Ripon Theatre Festival

Red
2026-07-08 19:30 - 21:10 UTC | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
International cabaret siren Amber Topaz brings you a brand new, classy, sassy, fabulous musical revue, celebrating redheaded musical theatre stars of stage and screen. A delicious cocktail of Old Hollywood glamour, West End and Broadway classics.
Full to the brim with iconic show-stopping numbers, honouring these formidable flame-haired trailblazers that have shaped musical theatre herstory.
From the golden era of Hollywood to the bright lights of Vegas. Embodying legendary artists such as Rita Hayworth, Bette Midler, Bernadette Peters, Shirley MacLaine, Gwen Verdon and many more.
Amber has worked her unique magic across the globe, delivering a triple treat of song, dance, and comedy. As a teenager, she left her Yorkshire roots behind to move to London and enter the world of cabaret and burlesque. Whether frivolous or thought-provoking, Amber is always, unmistakably, fabulous.
“Amber Topaz is an explosion of charisma and stage presence unmatched between music and song, comedy and seduction.” GQ
“Cabaret Icon” The List
Age Guide 10+
Tickets £15
*Evening multi-buy deal available*

Dancing with Colours
2026-07-09 17:00 - 18:00 | Harrogate Road Methodist Hall, Harewood Road, Ripon, HG4 1TG, United Kingdom
Co-created with learning-disabled people and their families in Bradford, Dancing with Colours is a participatory performance that blends movement, music, and most importantly, colour! The audience are just as important as the performers; challenging ideas of who gets to make art and how. Expect a joyful, sensory, (and very messy!), colourful experience as artist JoAnne Harris invites you to dance with pastels and paint, bringing the space to life.
Whether you prefer to watch or jump right in, JoAnne hopes you’ll leave feeling inspired to find moments of creativity in your own lives. This performance is relaxed and lets audiences engage in whatever way is comfortable for them. The age range is 4+ but all are welcome.
The performance is messy and although we try to facilitate as best we can, some of the materials used can stain clothes. As such, please wear clothes that you don’t mind getting stained.
Lead Artist and Performer – JoAnne Haines
Director – Rachel Dean
Musician/Improviser – Zoe Katsilerou
Producer – Mind the Gap
Mind the Gap is an internationally recognised theatre company and arts organisation based in Bradford. Founded in 1988, the company is dedicated to creating bold, innovative theatre while championing the voices and talents of learning disabled and neurodivergent artists.
Refreshments served from 4.30pm.
Age Guide 4+
Tickets £6

Ripon Ghost Walk
2026-07-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Explore our hauntingly beautiful city after dark and delve into its eerie past. Wander the ancient streets and places of Ripon with our expert and knowledgeable guides. Expect tales and history of characters long gone but thought to have left something behind. Discover frightening events in the most unlikely places.
All timed to enable you to see and hear the Ripon Hornblower at 9pm in the Market Square.
Proceeds from this walk generously donated to Ripon Theatre Festival.
Ticket Price: £6 (£4)

Pub Tales at The Ripon Inn
2026-07-09 20:00 - 21:30 | The Ripon Inn, Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2BU
Join comedy musician Chris Sainton-Clark as he takes you through his troublesome and hilarious experiences of working in British pubs. Hear stories of compulsive liars, disruptive youths, clinical over-sharers, fruit machine addicts and much more. Each of these songs has a satirical outlook on British pub culture that will leave you thinking, ‘I know that person’ or maybe… ‘I am that person’.
Armed with just a guitar, a whole lot of sarcasm, swearing and many musical stories, Pub Tales is sure to keep you entertained.
Chris is a multi award-winning actor and musician. In the couple of years since Chris started writing these songs, he has sold out his first comedy club performance as well as completely selling out his New Zealand tour.
Age Guide 14+
Tickets £12

Batty!
2026-07-09 20:00 - 21:35 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
Have you got a wild side?
Batty has, she dreams of running barefoot, wild swimming, of talking trees, strange animals and the scent of the seasons turning.
In fact she’s starting to wonder if she might be a witch…

Join Batty and her companion Wildthing for gossip, gay abandon, exquisite tenderness and raucous stories (with a side order of ranting), as they explore the magic and power of ageing.
This new production from Victoria Firth & Company explores the wildness – as opposed to madness – of women, and how our feral side can reconnect us to ourselves and our environment.
The show will be followed by an audience Q&A with the company.
Victoria Firth & Company is a contemporary dance theatre company led by choreographer and director Victoria Firth. Based in the UK, the company creates visually striking and emotionally resonant performance work that blends contemporary dance, physical theatre, and storytelling.
“Sincere, frequently funny and a reminder that there is much more to mid-life than hot flushes.” The Scotsman
THIS PERFORMANCE WILL BE BSL INTERPRETED
Sponsored by Dr Frances Cole & Dr Judith Hooper
Age Guide 14+
Tickets £15
*Evening multi-buy deal available*

Writing a 10 Minute Drama
2026-07-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Ripon Library, The Arcade, Ripon, HG4 1AG, United Kingdom
A practical, confidence-building workshop designed for people who are new to writing for the stage. The session guides participants through the fundamentals of writing a 10-minute stage play, the standard format for festivals such as Short + Sweet Festival.
Participants will be supported to develop an idea, understand the constraints of a 10-minute structure, and begin writing a piece that could be developed further for submission to short play festival or anywhere else.
The workshop focuses on clarity, simplicity, and momentum, helping new writers realise that theatre writing is both accessible and achievable.
By the end of the workshop, participants will:

Understand how a 10-minute stage play works
Understand the stagecraft and technical constraints of short form
Learn the core elements needed for short-form theatre
Develop an idea that fits festival requirements
Draft a 10-minute stage piece
Gain confidence to continue developing the work

Who the workshop is for:

People curious about theatre writing but unsure where to start
Writers from other forms exploring stage work
Anyone interested in submitting to short play festivals

No prior writing or theatre experience is required – total beginners welcome.
Fiona Georgiou Hunt is a scriptwriter, director and story mentor who works across theatre and film, helping writers shape stories for the stage and screen. With a background in both performance and script development, she has collaborated with theatres, production companies and screen organisations across the UK, supporting projects from early idea through to production.
Tickets £10

Stitch in Time
2026-07-10 14:30 - 15:30 | Allhallowgate Methodist Church & Halls, Victoria Grove, Ripon, HG4 1LG, United Kingdom
Excitement! Drama! Romance! And… knitting?
An award-winning cabaret of the “lost” knitting songs of WWI and WWII from Canada, Britain, America, and France. Feel free to bring your knitting (or crochet) and stitch along to these funny, poignant, toe-tapping, needle-clicking tunes. Come out and have a ball!
During the two World Wars, millions of women knit for the soldiers. Popular music often reflected the trends of the time, and mere days after the first bullet was fired, dozens of knitting-themed songs started to appear. These songs ranged from heartfelt, sentimental ballads, to brisk marches, to novelty tunes that offered a humorous, tongue-in-cheek look at the wartime knitting craze).
After the wars these songs were essentially lost, and this concert is the first time that many of them have been performed in 100 years. Some of the songs were very close to disappearing forever, and with Stitch in Time, this music — a clever, sweet and entertaining footnote in history — has been preserved, and given a chance to live again.
Presented by Canadian soprano Melanie Gall, a writer, theatre historian, and internationally-acclaimed vocalist, whose solo performance career has spanned from Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in New York to Royal Albert Hall in London.
Refreshments served after the show – donations to Ripon Community Poppy Project
Age Guide 10+
Tickets £12
*Matinee multi-buy deal available*

Little Listeners: Mini Magic Flute
2026-07-10 17:00 - 17:45 | Allhallowgate Methodist Church & Halls, Victoria Grove, Ripon, HG4 1LG, United Kingdom
The perfect opportunity for all the family to experience and share the charm of opera as a relaxed and welcoming tea-time treat.
Come with us on a fun, enchanting musical adventure inspired by Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute. Led by a trio of opera singers and an accordionist, Mini Magic Flute follows a Prince’s search for a Princess, but nothing is quite as it first appears… Join a host of fantastical characters – from a bird-catcher to a dragon! – on this magical adventure.
Enchanting for all ages but especially designed for those aged 4–7, with young people invited to a craft activity beforehand to create something to compliment the performance.
Opera North is a national opera company based in Leeds, and leading UK arts organisation. Rooted in the North of England, international in outlook, they create extraordinary experiences, every day. Opera North believes opera and music is for everyone, and champions diversity in artists, repertoire and audiences. They aim to create extraordinary experiences through participative arts and family performances.
Refreshments served from 4pm with opportunity for young people to get ‘crafty’ – donations to Ripon Community Poppy Project
Age Guide 4-7
Tickets £12

One Man Poe
2026-07-10 20:00 - 22:15 | Ripon Arts Hub, 49 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ, United Kingdom
Renowned as the ‘Godfather of Gothic Horror’, Edgar Allan Poe was a pioneer in establishing the horror genre. Although his works are nearly 200 years old, Poe’s stories have stood the test of time and have inspired a countless number of horror writers. Using Poe’s original text from the 1840s, award-winning storyteller Stephen Smith faithfully brings to life four timeless tales live on stage:
The Tell-Tale Heart is an insight into the mind of a madman, convincing us he is sane.
The Pit and the Pendulum follows a prisoner of the dreaded Spanish Inquisition, undergoing various mental and physical tortures.
The Black Cat documents an alcoholic confessing his heinous crimes on the eve of his death.
The Raven is the poem that made Poe famous – a mysterious midnight visit from an ominous talking raven.
Winner of The Derek Award for ‘Best Overall Show’ at Edinburgh Fringe 2025, One Man Poe is produced by four-time OFFIE Award-winning theatre company Threedumb Theatre, bringing Poe’s work to life as never before.
Praise for this production:
“Captivating… I could not have been more wowed by this ‘marathon of the macabre’” ★★★★★ The National Scot
“Powerfully moving… This show quite literally took my breath away… Unmissable!” ★★★★★ Everything Theatre
“A compelling and repelling experience” ★★★★★ MyTheatreMates
“Edgar Allan Poe himself would love this powerful performance” ★★★★★ The Derek Awards
“Awe-inspiring… An incredibly gripping and enthralling evening” ★★★★★ North West End
“The definitive Fringe interpretation of these already much-loved works” ★★★★★ The Wee Review
“A captivating night of terror, guilt, grief and murder most foul… A must-see” ★★★★★ Broadway Baby
Age Guide 12+
Tickets £15
*Evening multi-buy deal available*

Poetry for Breakfast
2026-07-11 09:30 - 10:15 | The Unicorn Hotel, 2 Market Place East, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Join local poets in a relaxed sharing session in the comfortable front room of ‘Spoons. Settle down with a coffee or even a bacon sarnie for 45 mins of inspiration in verse.
“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.
Age guide 14+
A FREE event – donations encouraged at the door.
The Ripon Poets will also be popping up in the following places on Saturday:
Poetry at the Pig – 11-11.45am in the Portly Pig.
Pop-Up Poetry – 2-3pm in the back room of The Little Ripon Bookshop

Singing with Flo - Morning Chorus for Early Birds
2026-07-11 09:30 - 10:30 | Allhallowgate Methodist Church & Halls, Victoria Grove, Ripon, HG4 1LG, United Kingdom
Start your day the feelgood way with a jolly good sing! Led by dynamic Rock Choir conductor, Florence Glen.
Rock Choir is the nation’s most popular, local and award-winning contemporary choir experience.
Florence Glen is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and teacher.
In 2015 Florence completed 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!
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!

Morris Dance from 400 Roses & Slubbing Billy's
2026-07-11 09:45 - 10:15 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, 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

Hampsthwaite Primary School
2026-07-11 10:00 - 10:30 | Minster Gardens, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
Hampsthwaite CE Primary School Rock Band and Musical Theatre Group
The School Rock Band performs modern chart hits, while the Musical Theatre Group brings favourite songs from productions including The Greatest Showman to life. Alongside specialist music tuition, these groups play a key role in school concerts, showcasing students’ talents in guitar, drums, and piano while building creativity, confidence, and valuable performance experience.
FREE EVENT
10.00-10.30am Minster Gardens

Ye Birdz
2026-07-11 10:00 - 10:40 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
A magical walkabout act featuring stunning stilt costumes, live percussion and a soundtrack by BORG. Two beautiful birds have travelled far from a time long, long ago.
In search of song and dance and drums and a meadow where yellow flowers grow.
On their way a drummer they found who vowed to tag along and entertain the people they meet with drums and dance and song!
Presented by Chicks on Sticks
About the performers:
Chicks on Sticks provides stilt walkers, living statues, fire acts, walkabout performers, and children’s workshops. Its stilt walkers bring excitement and high visibility to festivals, wearing exuberant and colourful costumes that stand out above the crowd.
Rachel Hyde, Creative Director, previously left a career in graphic design to pursue life in the circus, where she tours extensively performing trapeze and aerial acts worldwide, as well as creating costumes and devising performances.
FREE EVENT
10-10.40am Ripon City Centre
11.45am-12.25pm Kirkgate
3.15-3.55pm Kirkgate

Big Family Weekend: Saturday
2026-07-11 10:00 - 20:00 | Ripon City Centre (Various locations), Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
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.
For the full programme with timings and locations visit Saturday’s schedule.

Do What Ya Mamma Told Ya!
Comedy circus and cooking from mother and daughter duo. A joyous journey of plate spinning, food juggling and fire blazing! Will clumsy assistant, Tiny T finally get to taste the food? A feast of food fusion across geography and generations. Presented by Just More Productions.

Out of the Blue
All the way from Turin! Wash away your troubles with the wonderfully subversive and interactive circus show by leading Italian female clown Fra Martó all about doing the laundry. Immerse yourself in laughter and bubbles. Never has trying to keep the house clean been so much fun. Presented by Fra Marto.

The Lost Bus to Ripon
An interactive audio show for kids, their grown ups and grown ups who still think they’re kids. Hop on board, pop on some headphones and enjoy the adventure! Gary the driver is always getting lost – where on Earth will we end up next? Don’t worry – Mike the Conductor is there to help.
Performed inside a stationary vintage bus generously supplied by The Last Stop, Bedale. Presented by Ragged Edge Productions.

Ye Birdz

A magical walkabout act featuring stunning stilt costumes, live percussion and a soundtrack by BORG. Two beautiful birds have travelled far from a time long, long ago. In search of song and dance and drums and a meadow where yellow flowers grow. On their way a drummer they found who vowed to tag along and entertain the people they meet with drums and dance and song! Presented by Chicks on Sticks.

Copyright of Mike Jarman Photography
Around the World with Phileas Fogg: Day 79
Join Phileas Fogg and his valet Passepartout as they attempt to circumnavigate the world in just 80 days. The year is 1872 and it’s day 79 of the journey. Our intrepid adventurers are just hours away from crossing the finish line, if they can just coerce their hot air balloons to go in the right direction they stand to win a grand prize.
Presented by Dizzy O’Dare.

The Museum of Memorable Trees
Let the curator guide you around this miniature exhibition on wheels. Discover amazing stories of great trees that have woven themselves into people’s lives and memories. Listen to evocative tales and calming soundscapes as you explore behind every door. There’s plenty of space left, have you got a fantastic tree you can add to the museum?
Presented by Harry Pizzey.

Tony and Ray Find Their Feet
Friendship, rivalry, work tools, tomfoolery and dance as a pair of workers become distracted from their tasks. Mixing slapstick, eccentric dance, silent clowning and squeak wrangling, the show reimagines vaudeville and silent film traditions for audiences today.
Unexpected, uplifting and undeniably funny.
Presented by Rudkin and Hicks

Count Ocular
A captivating, gothic vaudeville piece for the whole family like no other, featuring table-top puppetry, close-up magic and enchanting original music to transport audiences back to the bizarre delights of vaudeville and variety. Join the loveable enigma that is Count Ocular as he defies the laws of physics through laughter, skill and mystery.
Presented by Tatwood Puppets.

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.

Hodman and Sally
Enchanting and heart-warming puppetry walkabout. Hodman and Sally have lived happily by themselves for hundreds of years, blissfully unaware of the changing world around them. Now they have ventured out in search of fame, fortune and friendship, enjoying a second youth touring the world with their possessions strapped to their backs.
Presented by The Flying Buttresses.

Kirkgate Street Party
The festival fun goes on with local musicians performing 4-8pm. Enjoy a meal nearby or an al fresco drink before taking in another show. Presented in partnership with Ripon Open Mic Night.
Sponsored by The Portly Pig.

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

400 Roses
All for One Choir
Calle Oche
Grace Hughes
Hampsthwaite Primary School
HG33 band
Janice Hopkinson
Lily Worth
Ripon Dance Academy
Ripon Youth Theatre
Skellsiders
Slubbing Billy’s Morris
Somewhere Road
St Aelred’s Irish Dance
The Music Bank, Knaresborough
The Workhouse Walkabouts (Ripon Museums Theatre Group)
Yorkshire CREATE
Yorkshire Voices

Around the World with Phileas Fogg: Day 79
2026-07-11 10:15 - 10:45 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
Join Phileas Fogg and his valet Passepartout as they attempt to circumnavigate the world in just 80 days. The year is 1872 and it’s day 79 of the journey. Our intrepid adventurers are just hours away from crossing the finish line, if they can just coerce their hot air balloons to go in the right direction they stand to win a grand prize.
From the makers of Baba Yaga’s House, The Giant Balloon Show (a hit at RTF 2024), The Tiny Travelling Tightwire Show and Falconry Dismay comes a hilarious roam-about fusing modern technology and the classic adventure novel by Jules Verne.
Presented by Dizzy O’Dare
About the performers:
From the weird to the wonderful, the silly to the sublime. The company has produced over 20 shows and walkabouts, toured extensively and delighting audiences across the globe.
Dizzy O’Dare was formed by Alana Jones and Michael Imerson. After meeting while filming one of Michael’s short films they started working together, Alana as the only female pofessional tightwire dancer in the UK at the time and Michael as her guitarist. This relationship soon led to the creation of ‘From the Inky Deep’ an ambitious circus show in 2009 for the Medway Fuse Festival and the company was born.
Alana Jones gained a degree in Dance Theatre at Laban, and then went on to gain a second degree in Circus Theatre at The Circus Space, specialising in tightwire.
FREE EVENT
10-15am 10.45am Kirkgate
12.00pm -12.30pm Market Place
2.30pm – 3.00pm Kirkgate

Frankie Magilligan
2026-07-11 10:15 - 10:50 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
The man, the myth…the leg end!
Hailing from the North Coast of Ireland, Frankie has packed his lunch box, filled his flask and given his teeth and extra special polish!
A show filled with comedy, juggling, music and the tallest unicycle in Ireland!
Farmers weekly – “Frankie has recently acquired the national trust endorsement as an area of outstanding natural beauty”.
Festival of Fools – “Like a piece of art he should be hung in a gallery for all to see”.
Presented by Tall Paul
FREE EVENT
10-15am – 10.50am Marketplace
1.30pm – 2.05pm Marketplace

Astro Norma and the Cosmic Piano
2026-07-11 10:30 - 11:15 | Ripon Library, The Arcade, Ripon, HG4 1AG, United Kingdom
A musical comedy that’s out of this world!
Blast off with ASTRO NORMA on a madcap, musical quest to find Grandpa’s lost star. But beware! The sneaky Silencer is hot on her trail, ready to silence the tunes! Packed with awesome aliens, rib-tickling robots, and interplanetary puppets, this joyful space odyssey will have kids reaching for the stars…
Astro Norma is the brand-new show from BBC Popcorn New Writing Award nominated FLADAM (Flo Poskitt and Adam Sowter) best known for their hit shows GREEN FINGERS and HALLOWBEAN. Following a successful UK tour and a joyous run at Glastonbury Festival, the duo can’t wait to touch down in Ripon this summer!
“…the most amazing, hilarious musical comedy duo” BBC Radio
“Imagination, catchy songs and big personality” The Scotsman
Performances at 10.30am & 12 noon, running time approximately 45 mins
Age Guide 3-10
Tickets £6

The Museum of Memorable Trees
2026-07-11 10:30 - 11:15 | Minster Gardens, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
Take a visit to The Museum of Memorable Trees and let the curator guide you around this miniature exhibition on wheels. Discover amazing stories of great trees that have woven themselves into people’s lives and memories. Listen to evocative tales and calming soundscapes as you explore behind every door. There’s plenty of space left, have you got a fantastic tree you can add to the museum?
About the performer:
Harry Pizzey is a multi-disciplinary designer based in Cardiff, Wales. After studying an undergraduate degree at the Bartlett School of Architecture he went on to graduate from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama with a master’s degree in Design for Performance in 2019. In the same year he was also a finalist for the Linbury Prize for Stage Design, with work displayed in the National Theatre. Since then he has gone on to work with a range of organisations including English Touring Opera, The Watermill Theatre, The Handlebards and Longborough Festival Opera.
FREE EVENT
10-30am 11.15am Minster Gardens
12.15pm -1pm Minster Gardens
1.45pm – 2.30pm Cathedral Forecourt

Stories with Liv
2026-07-11 10:45 - 11:30 | The Unicorn Hotel, 2 Market Place East, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
The story of The Mischievous Monkey in the comfortable and relaxed surroundings of the front room of The Unicorn (Wetherspoons’).
Olivia Corbin-Phillip is a popular professional storyteller from Leeds. She leads regular sessions at Leeds Playhouse and across the region.
Age guide 3-7
A FREE event – donations encouraged at the door.
Liv will also be popping up in the back room of The Little Ripon Bookshop with Jack and the Flumflum Tree 12.45-1.30pm.

The Lost Bus
2026-07-11 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-11 12:00 - 12:30 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
An Audio Adventure from Ragged Edge Productions
An interactive audio show for kids, their grown ups and grown ups who still think they’re kids.
Hop on board, pop on some headphones and enjoy the adventure!
Gary the driver is always getting lost – where on Earth will we end up next? Don’t worry – Mike the Conductor is there to help.
A fun adventure in sound for everyone to join in with.
Please note: children must be accompanied by an adult.
The bus is stationary throughout – even if the story takes us elsewhere!
About the company:
Ragged Edge Productions is a Cumbrian-based theatre company dedicated to creating entertaining and engaging theatrical shows that reflect and celebrate life in its region and across the North. The company tours its productions to community venues throughout the country, reaching audiences in rural areas, towns, and cities.
About the bus:
Vintage coach and mobile bar hire from The Last Stop in Bedale.
The lovely vintage bus is a 1947 Leyland Tiger PS1 Half Cab with a Plaxton body. It was the first chassis of the production line after the second world war. It has 33 seats.
FREE EVENT
11.00am 11.30am Kirkgate
12.00pm -12.30pm Kirkgate
2.00pm – 2.30pm Kirkgate
3.00pm – 3.30pm Kirkgate

Poetry at the Pig
2026-07-11 11:00 - 11:45 | The Portly Pig, 5b Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PA, United Kingdom
Join local poets in a relaxed sharing session upstairs at The Pig. Pop in for poems and pints.
“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.
Age guide 14+
A FREE event – donations encouraged at the door.
The Ripon Poets will also be popping up in the following places on Saturday:
Poetry for Breakfast – 9.30-10.15am in the front room at The Unicorn Hotel (Wetherspoons)
Pop-Up Poetry – 2-3pm in the back room of The Little Ripon Bookshop.

Peelers on the Prowl
2026-07-11 11:00 - 11:45 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
Ripon Museums Theatre Group presents Peelers on the Prowl
The return of the Workhouse Walkabouts. Come and meet Ripon’s overworked Peelers as they deal with drunks and ne’er-do-wells and maybe chase a thief or poacher through the streets.
FREE EVENT
11am-11.45am Kirkgate
1-1.45pm Kirkgaate

Out of the Blue
2026-07-11 11:00 - 11:45 | Ripon Marketplace, Market Place, Ripon, HG41BP, United Kingdom
Out of the Blue
Fra Martó
All the way from Turin! Wash away your troubles and immerse yourself in laundry, laughter and bubbles with Italy’s leading female clown. Never has trying to keep the house clean been so much fun.
About the performer:
After studying Art History at the University of Bologna, Francesca joined the Circus World, first at Carampa Circus School in Madrid and then graduated in Circus Arts at theNational Centre for Circus Arts, London in 2007 and has been working as a performer since then.
She specialized in clowning and juggling with many maestros: Fraser Hooper, Mick Barnfather, Philippe Gaulier, Angela de Castro,…just to name a few.
FREE EVENT
11.00am 11.45am Market Place
12.30pm -1.10pm Kirkgate (walkabout version)
2.15pm – 3.00pm Market Place

Puppetry for Beginners
2026-07-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Allhallowgate Methodist Church & Halls, Victoria Grove, Ripon, HG4 1LG, United Kingdom
Meet some puppets and learn some basic techniques with Mark Edwards from Puppet Power North. Create a simple puppet and learn how to make it move.
Mark Edwards has honed his puppetry skills over the last decade working with amateur societies, schools and youth groups. Mark frequently directs productions for RAOS Musical Theatre Company, including their recent 9 to 5 at Harrogate Theatre and Avenue Q at Ripon Arts Hub in 2023 when his puppetry skills came to the fore. He is directing No Strings Attached- a Puppet Cabaret specially for Ripon Theatre Festival on Sunday 12 July.
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!

St Aelred's Irish Dance
2026-07-11 11:15 | 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

Count Ocular
2026-07-11 11:15 - 11:30 | Minster Gardens, Minster Road,, Ripon, HG4 1QS, United Kingdom
A captivating, gothic vaudeville piece for the whole family like no other, featuring table-top puppetry, close-up magic and enchanting original music to transport audiences back to the bizarre delights of vaudeville and variety. Join the loveable enigma that is Count Ocular as he defies the laws of physics through laughter, skill and mystery.
Presented by Tatwood Puppets
About the performers:
Born from a love of puppetry and music, Tatwood Puppets have been creating weird and wonderful visual theatre since 2017. specialising in marionettes, original music, table-top puppetry and stage magic. Tatwood is based in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK but is available for touring nationwide and internationally.
FREE EVENT
11.15am 11.30am Minister Gardens
12.00pm -12.45pm Ripon City Centre (Various)
1.45pm – 2.00pm Minster Gardens

Ripon Youth Theatre
2026-07-11 11:45 - 12:15 | 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

Ye Birdz
2026-07-11 11:45 - 12:25 | Kirkgate, Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB, United Kingdom
