Ripon Theatre Festival

The Dame Judy & Mr Punchinello Show!
2025-07-05 12:45 - 13:15, 2025-07-05 15:00 - 15:30 UTC | Minster Gardens, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
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.
FREE EVENT
11.00-11.30am Minster Gardens
12.45-1.15pm Minster Gardens
3-3.30pm Minster Gardens

The Knighty Knights
2025-07-05 13:00 - 13:30 | Cathedral Forecourt, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT, United Kingdom
The king has sent forth two brave and fearless knights on a quest to travel the land and bring joy and laughter to all his subjects. Of course, great deeds will need to be accomplished: dragons tamed, princes rescued, and tea and crumpets saved. Oh and don’t forget the grand tournament where the two knights joust it out for the glory.
FREE EVENT – just turn up!
11.30am-12noon Kirkgate
1-1.30pm Cathedral Forecourt
3-3.30pm Kirkgate

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.*

Rock Choir
2025-07-05 13:15 - 13:45 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
The UK’s original award-winning, local, contemporary choir.
“We are a choir made up of choirs from all over North and West Yorkshire! We sing bespoke arrangements of contemporary pop and rock songs. We are all about fun and inclusivity!”
Local leader Flo Glen says “If you love to sing, you’ll love Rock Choir! No auditions and no musical knowledge needed. We meet every Thursday in Ripon at Harrogate Road Methodist Church 10am-11:30am. Harewood Rd, Ripon HG4 1TG
You can book a taster session https://www.rockchoir.com/join/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Rock.Choir.Flo.Glen/
FREE EVENT
10.00-10.30am Ripon Cathedral Forecourt
1.15-1.45pm Market Place

Tooti Fruity
2025-07-05 13:15 - 13:45 | Ripon City Centre
Meet Tooti and Fruity – a ‘pear’ of fruit obsessed, eccentric players! After spending at least 40 years working in a fruit packing factory together they have embarked upon an adventure to bring toots and fruits to the masses!
Having been the supervisor of fruit squeezing at the factory, Tooti now utilises her skills in generating a fruit chorus, whilst Fruity – taste tester extraordinaire – entices the hoards to taste the goodness of her fruit platter.
Are you ready to cut the cheese with these berserk banana battling beauties?.
A flamboyant, all singing, all dancing street theatre extravaganza.
FREE EVENT – a walkabout act – catch them if you can!
10-10.30am Kirkgate
11.30am-12noon Cathedral Forecourt
1.15-1.45pm City Centre streets

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

Soul Choir
2025-07-05 13:30 - 14:00 | Cathedral Forecourt, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT, United Kingdom
Choir leader, Dan Price says: “We are a community based choir with three groups based in West Yorkshire. We sing uplifting music to a good standard. We mostly sing classic soul but have also learnt some blues and gospel. The sessions are relaxed and all levels of ability and confidence are welcome. We are fun and inclusive.”
Soul Choir began in the Summer of 2018 with 5 people learning ‘I Wish I Knew How it Feels to be Free.’ Since then Soul Choir has gone from strength to strength growing to over 90 members and expanding their repertoire.
FREE EVENT
1.30-2pm Ripon Cathedral Forecourt

Skellside Folk Group
2025-07-05 13:30 - 14:00 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
What they say: “The ‘Skellsiders’ have played together during the day in various locations and with different group names for about 11 years. We are mostly retired and have a keen interest in some form of folk music. Some of us also play in orchestras, ceilidh bands or for local dance groups. We currently meet twice monthly at Ripon Rugby Club and welcome anyone who can already play any instrument.”
FREE EVENT
1.30-2pm Kirkgate (outside Davis & Lund Estate Agents)

Books!
2025-07-05 13:45 - 14:30 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Books! is a high energy show featuring acrobatics, fire-juggling, eccentric absurdity, terrible puns and, of course, books. Four bedraggled book enthusiasts travel from town to town – forced between the margins – on a mission to protect literature.
The libraries keep closing, their beloved books are being forced out into the streets, where the rain is heavy and the sun is getting hotter!
But with the membership numbers of their strange little book club dwindling, they must embark on a quest to recruit more radical reading enthusiasts. Without new members, the book club might be closed forever! (you make take a moment to gasp in horror)
These Hardback Heroes can’t let such a tragic epilogue come to pass… but they need you. Yes, YOU. You can already read – so we’re halfway there.
Presented by Tit for Tat Circus.
FREE EVENT
11.00-11.45am Market Place
1.45-2.30pm Market Place

Jack and the Beanstalk
2025-07-05 13:45 - 14:30 | Minster Gardens, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
Join storyteller Olivia Corbin-Phillip (Stories with Liv) in this interactive outdoor storytelling event, perfect for children aged 3-7.
FREE EVENT
1.45-2.30pm Minster Gardens

The Wakeman Mummers' Musicians
2025-07-05 14:00 - 14:30 | Cathedral Forecourt, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT, United Kingdom
Founded in 1986 – the year of Ripon’s 1100th Charter Anniversary, The Wakeman Mummers are proud to continue the ancient tradition of “mumming”. This year we once again welcome the Mummers’ musicians, playing some of the folk music which accompanies their performances at other times of the year.
Mumming plays are a type of drama which was historically performed by local men (rather than professional actors) at specific times of the year such as Boxing Day, Easter, or Halloween. In the 18th and 19th centuries mumming plays were part of a wider number of cadging activities. They were performed on the street, in pubs, and in people’s homes, in return for money, food and drink. Modern mumming groups today often make up their own plays which can incorporate references to local and national politics and important issues such as global warming.
FREE EVENT
11.30am-12noon Kirkgate (outside Davis & Lund Estate Agents)
2-2.30pm Ripon Cathedral forecourt
3-3.30pm Kirkgate (outside Davis & Lund Estate Agents)

The Daytones
2025-07-05 14:00 - 14:30 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
What they say: “We are a male harmony chorus based near Boston Spa. We sing popular music, interspersed with some banter. We very much like audience participation, and our repertoire reflects this, with songs such as YMCA, Sweet Caroline and Amarillo. We have performed at Choir Festivals in York and Harrogate. We are men of a certain age, and don’t take ourselves too seriously – fun for us and the audience is our aim.”
FREE EVENT
2-2.30pm Kirkgate (outside Davis & Lund Estate Agents)

Victoria Sponge & Flour Power
2025-07-05 14:00 - 14:30 | Cathedral Forecourt, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT, United Kingdom
Stilt walking Cake and Baker, presented by Chicks on Sticks
Come and meet a living, breathing dessert on a mission to spread sweetness!
Towering over the crowd stands Victoria Sponge, a giant stilt cake, sugar-spun and brilliantly decorated with mouth-watering sweets, cherries and lollipops.
Beside the cake stands Flour Power, the baker, who created this confection, beaming with pride. They invite festival goers to join in the fun. Don’t miss your chance to snap a photo with the sweetest duo in town!

FREE EVENT – a walkabout act – catch them if you can!
11.30am-12noon Market Place
2-2.30pm Cathedral Forecourt
3.30-4pm Kirkgate

Short & Sweet Minis
2025-07-05 14:00 - 14:45 | Little Ripon Bookshop, 12-13 Westgate, Ripon, HG4 2AT, United Kingdom
Short & Sweet Yorkshire is an annual festival of 10 minute new writing with previous finalists showcased here at Ripon Theatre Festival. In a FREE taster of what is to come in the evening performance at Ripon Arts Hub, we present 3 of the best short pieces from up-and-coming writers. Featuring homegrown talent from across Yorkshire, this is a chance to see fresh, original work from the region’s most exciting emerging artists.
Don’t miss the new wave of creative voices bringing their passion and talent to Ripon Festival, 10 minutes at a time!
Age guide 14+
A PAY WHAT YOU CAN (PWYC) event – donations encouraged at the door.
Short & Sweet Yorkshire writers and performers will also present more 10 minute pieces at Ripon Arts Hub at 5pm. Expect a thrilling mix of genres and styles, from thought-provoking drama to laugh-out-loud comedy, and from heartfelt storytelling to bold, boundary-pushing performances.

Cloudscapes
2025-07-05 14:00 - 15:30 | Cathedral Forecourt, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT, United Kingdom
Visit the Cloud Museum Trailer and relax on a giant beanbag to enjoy the fabulous Cloudscapes, part-installation and part performance by Gobbledegook Theatre.
As you like back to watch the clouds, you’ll listen on headphones to a story all about the clouds, the sky and Lorna’s journey of a lifetime with her father. Take some festival chill-out time.
If you prefer to use your own headphones and device you can scan a QR code on site.

FREE EVENT – donations welcome
10.30am-12noon Cathedral Forecourt / greenspace
12.30pm-1.30pm Cathedral Forecourt / greenspace
2-3.30pm Cathedral Forecourt / greenspace

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

Lily Worth
2025-07-05 14:30 - 15:00 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
Lily is a well-known local singer and performer. She is also a regular director and committee member of the Ripon Charity Pantomime Group. On 5th July she may well be joined by other pantomime performers – come along to see who might be popping up!
What Lily says: “I have an absolute love and passion for singing and performing. I hope I can encourage others to sing and smile and also do things that they love”.
FREE EVENT
2.30-3pm Kirkgate (outside Davis & Lund Estate Agents)

Lula on the Loose
2025-07-05 14:30 - 15:00 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
Meet Lula Hoopa -our dynamic hula hoop circus act roaming the streets of Ripon.
FREE EVENT – this is a walkabout performance – catch her if you can!
10.30-11.00am Cathedral Forecourt
(12.45 – 1.15pm Market Place – static performance)
2.30-3pm Kirkgate

The Story Cart
2025-07-05 14:30 - 15:00 | Minster Gardens, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
A travelling storyteller and his medieval cart. Choose a myth or a monster and see where the story leads. Presented by Eden Ballantyne from Stories Alive.
And watch out for the Story Cart as it travels up Kirkgate ahead of each performance, gathering an audience along the way..
FREE EVENT
11.30am-12noon Minster Gardens
2.30-3pm Minster Gardens

The Fantastic Mr Forster
2025-07-05 14:30 - 15:15 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
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”!
FREE EVENT
12.00 – 12.45pm Minster Gardens
2.30 – 3.15pm Market Place

The Wakeman Mummers' Musicians
2025-07-05 15:00 - 15:30 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom

The Knighty Knights
2025-07-05 15:00 - 15:30 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom

Pop-Up Poetry
2025-07-05 15:00 - 15:45 | Little Ripon Bookshop, 12-13 Westgate, Ripon, HG4 2AT, United Kingdom
Join writers featured in the newly-published anthology of Ripon Poets, This Here, This Now.
“Cross the market square in Ripon to find a poet. Perhaps, the barista serving coffee or the care worker returning from a late shift. Poetry sounds in the footsteps. If poetry is life, life lived, then here is life lived in Ripon, in the words of our poets.” Caroline Matusiak.
Explore the hidden depths of familiar places with local poets.
Age guide 14+
A PAY WHAT YOU CAN (PWYC) event – donations encouraged at the door.
The Ripon Poets will also be popping up at lunchtime in the Portly Pig – 12-1pm. An informal drop-in performance. Come for a poem and a pint.

Calamity Dames
2025-07-05 15:15 - 15:45 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
“This town ain’t big enough for the both of us….”
Introducing ‘CALAMITY DAMES’ these Rootin Tootin Cowgirls will give any Cowboy a run for their money!
In a male dominated Rodeo arena, these horse ridin’, gun slingin’, whip crackin’ gals are now calling the shots!
A comedy dance theatre ‘hoedown’ inspired by famous Western films, movie soundtracks and notorious Cowgirls and boys in history, both real and fictional.
YeeeeeHaaaaaa! Buckle up, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!
Presented by Kitsch n Sync Collective.
FREE EVENT
10.00 – 10.30am Market Place
12.15 – 12.45pm Market Place
3.15 – 3.45pm Market Place

Grace Hughes
2025-07-05 15:30 - 16:00 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
Grace says: “I am a violinist who can play a variety of genres. I regularly play in orchestras, but I also play my electric violin in rock bands and I also love to play folk and pop. In September, I am going to study violin at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. “.
FREE EVENT
3.30-4pm Kirkgate (outside Davis & Lund Estate Agents)

Victoria Sponge & Flour Power
2025-07-05 15:30 - 16:00 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom

Ripon City Morris, Betty Lupton's Ladle Laikers & Slubbing Billy's
2025-07-05 15:45 - 16:15 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom

Calle Oche
2025-07-05 16:00 - 16:30 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
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. The group consists of two guitars, a bass guitar, a ukulele, percussion, mandolin, violin and clarinet. Two of our performers also sing. We are currently a u3a group. 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
4-4.30pm Kirkgate (outside Davis & Lund Estate Agents)

Kirkgate Street Party
2025-07-05 16:00 - 20:00 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
The fun continues on Kirkgate with buskers, bands and more. Enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants, or have drink before taking in more theatre.
FREE EVENT – just turn up!
4 – 8pm Kirkgate
