Ripon Theatre Festival

Costa Cabaret Corner
2026-07-11 13:30 - 14:30 UTC | Costa Coffee, 4 Fishergate, Ripon, HG4 1DY, United Kingdom
Take the weight off your festival feet. Enjoy favourite show tunes or discover a new musical to fall in love with.
Presented by talented performers from local groups.
A FREE event – donations encouraged at the door.

Florence Glen
2026-07-11 13:45 - 14:15 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
Florence Glen
Flo is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and teacher based in Ripon. After completing a Masters degree in Music Production at Leeds Beckett University and went on to record her first studio EP after winning the ‘Soundtrack your Roadtrip’ songwriting competition. Florence has since produced and recorded her own studio album which has been played on BBC Radio 6 Music.
In 2021 Florence founded Beats by Girlz UK CIC to teach women and other under-represented groups music production and digital skills. Florence now fills her time writing and performing music, teaching music at a special school, leading Rock Choirs and playing drums and singing in a latin jazz band!
FREE EVENT
1.45-2.15pm Kirkgate (Duck Hill end)

Yorkshire CREATE - Orpheus
2026-07-11 14:00 - 14:30 | Minster Gardens, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
Yorkshire CREATE presents Orpheus
Yorkshire CREATE is a Knaresborough-based arts organisation dedicated to making creativity accessible to all. They deliver inclusive arts opportunities that support well-being, build confidence, and empower people of all ages and backgrounds to express themselves through creative activity.
This youth performance of the new musical Orpheus showcases young talent re-imagining a timeless myth. The production will be presented at Edinburgh Fringe in August.
FREE EVENT
2.00-2.30pm Minster Gardens

Skellsiders
2026-07-11 14:30 - 15:00 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
Skellsiders
Traditional folk tunes, mostly English, Welsh, Scottish and French played on fiddle, mandolin, European bagpipes, whistle, guitar and recorder.
What they say: “We are mostly retired and have a keen interest in all forms of folk music. Some of us also play in orchestras, ceilidh bands or for local dance groups. We currently meet twice monthly and welcome anyone who can already play any instrument.”
FREE EVENT
2.30-3.00pm Kirkgate (Cathedral end)

Morris Dance from 400 Roses & Slubbing Billy's
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

HG33 Band
2026-07-11 14:30 - 15:00 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
HG33 is a local band performing classic pop hits from the 1960s to the 2010s. Featuring lead and backing vocals with bass, drums, guitar and keyboards, the band delivers lively performances across local venues in Knaresborough and Burton Leonard. Supporting charities including Dementia Forward, HG33 specialises in crowd-pleasing favourites that get audiences singing, dancing and clapping along.
FREE EVENT
2.30-3.00pm Kirkgate (Duck Hill end)

The Music Bank Rock Band
2026-07-11 15:00 - 15:30 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
The Music Bank Rock Band
A 5-piece band made up of teenage students from The Music Bank in Knaresborough. Drums, vocals, 2 guitars, keyboards.
The Music Bank is an independent business with a team consisting of over 100 years of combined experience in the music industry. They know all there is to know about guitars! They also offer music tuition to the local community and support a range of groups including the rock band, guitar group and both musical theatre and rock choirs.
FREE EVENT
3.00-3.30pm Kirkgate (Duck Hill end)

Calle Oche
2026-07-11 15:30 - 16:00 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
Calle Oche is a group of U3A musicians who enjoy playing music that has a Latin beat.
What they say: “The group is called Calle Oche as this is a place in Brazil and we perform music that is from Latin America or influenced by this style of music. As well as guitars, we have violin, clarinet and saxophone, plus percussion and mandolin.Our repertoire includes Fly Me to the Moon and Sway – well known songs with a Latin feel. We also play other Latin American music that is perhaps less well known but just as catchy such as Havana and Lambarda. The most well known is probably La Bamba.”
FREE EVENT
3.30-4.00pm Kirkgate (Duck Hill end)

All for One Choir
2026-07-11 15:30 - 16:00 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
All for One Choir
Ripon All For One Choir brings an uplifting performance packed with feel-good songs, joyful harmonies, and plenty of personality. A large and friendly community choir that loves sharing music that lifts spirits, brings people together and leaves audiences smiling long after the final note.
FREE EVENT
3.30-4.00pm Ripon Market Place

Janice Hopkinson
2026-07-11 15:30 - 16:00 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
Janice Hopkinson
Janice brings traditional folk and Morris tunes to life on the melodeon, entertaining audiences with lively, foot-tapping performances.
FREE EVENT
1.00-1.30pm Kirkgate (Cathedral end)
3.30-4.00pm Kirkgate (Cathedral end)
Janice will also be busking in the Arcade from 10.45-11.15am

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

Kirkgate Street Party
2026-07-11 16:00 - 20:00 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
The fun continues on Kirkgate with local musicians from 4-8pm. Enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants, or have an al fresco drink before taking in another show.
Presented in partnership with Ripon Music Open Mic Night.
FREE EVENT – just turn up!

Big Family Weekend: Sunday
2026-07-12 10:00 - 16:00 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
Fun for all the family across Ripon Spa Gardens and at the Little Bird Artisan Market on the Market Place.
Open-air theatre, walkabout acts, Punch and Judy and joining-in fun, plus music, stories and dance from community groups. Bring a picnic to the park and stay all day or browse the market whilst being entertained.
Join us for a full day of fun, starting at 10am
All events are FREE.
For the full programme with timings and locations visit Sunday’s schedule.

The Crow House
A derelict house appears in the middle of the street. The windows are shattered and a Keep Out sign bars the front door. Three captivating and multiskilled performers use aerial, acrobatics, live music and slap-stick comedy to battle the furious crow who has taken up residency. Who will win? Presented by Circo Rumbaba.

The Soapsud Sisters
‘Here come the girls!’ Pair up your socks, dig out your delicates, separate your silks, it’s laundry time! Join our bubbly beauties as they take you for a spin through a washing cycle like no other.
Presented by Rhubarb Theatre Company

Kismat Walla
Thingumajig Theatre, who have performed A la Puppet Carte and Kit and Caboodle at previous Ripon Theatre Festivals, return with their new street theatre puppet show. Kismat Walla captures the bustling atmosphere of South Asian market streets in this two-person play set on and around a magical rairi (cart) telling a puppet plays about fate, fortune and serendipity.

Punch and Judy
Traditional show with beautiful hand-carved wooden puppets. Fast-moving and funny. Old-fashioned entertainment for everyone.
Presented by Ron Wood from Jolly Good Productions.

Rubbish Shakespeare: Romeo & Juliet
Enemies. Balconies. Kissing… SAUSAGE ROLLS!!?? Three hapless idiots perform Shakespeare’s famous tragedy using nothing but tatty wigs and a burst airbed they found by the bins. Clowning, slapstick, and mischievous storytelling. This isn’t boring Shakespeare – it’s bonkers!

Frankie Magilligan
With his incredible smile and impeccable fashion sense, Frankie will leave you in stitches with his hilarious antics and incredible juggling skills. And if that wasn’t enough, he’ll be performing on the tallest unicycle in Ireland. The perfect combination of skill, humour, and style – Frankie will have you on the edge of your seat. Presented by Tall Paul.

Participation Zone
Dive into a vibrant day of theatre-inspired creativity, including mask-making, myths and more. Across four artist-led sessions (10–11am, 11:30am–12:30pm, 1–2pm and 2:30–3:30pm) plus two self-guided drop-in activities running 10am–4pm, families can explore hands-on crafts inside or alongside our dedicated tent space. Presented in partnership with Yorkshire CREATE.

Little Bird Artisan Market
More than just shopping. It’s a vibrant showcase of quality goods crafted by independent producers and artisans. And on Festival Sunday it’s extra special, with a performance area scheduled with acts from 10am-3pm. Have a break from browsing the stalls -pull up a deck chair and enjoy the entertainment.

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

Cricket on the Hearth
Open the Book
Orb Community Arts
Medusa Gothic Morris
Ripon Dance Academy
Ripon Goes to Bollywood
Ripon Trinity Singers
Ripon Walled Garden
Slubbing Billy’s Morris
St Aelred’s Irish Dance

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

Ripon Trinity Singers
2026-07-12 11:15 - 11:45 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
Ripon Trinity Singers is a local community chamber choir rehearsing at St. Wilfrid’s Community Hall every Thursday evening during term time.
They say: “We sing a wide range of a cappella repertoire from medieval to contemporary in many different genres: classical, folk, world music, pop….. and are happy to sing at any community event. Please contact Nicky Brierley-Woods for more information.”
FREE EVENT
11.15-11.45am Ripon Spa Gardens

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

Ripon Walled Garden & Jennyruth Workshops - The Big Red Shoes
2026-07-12 14:00 - 14:30 | Ripon Spa Gardens, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX, United Kingdom
The Big Red Shoes is a playful, participant-built performance created with Ripon Walled Garden, Jennyruth Workshops, and The Art Guild CIC. Using oversized props, movement, humour, and Makaton, it reimagines The Big Red Shoes as a story about pressure, fame, rest, connection, and the joy of dancing together.
Ripon Walled Garden supports adults with learning and physical disabilities through creative activities. They say, “Our members love participating in the theatre festival and love sharing their creativity with new audiences.”
Jennyruth Workshops is a hub of creativity and skills development dedicated to providing meaningful work and opportunities for adults who have learning disabilities.
Project led by Douglas Thompson and Sharon Hockin from The Art Guild:
Douglas is an artist and workshop leader. He helps people make art, drama and creative projects together, bringing people of all ages and abilities together to have fun and learn new skills.
​Douglas teaches creative workshops and helps run local arts events and festivals. He is studying for a PhD in art and disability studies and works to make the arts open to everyone.
Sharon loves art and loves how creating art makes her feel. She loves experimenting and playing with lots of different techniques and materials. She was a teacher and now works with local charities, festivals, community groups and individuals exploring and developing work and ideas. She says “I get a huge buzz out of working with people and hearing what they want to say, that is when the magic truly happens!” Sharon believes in having a voice and knows that art enables you to shout out about what is important to you.

FREE EVENT
2.00-2.30pm Ripon Spa Gardens

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
