of a butterfly to people past and present who set out in search of a better life.
“It was such an emotional and beautiful piece it actually made me cry!” Charlotte, Shipley Street Arts Festival
FREE EVENT
11.30 – 12noon Ripon Spa Gardens
2.30 – 3pm Little Bird Market

Ripon Walled Garden Performers
2024-07-07 12:00 - 12:30 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
We can’t wait to welcome these performers back to the festival. Here’s what they told us about their group:
“At Ripon Walled garden, members attend the day service and take part in different activities such as dance, drama and singing with Makaton signs. Through singing, they learn Makaton sign language which improves communication. Dance and drama promote a sense of well-being and confidence. All our members are now well-rehearsed and have performed many times, both at the garden and at community events. Our theatre performers will be bringing you a selection of numbers from their recent show, Mary Poppins which was a huge hit”
FREE EVENT
12-12.30pm Ripon Spa Gardens

The Bombardiers
2024-07-07 12:30 - 13:00 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
Tally Ho! and Chocks Away! Three courageous airmen, Roger, Reggie and Rupert are returning from battle when their trusty aeroplane is caught in a freak storm. The daring heroes bravely leap from the craft and find themselves hurled far and wide.
Armed only with their wits and extremely good looks, who knows where they’ll end up, what adventures they’ll find and if they’ll ever be reunited…
Giggles Galore from Rhubarb Theatre.
FREE EVENT
12.30 – 1pm Ripon Spa Gardens

Let Them Eat Cake
2024-07-07 12:30 - 13:00, 2024-07-07 14:00 - 14:30 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Our three Mary Antoinettes take to the street to feed the public their tasty treats!
These comedy pompous poodle-haired queens will cause a right royal ruckus wherever they go! Choose a cake from the tray to reveal a joke, funny foodie fact, truth or dare…if you resist temptation or refuse to entertain the queens they might just chop off your head!
FREE EVENT
12.30-1pm Little Bird Market
2-2.30pm Little Bird Market

The Story of Daniel
2024-07-07 13:00 - 13:30 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
The story of Daniel in around 20 minutes. All the best bits including dreams and of course the lions! Performed by Open the Book.
Open the Book say: “We are a group of Christians from a number of churches in Ripon who go into schools to act out Bible Stories. If you ask a Primary aged school child from Ripon they will know about us! We aim to make these stories accessible to young people and adults alike, with opportunities for audience participation! We’d love to hear from people who would like to get involved. Contact John 01765 690930 or office@holytrinityripon.org.uk ”
FREE EVENT
1 – 1.30pm Ripon Spa Gardens

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

The Fireman Dave – Circus Skills Drop-In
2024-07-07 13:00 - 14:30 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
Have a go with juggling, plate-spinning, diabolo, hula hooping and more. Practice your skills before the next show begins!
FREE EVENT
Drop in from 1-2.30pm Ripon Spa Gardens

The Golden Tree
2024-07-07 14:00 - 14:30 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
A Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre Performing Arts Workshop production.
Join us for a whimsical journey with The Golden Tree brought to life by the talented performers of Knaresborough’s Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre. Catch the performance at 2pm and dive into the original fairy tale of Bernard the Fool, filled with kings, queens, heroes, and villains, ensuring fun and laughter for the whole family.
Don’t miss the post-show workshop at 3.30pm, where participants of all ages can explore the magic behind the scenes through engaging theatre games.
Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre Performing Arts Group collaboratively creates and produces original works.
They say: “This year, our focus has been a comedy fairy tale, developed through improvisation and scene work. Our participants, who often attend multiple drama sessions each week, have previously engaged in a wide range of projects, including pantomimes, adaptations of Shakespeare, and collaborations with groups like Moondust Theatre Company.
Laughter is central to our workshops, arising from the fun of improvisation and our collaborative approach. We also embed sign language into our performances, promoting inclusivity and allowing everyone to participate fully.
Our workshops at the Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre in Knaresborough are led by skilled theatre workshop leaders. They provide a secure, supportive environment where individuals with disabilities and special needs can engage with the performing arts. Using techniques from music, movement, and theatre, we empower our participants. Projects like “The Golden Tree” showcase our commitment to creativity, community involvement, and individual expression.
Participants in our workshops not only rehearse for “The Golden Tree” but also explore new artistic challenges, experiencing the thrill of creation and the rewards of collective effort. To discover more about our drama workshops and how to participate, visit our website at https://www.henshaws.org.uk/arts-crafts-centre/our-workshops/”
FREE EVENT
2 – 2.30pm Ripon Spa Gardens (performance)
3.30 – 4.15pm The Ripon INN Garden Marquee (workshop)

Struzzo and Maxim
2024-07-07 14:30 - 15:00 | The Ripon Inn, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2BU

The Three Suitcases
2024-07-07 14:30 - 15:00 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom

Kit and Caboodle
2024-07-07 14:30 - 15:00 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom

Family Theatre Workshop with Henshaws
2024-07-07 15:30 - 16:15 | The Ripon Inn, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2BU
After you’ve enjoyed the whimsical world of The Golden Tree in the Spa Gardens (2.30pm) brought to life by the talented performers of Knaresborough’s Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre, join in 45 minutes of fun and accessible theatre games. The session is for all ages and abilities and will be co-led by three of Henshaws participants – Hannah, Kezzy and Ollie, alongside Douglas Thompson, theatre-maker and multidisciplinary artist.
Douglas Thompson says:
“Join us to explore the creative process behind the fairy tale as we play theatre games, mime, and body language techniques. In this workshop, participants will journey through colourful characters and storytelling. Experience the magic of mime with games like ‘Mime Slime,’ where you bring invisible objects to life. Discover the comedic chaos between characters with fun servant-master games. Whether you’re experienced or new to theatre, this workshop offers a chance to unleash your creativity and explore storytelling.”
About Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre:
Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre supports people with a range of disabilities. Our centre is a place where artmakers can explore their talents, develop new skills, and connect with the community. Through workshops, performances, and events, we highlight the abilities of our participants and promote inclusivity in the arts.
This workshop is free ​but please book your places to avoid disappointment and so we know you are coming!
Workshop takes place in the Ripon Inn Garden Marquee to the rear of the hotel (access through Spa Gardens or via the hotel on Park Street)
Refreshments served for participants courtesy of The Ripon Inn
FREE EVENT
2 – 2.30pm Ripon Spa Gardens (performance)
3.30 – 4.15pm The Ripon Inn Garden Marquee (workshop)

Babies, Books & Biscotti
2025-07-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Little Ripon Bookshop, 12-13 Westgate, Ripon, HG4 2AT, United Kingdom
Start your morning with a sociable coffee, then pop next door for a gentle sensory storytelling session with your baby. Meet other parents and share baby book ideas. Calm, connection, and creativity led by Stories with Liv.
Pop in to Valentino’s from 9am onwards, storytelling session starts in Little Ripon Bookshop (just next door) at 10.15am
Age guide 0-24 months
Ticket includes coffee (or other hot beverage) and an Italian biscuit at Valentino’s.
Wednesday 2nd July, 9am
Tickets: £7

Pirate Princess
2025-07-04 17:30 - 18:30 | Holy Trinity Church, Kirkby Road, Ripon, HG4 2EY, United Kingdom
** Timings for this event have changed – see below**
Pirate Princess is a heart warming story of hope against adversity told with physical theatre, clowning and circus. This brand new solo show by circus performer and professional idiot Gemma Bond tells the tale of poor shipwrecked Princess Poppy. Can she overcome a big dress, extreme weather and the ultimate test of strength to see her way to safety?
Inspired by strong and inventive women of history Poppy must transform physically and mentally if she is to have any hope of rescuing herself from eternity on an island in the ocean. The show encourages all to reuse, repurpose and recycle as Poppy reinvents her outfit and her mindset to overcome her predicament.
A visual feast of colourful costume and a unique crow’s nest on a pole prop, this is a fun filled show for children aged 5 to 11 and their families
** In a change to information published in our Festival Guide, this show lasts approximately 55 minutes. A tasty Pirate Party tea will now be served before the show from 4.45pm onwards courtesy of Holy Trinity Church. The performance will begin at 5.30pm**
Ticket Price: £8
