Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Ripon Theatre Festival All your news about Ripon Theatre Festival ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Saturday Schedule](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/saturday-schedule/) - Find the full list of events taking place on Saturday 11 July across three Ripon City zones - Market Place, Cathedral and Kirkgate. - [Sunday Schedule](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/sunday-schedule/) - All events are free unless they show a Ticketed or PWYC badge. Tap a zone heading to collapse it, or use the buttons below to expand or collapse them all. Expand all zones Collapse all zones Ripon Spa Gardens 26 events ▾ 10amuntil 10.30am Ripon Dance Academy Ripon Spa Gardens - Bandstand 10amuntil 11am Yorkshire - [Big Family Weekend](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/big-family-weekend/) - Big Family Weekend at Ripon Theatre Festival brings two days of free family entertainment to Ripon in July, with outdoor theatre and fun events across the city. - [Our venues](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/our-venues/) - Our venues One of the joys of RTF is our use of a wide range of venues, from the tiniest back room of a shop to the grandest historic setting. We love our pop-up venues and street entertainment, but we also want to make the festival as accessible as possible. So that's a challenge. - [Outcast Partnership marks Festival First](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/outcast-partnership-marks-festival-first/) - Members of York-based theatre company Out of Character have been busy in the rehearsal studio with Outcast, a new play by two Ripon writers. - [We're Already Reaching Out!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/were-already-reaching-out/) - Our Reach Out! programme of community activities is already well under way with excitement building for RTF26. - [No business support, no show](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/no-business-support-no-show/) - Ripon Theatre Festival puts local sponsorship centre stage - [RTF Partners with Ripon Cathedral to present slave trade drama](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/rtf-partners-with-ripon-cathedral-to-present-slave-trade-drama/) - An evocative drama charting the deep involvement of the Anglican church in the trans-Atlantic slave trade comes to Ripon Cathedral as part of RTF26. - [Funding Success Boosts Youth Engagement at RTF26](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/funding-success-boosts-youth-engagement-at-rtf26/) - This summer will see us embarking on an exciting new partnership project that will place young people at the heart of this summer’s Festival, thanks to Cultural Passport for Young People funding. - [Places to Stay](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/places-to-stay/) - Places to Stay A big thank you to our partners who are hosting our artists this year!For more details on where to stay in Ripon, check out Visit Ripon. Valentino’s The Old Coach House The Ripon Inn Crescent Lodge The Unicorn Hotel No3 Aldfield The Penthouse Spread the love - [Food and Drink](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/food-and-drink/) - Places to Eat and Drink Ripon has a thriving scene full of independent restaurants, bars and cafes, perfect for pre- and post-show entertainment.For more details on where to eat and drink in Ripon, check out Visit Ripon. Valentino’s The Water Rat The Ripon Inn The Portly Pig Storehouse Kitchen The Unicorn Hotel Spread the love - [Make a Weekend of It](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/make-a-weekend-of-it/) - A packed weekend of free family entertainment is set to transform Ripon this summer, and we invite you to make a weekend of it. - [New for 2026 - Multi-Buy Deals](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/new-for-2026-multi-buy-deals/) - To foster that festival vibe and help audiences take in as many shows as possible, we've set up Multi-Buy Deals for 2026. - [Town of Culture bid Announced at RTF Launch](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/town-of-culture-bid-announced-at-rtf-launch/) - Ripon launches its UK Town of Culture 2028 bid, celebrating its heritage, landscape and community with a bold vision for a culture-led future. - [Your Visit](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/your-visit/) - Your Visit Plan your visit in advance, so you know where to come, where to park, where to stay and where to eat.If you have accessibility needs, check out what our venues provide, and the location of disabled parking bays.There’s loads more information on the Visit Ripon website. Travel Information Check out Visit Ripon’s Travel Information page - [The Big Give: One Donation, Twice the Impact](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/the-big-give-one-donation-twice-the-impact/) - From 17-24 March donations made to the festival will be doubled by The Big Give Arts for Impact Campaign. - [Calling all Teachers - Schools' Programme announced!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/calling-all-teachers-schools-programme-announced/) - Our schools’ offer expands this year to include exceptional opportunities for secondary schools alongside accessible and colourful shows and workshops for primary and specialist schools. - [Hooray for Ripon BID!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/hooray-for-ripon-bid/) - As we look ahead to Ripon Theatre Festival 2026, we want to take a moment to celebrate and thank Ripon BID for their continued support. - [New Year, New Look: stepping into RTF26](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/new-year-new-look-stepping-into-rtf26/) - As we step into 2026, Ripon Theatre Festival is setting off with a fresh look and a renewed sense of adventure. - [Call-Out for Community Performers!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/call-out-for-community-performers/) - Deadline announced for Community Acts to sign up for 2026. We are looking for choirs, dance troupes, theatre groups, musicians and solo performers to join us for our Family Weekend on the 11th and 12th July. - [Help Us Win £1,000 this December](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/help-us-win-1000-this-december/) - We are excited to be taking part in the Benefact Group’s annual "12 Days of Giving" campaign - a zero-cost opportunity for you to support us! - [Your Festival - Your Reactions! Video released](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/your-festival-your-reactions/) - Hear what audiences, performers, venues and community groups thought about RTF25. - [From Bandstand to Hatstand](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/from-bandstand-to-hatstand/) - Our hardworking and creative hatmakers finally got to see their gorgeous work on display. - [Bloom brings joy to care home residents](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/bloom-brings-joy-to-care-home-residents/) - A wonderful experience from Spilt Milk Dance This week we welcomed Split Milk Dance into four care homes in Ripon, and everyone has been having a blast!Bloom was specially created for older adults in care settings, including those living with Dementia. With the aim of bringing “the outside in” through performance, the show featured birds, - [Hats Off to our busy artists!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/hats-off-to-our-busy-artists/) - Our community art project is coming together With the theme of hats and inspired by summer, our designers and makers have been hard at work across the city.Across 3 locations, participants have been busy making large papier mache hats and putting their own ideas, inspirations and passions into their unique designs. Our indefatigable Community Artist - ["Peelers, Poachers and Paupers" – An Immersive Theatre Experience Like No Other](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/peelers-poachers-and-paupers-an-immersive-theatre-experience-like-no-other/) - Ripon Museums Trust, in collaboration with Ripon Theatre Festival, is thrilled to announce a powerful new immersive theatre experience, Peelers, Poachers and Paupers, set to captivate audiences across the city this summer. - [Record Number of Community Performers Set to Shine at RTF 2025](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/record-number-of-community-performers-set-to-shine-at-rtf-2025/) - Ripon Theatre Festival is thrilled to welcome a record-breaking number of community performers to this year’s festival weekend, taking place on 5–6 July 2025 - [Joining-In Opportunities Grow at RTF 2025.](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/joining-in-opportunities-grow-for-2025-or-enhanced-participation-events-at-rtf-2025/) - RTF 2025 is shaping up to be the most interactive Ripon Theatre Festival yet, with a packed programme designed to get audiences involved and inspired. From dance and drumming to storytelling and circus skills, this year’s festival is inviting every one—of all ages and abilities—to join in the fun. - [Introducing our 2025 Storyteller in Residence](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/introducing-our-2025-storyteller-in-residence/) - Peter Chand, one of Europe's finest storytellers will be with us for three days. - [Opportunities for Primary Schools this summer](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/opportunities-for-primary-schools-this-summer/) - Join us for an inspiring series of performances and workshops designed for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 students. These exciting events offer a blend of live theatre, puppetry, and storytelling, providing an enriching experience for children that explores culture, history, and creativity. - [Join the Ripon community play​!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/join-the-ripon-community-play/) - Head to the Workhouse Museum on 22 March to find out about our new immersive theatre experience taking place in June. Interested in finding out more? Read on... - [Poppy Project Partnership for VE Day Commemorations](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/poppy-project-partnership-for-ve-day-commemorations/) - A long weekend of VE Day Commemorations in Ripon will conclude with a powerful and poignant event at Lister House. RTF and the Ripon Community Poppy Project are joining forces to present Bomb Happy. - [Ripon Theatre Festival Celebrates First Funding from Arts Council England ](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/ripon-theatre-festival-celebrates-first-funding-from-arts-council-england/) - We are delighted to announce that Ripon Theatre Festival has received its first award of funds from Arts Council England. This crucial support will enable us to bring more of the highest quality theatre, street entertainment, and other performances to our city. - [Calling All Community Performers!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/calling-all-community-performers/) - Deadline approaching for Community Acts to sign up for 2025. We are looking for choirs, dance troupes, theatre groups, musicians and solo performers to join us for our family days on the 5th and 6th July. - [We Listened with our Eyes](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/we-listened-with-our-eyes/) - It was fantastic to welcome Bidi Iredale from Vamos Theatre back to work with us again this week. Last seen as a Crimplene Crusader on the streets of Ripon at RTF 23, Bidi returned this week to lead an inspiring workshop with the intriguing title Listening with Your Eyes.Staff and volunteers from Lister House and - [Nana Funk to launch RTF 2025](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/nana-funk-to-launch-rtf-2025/) - Tough Old Bird comedy theatre kicks off our 2025 season granny-style. - [Community, Performers, and Businesses Share Festival Reactions](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/community-performers-and-businesses-share-festival-reactions/) - Hear from audiences, performers, businesses and community groups on their reactions to Ripon Theatre Festival. - [Ripon Theatre Festival Continues Community Outreach](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/ripon-theatre-festival-continues-community-outreach/) - Join Vamos Theatre for an interactive workshop designed to develop skills in empathy, understanding, active listening, and trust within health and care settings. - [Celebrating Ripon Theatre Festival 2024](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/celebrating-ripon-theatre-festival-2024/) - “It was a fantastic weekend, my family came to visit especially for the event. Saturday was a wonderful day of really good and free entertainment, we had a lovely time.” Ripon Theatre Festival, returned in July 2024 for the third year with renewed energy and purpose. This year’s festival showcased a fantastic variety of performances - [Brollies in the Bandstand!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/brollies-in-the-bandstand/) - Umbrella Project Update Our community art installation is coming together ready for the weekend. Across 3 locations, participants have been busy upcycling umbrellas and putting their own ideas, inspirations and passions into their unique designs. Community Artist Sharon Hockin has run sessions at Jennyruth Workshops, Ripon Walled Garden and with Evolve College to help the - [Ripon BID's Support Brings the Festival to Life](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/ripon-bids-support-brings-the-festival-to-life/) - We are so grateful that Ripon BID has generously supported this year’s Theatre Festival, sharing our vision of the festival as a cornerstone of our local culture, bringing together the community in celebration of the arts.The Importance of the Theatre Festival for Ripon:The Ripon Theatre Festival is more than just a series of performances; it - [Danceability](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/danceability/) - Danceability SUNDAY 7 JULY HG DANCEABILITY & PERFORMING ARTS was formed by Dance Teacher and Choreographer Jude Humphrey 15 years ago in Ripon. It’s a specialist group providing Dance and Performing Arts opportunities for adults with additional needs in the Ripon and Harrogate areas. Jude says “We are proud to stage 1 main Showcase each - [Room deal at The Ripon Inn - stay the night!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/room-deal-at-the-ripon-inn-stay-the-night/) - Our fabulous friends at The Ripon Inn are offering 20% off their best available rate on room bookings during the Ripon Theatre Festival. Located in the centre of Ripon, The Ripon Inn underwent a huge refurbishment in October 2023 and now features 58 rooms, with a mix of configurations including accessible and dog-friendly options.Situated near - [Little Bird Markets – Our Partnership Grows](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/little-bird-markets-our-partnership-grows/) - Customers and traders at last year’s Little Bird Festival Market loved getting up close and personal with many of our acts. Puppeteers and musicians, mime artists and stilt walkers mingled with the market as part of the Festival’s Family Day. We are so pleased that Little Bird organisers have not only come on board again - [Volunteers Get Ready with Kettlewell Fuels](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/volunteers-get-ready-with-kettlewell-fuels/) - We couldn’t be happier to be working with Kettlewell Fuels as one of our sponsors at this year’s festival. Our Volunteers are already hard at work planning and promoting the festival and wearing their snazzy t-shirts provided as part of the sponsorship support.Pictured here are David, our most “senior” volunteer, alongside Ava, our most “junior”, - [Hoglets' Wood Owl Soars at Fountains Abbey](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/hoglets-wood-owl-soars-at-fountains-abbey/) - The Mill at Fountains Abbey was the perfect setting for the heart-warming story of a little owl learning about life, love and how to fly. With its exposed beams and sense of history, the building was an atmospheric backdrop for Hoglet Theatre’s tale of the little owl who lives in an attic.Performer Gemma Curry enchanted - [Ripon Goes to Bollywood](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/ripon-goes-to-bollywood/) - Ripon Goes to Bollywood SUNDAY 7 JULY 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 - [Rock Choir](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/rock-choir/) - Rock Choir SATURDAY 6 JULY The UK’s original award-winning, local, contemporary choir. 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 1TGYou can book a taster session - [History, heritage and theatre - our 2024 collaboration with Ripon Museums](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/history-heritage-and-theatre-our-2024-collaboration-with-ripon-museums/) - Remember Jubilee at the Workhouse? A great partnership between Ripon Museums and Ripon Theatre Festival in 2022. Well, there’s more collaboration planned this summer and one final chance for you to get involved! Potential performers and “backstage” helpers are all needed and there’s fun to be had telling stories inspired by the Museums’ collections, meeting people and gaining - [The Inn Collection Group – Summer Collaboration Set to Shine](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/the-inn-collection-group-summer-collaboration-set-to-shine/) - The Ripon Inn is looking forward to the summer as much as we are. As Red Carpet Sponsors of RTF 2024 and a venue for pop-up performances across the festival weekend, the hotel is getting into the festival spirit.The Ripon Inn, opened in October 2023 following an extensive, multi-million-pound refurbishment of the former Ripon Spa - [The Golden Tree](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/the-golden-tree/) - The Golden Tree SUNDAY 7 JULY 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 - [Call Out to Care Homes - We'll Bring the Show to You](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/call-out-to-care-homes-well-bring-the-show-to-you/) - We are pleased to have secured funding this year from The Brelms Trust and The Two Ridings Foundation to enable us to include some outreach performances as part of our 2024 festival. We are excited to be working with two groups of theatre and music specialists in providing dementia-friendly performances for those who are unable to come out to our events or - [Powered by Volunteers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/powered-by-volunteers/) - Could you join our friendly team of volunteers this summer? We need more volunteers than ever this year as our programme grows and the number of weekday and daytime events increases. More than 30 volunteers are needed each year to help look after visiting acts, marshal audiences and to help keep the public safe over - [Introducing our Storyteller in Residence](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/introducing-our-storyteller-in-residence/) - We are delighted to welcome Ilaria Passeri as our first ever Storyteller in Residence. Ilaria will be staying with us for three days, performing and running workshops for both adults and children. “Ilaria has a knack for finding the bizarre in the mundane and weaving it into funny and touching stories. Her voice is original - [Longstanding Local Quarry Joins the Festival Party](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/longstanding-local-quarry-joins-the-festival-party/) - New sponsors for 2024, Lightwater Quarries bring a trio of businesses to our growing group of valued supporters. With their recognisable Concrete4U brand, they are sponsoring our Family Day on 7 July and as owners of The Old Coach House and the Staveley Arms in North Stainley, they are pleased to join us as hospitality - [Sterne Properties Shares Festival Vision](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/sterne-properties-shares-festival-vision/) - As we welcome Sterne Properties to our list of valued sponsors this year, Robert Sterne has spoken of the importance of the festival in raising the profile of our city.Ripon-based investment and development company Sterne Properties has been operating in Ripon for 30 years. Over the years they have sponsored many local events, but they - [Grazie, Valentino's](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/grazie-valentinos/) - A big thank you to one of our sponsors for this year’s festival, our finest local Italian Restaurant, Valentino’s.This is the second year we have enjoyed delicious canapes at our launch event, courtesy of Rick and his team. The audience at George Egg were welcomed with delightful nibbles along with a glass of Prosecco. Did you - [First sponsors for 2023 come on board](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/first-sponsors-for-2023-come-on-board/) - Elstob & Elstob auctioneers were the first to sign up to sponsor the festival again in 2023. We are grateful for their support and delighted to have them with us again this year. Valentino’s, the restaurant with rooms, has come on board as accommodation sponsors and are generously supporting our March launch event too. Specsavers, - [St. Wilfrid Star for Festival Team](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/st-wilfred-star-for-festival-team/) - We are award winners! Back in September we attended a special evening in Ripon Cathedral celebrating community organisations and events. St Wilfrid’s Stars were awarded to some wonderful people and we were honoured to be winners in the Culture category. Thanks to Ripon Together for bringing everyone together at a lovely event and to all - [Dates announced for 2023](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/dates-announced-for-2023/) - .elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px} Save the dates for next year's festival: 7-11 June 2023 There's lots to do, but we are confident that we have the support of venues, partners and volunteers to make it happen next year. Plans are developing to bring you another four days of drama, puppetry, family shows, - [Save the date – Launch Night!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/launch-night/) - Save the date – Launch Night! On Thursday 30 March we will be sharing all our plans for June ’23. Tickets on sale soon for a special evening of theatre complete with celebrity guest, wine and chat. Subscribe to our mailing list to receive your discount code for the evening. Subscribe Spread the love - [Ripon BID back the Festival for a second year](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/ripon-bid-back-the-festival-for-a-second-year/) - We are delighted that Ripon BID has confirmed investment in the festival for 2023. Ripon BID (Business Improvement District) is a business-led initiative working to create the environment for businesses in the Ripon city region to succeed.The festival will work with the BID to drive footfall in the city and to enable local businesses to - [Wolseley welcomed back for 2023](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/wolsley-welcomed-back-for-2023/) - Wolseley, our main festival sponsor in 2022, gave us an early Christmas present when they pledged to sponsor the festival again in 2023. The festival would not have been the success it was in its first year without the support of Ripon’s largest employer. We look forward to working in partnership with their team over - [Book now for our launch event](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/book-now-for-our-launch-event/) - Jeffrey Holland (Hi-de-Hi, You Rang M’Lord) stars in a one-man show about friendship, memories and a couple of remarkable lives.Following critically acclaimed sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe, … and this is my friend Mr Laurel comes to Ripon Arts Hub on Thursday 30 March. Join us for an evening of theatre, chat and more - [Illyria to return in 2023](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/illyria-to-return-in-2023/) - Last summer’s performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Fountains Abbey was a festival highlight for many.We are excited to announce that the company will be returning on Sunday 11 June, bringing us their hugely popular family show – Robin Hood.Further details and booking information coming soon.Save the date for a fast-moving, fun-packed evening full - [Ian Holloway](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/ian-holloway/) - We are very sad to share the news that our founding team member, Ian Holloway, died last month.It is exactly a year since our public launch event when he was so full of vigour and enthusiasm. We were sorry to witness his rapid demise but will remember his sharp wit, passion for culture, and above - [The Old Deanery opens its gates for our Jane Austen Classic](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/sense-and-sensibility/) - The smartest venue in the city is set to host one of our key events this summer. On 8 June, the gardens of The Old Deanery will provide the perfect backdrop to Jane Austen’s Regency romp, Sense and Sensibility. We are delighted to welcome Ripon’s exclusive-use events venue as the newest addition to our list - [Where is Mrs. Christie?](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/where-is-mrs-christie/) - Specsavers in Ripon have selected a sparkling mystery to sponsor this year. Where is Mrs Christie? promises to be a perfect Sunday afternoon theatrical treat on the final day of the festival.The one-woman show tells the story of Agatha’s missing 11 days in 1926 which came back to haunt her for the rest of her - [New funding brings Ripon teenagers closer to the festival](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/new-funding-brings-ripon-teenagers-closer-to-the-festival/) - The festival has been awarded funds to develop a new partnership with Ripon YMCA. Leeds based theatre company Forget About The Dog has been invited to present their touring show Happy Place as the Festival’s opening event.The piece, which explores happiness, friendship and the role technology plays in our world is particularly relevant to young - [Full Programme Released at Packed Launch Event](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/full-programme-released-at-packed-launch-event/) - Ripon Arts Hub was filled with an eager crowd on Thursday 30th March.Our Festival Guides for the 2023 festival arrived “hot off the press” and were shared with happy guests as they enjoyed canapés generously provided by Valentino’s Ristorante.Once in the auditorium, Festival Team members presented some of their festival highlights, talked about new venues, - [Programme at a glance](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/programme-at-a-glance/) - We’re delighted to share the full schedule of events for this year’s festival! Event Details Spread the love - [Drama workshop offers 12-18s a chance to find their Happy Place](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/drama-workshop-offers-12-18s-a-chance-to-find-their-happy-place/) - Young people with an interest in theatre and performance are invited to an exclusive workshop with actors from the upcoming Happy Place show.Forget About The Dog theatre company will be opening the festival with their comic dystopian show, but are working with young people in Ripon in advance of their visit. As well as delivering - [Partnership with Dementia Forward Shares the Joy of Theatre](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/partnership-with-dementia-forward-shares-the-joy-of-theatre/) - Smashing Mirrors Theatre Company specialises in creating theatre for those living with dementia. When Artistic Director Elizabeth Godber contacted the festival about bringing their latest show to Ripon, we knew immediately that our friends at Dementia Forward would be keen to help make this happen. Mike and Millie Go to the Seaside is a charming 20-minute - [Hot Tickets for Opening Night!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/hot-tickets-for-opening-night/) - Performances of Happy Place, our opening night show, have been selling out around the country. Audiences at a packed Dukes Theatre in Lancaster loved the show, as did those who experienced the show across rural venues in Cumbria. The show, presented by Forget About The Dog, is almost sold out in Harrogate in April. Reviews from Edinburgh 2022 included - [Activities for Families](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/activities-for-families/) - It’s not just about sitting (or standing) still and watching the action. There’s plenty for itchy-britches and crafty kids too.Thursday afternoon sees Storycraft at Ripon Library with their fabulous blend of crafting and storytelling – on the theme of Heading into Space. On Friday evening, fearless families can join the Ripon Heritage Ghost Walk in association with Ripon Museums. - [Festival for families at a glance](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/post-template/) - Plan your weekend With so much going on, here’s your at-a-glance version of Festival events suitable for all ages. Thursday 23rd June Ticketed Time Event Venue 🎟 13:30 Heading into Space – Storycraft Theatre Ripon Library 🎟 15:30 Heading into Space – Storycraft Theatre Ripon Library Friday 24th June Ticketed Time Event Venue 🎟 - [Sedan Chair Stories](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/sedan-chair-stories/) - Sedan Chair Stories SATURDAY 6 JULY Hail down the ultimate in Georgian era transport and be carried above the hoi polloi, hear scurrilous tales from Ripon’s scandalous past as your footmen pass on their knowledge and deposit you at your destination of choice. From the dastardly deeds of Eugene Arum to the insider trading of - [Logy on Fire](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/logy-on-fire/) - Logy on Fire SATURDAY 6 JULY Juggling danger and excitement, this show is raw, rock 'n' roll and full of danger. Playing with fire and risking lacerations and climaxing in a perilous display of equilibrium and custom-made razor-sharp unique object juggling like you have never seen before! Logy is a Belfast-based bearded multi manipulator and - [Stone Soup](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/stone-soup/) - Stone Soup SATURDAY 6 JULY A wandering stranger holds the secret to making delicious soup, fit for the finest folk in the land. But can they really make soup with just a stone? Performed from a travelling cart and including elements of storytelling, music and comical puppet characters. Eye of Newt’s re-telling of this traditional - [The Bachelors of Paradise](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/the-bachelors-of-paradise/) - The Bachelors of Paradise SATURDAY 6 JULY The most beautiful birds to grace the streets of Ripon this season. Check out their glorious wingspans and gorgeous tailfeathers. Stilt walkers from Full Stilt. FREE EVENT Market Place 11-11.30am Cathedral Forecourt 12.30pm Kirkgate 2 -2.30pm - [The Tea Cosies](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/the-tea-cosies/) - The Tea Cosies SATURDAY 6 JULY Meet Dorothy Dunker, Tippy Teapot and Barbara Bourbon. Come and have a natter with our colourful crochet trolley dollies! There's always a warm brew and plate of goodies on show when these ladies are about... "One lump or two?"... A fun, family-friendly walkabout act with dance, stories and jokes. - [Arcade](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/arcade/) - Arcade SATURDAY 6 JULY Casson & Friends has a passion for bringing dance to people in new and unusual ways. Set to a bouncing electronic soundtrack, ARCADE’s interactive dance games will connect you with the childlike joy of play. Watch the fun unfold or get stuck in with our friendly team of dancers, led by - [Medieval Maniax](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/medieval-maniax/) - Medieval Maniax SATURDAY 6 JULY Death by Laughter. Giggle and guffaw as the fatal fools amuse and bemuse you. These award-winning street-performers perform all over the world and are ready to make you laugh with their historical hysterics. A spectacular show full of music, jokes and illusions. The Maniax are great crowd pleasers and repeatedly - [Struzzo and Maxim](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/struzzo-and-maxim/) - Struzzo and Maxim SUNDAY 7 JULY 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! - [The Bombardiers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/the-bombardiers/) - The Bombardiers SUNDAY 7 JULY 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, - [The Three Suitcases](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/the-three-suitcases/) - The Three Suitcases SUNDAY 7 JULY 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, - [The Not So Big Bad Wolf](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/the-not-so-big-bad-wolf/) - The Not So Big Bad Wolf SUNDAY 7 JULY "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 - [The Fireman Dave – Circus Skills Drop-In](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/the-fireman-dave-circus-skills-drop-in/) - The Fireman Dave – Circus Skills Drop-In SUNDAY 7 JULY 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 Story of Daniel](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/the-story-of-daniel/) - The Story of Daniel SUNDAY 7 JULY The story of Daniel in around 20 minutes. All the best bits including dreams and of course the lions! Performed by Open the Book – if you don’t know who they are ask your kids – they will know Open the Book from school! FREE EVENT 1 – - [Hedge Heads](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/hedge-heads/) - Hedge Heads SUNDAY 7 JULY 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 - [Let Them Eat Cake](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/let-them-eat-cake/) - Let Them Eat Cake SUNDAY 7 JULY 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 - [Kit and Caboodle](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/kit-and-caboodle/) - Kit and Caboodle SUNDAY 7 JULY 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 - [Medusa](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/medusa/) - Medusa SATURDAY 6 JULY Medusa Gothic Morris are a women's dance group, we are based in Knaresborough and practice on Thursday evenings. We dress in black and purple, and regularly dance at local events. We would welcome new dancers (no experience necessary) and musicians to join us, contact Sally on 01423 868753 or email spolem@hotmail.com FREE EVENT - [Ripon City Morris](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/ripon-city-morris/) - Ripon City Morris SATURDAY 6 JULY 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 - [Ripon Drum Circle](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/ripon-drum-circle/) - Ripon Drum Circle SATURDAY 6 JULY FREE EVENT 10.30-11am Minster Gardens - [Ripon Youth Theatre](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/ripon-youth-theatre/) - Ripon Youth Theatre SATURDAY 6 JULY FREE EVENT 12-12.30pm Minster Gardens - [The Wakeman Mummers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/the-wakeman-mummers/) - The Wakeman Mummers SATURDAY 6 JULY FREE EVENT 11.15-11.30am Ripon Cathedral forecourt 1.15-1.30pm Ripon Cathedral forecourt - [400 Roses and Thorns](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/400-roses-and-thorns/) - 400 Roses and Thorns SATURDAY 6 JULY FREE EVENT 10.30-11.15 Ripon Cathedral forecourt 12-12.30pm Market Place 2-2.30pm Ripon Cathedral forecourt 3.30-4pm Market Place - [Workhouse Walkabouts](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/workhouse-walkabouts/) - Workhouse Walkabouts SATURDAY 6 JULY FREE EVENT 11am-12noon Minster Gardens 1.15-2pm Minster Gardens - [Yorkshire Voices](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/yorkshire-voices/) - Yorkshire Voices SATURDAY 6 JULY FREE EVENT 11.30am-12 noon Ripon Cathedral - [U3A Folk Group](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/u3a-folk-group/) - U3A Folk Group SATURDAY 6 JULY FREE EVENT 12.30-1pm Ripon Cathedral - [Trinity Singers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/trinity-singers/) - Trinity Singers SUNDAY 7 JULY Ripon Trinity Singers is a local community chamber choir rehearsing at St. Wilfrid’s Community Hall every Thursday evening during term time. 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 - [Intrigued? Want to get involved?](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/intrigued-want-to-get-involved/) - Open Meeting On Wednesday 2 March we will be holding an Open Meeting at Ripon Arts Hub (Operatic Hall) for anyone interested in finding out more about the Festival or about getting involved.If you want to be the first to hear about some of the planned events or to offer your time and skills to - [Performers Wanted](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/performers-wanted/) - Open Auditions Tuesday 22 March We are looking for people (16 years+) to perform in our community Festival show, Revue Ripon, to take place on the evening of Saturday 25 June at Ripon Arts Hub. We need actors, singers, musicians and writers to put together a revue-style show with comedy sketches and live music. Rehearsals for the show will - [Community Meeting Success](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/community-meeting-success/) - A fantastic start! More than 40 keen and curious people attended our meeting on 2 March to hear more about the Festival.Members of the Festival Team introduced themselves and we shared news of some of the theatre companies, performers and entertainers we hope to welcome to the city over the June weekend. Representing the Festival’s - [Festival Programme Goes Live](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/festival-programme-goes-live/) - Add Your Heading Text Here The programme of events for our first ever Ripon Theatre Festival is launched on 15 April.Tickets for all main events will be on sale by 11am and the outline for Festival Saturday will be revealed. Children and families will be spoilt for choice with a mixture of free and ticketed - [Funding Success with Ripon Museums](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/funding-success-with-ripon-museums/) - We are celebrating the award of project funding which will see the Jubilee celebrated in an innovative community project with Ripon Museums this June.Jubilee at the Workhouse is a living history project being developed by Fell-Foss Theatre Company, under Writer and Director Mark Cronfield, in which community performers and Workhouse Museum volunteers will bring to - [Shh.. We're planning a Splash Mob](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/shh-were-planning-a-splash-mob/) - Don’t tell anyone, but we want to create a Splash Mob with The Million Dollar Mermaids to surprise audiences on Festival Saturday.Join Yorkshire Life Aquatic in seeing what it’s all about and learning some mermaid moves. We promise you won’t get wet and there’s no obligation to perform in June—just come along and enjoy one - [The Mermaids were in Town!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/the-mermaids-were-in-town/) - Lucy and Zoe from Yorkshire Life Aquatic were in Ripon on Monday to work with two eager groups of potential Splashmobbers.There were smiles all round as the Mermaids shared some moves and gave a sneak peak of the The Million Dollar Mermaids show which they will bring to Ripon as part of the Festival. Thanks - [All Ticketed Events Now On Sale](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/all-ticketed-events-now-on-sale/) - With the Jubilee at the Workhouse project up and running, we can now announce that all ticketed shows are on sale! Local performers, writers and Workhouse Museum volunteers have been working hard with Fell Foss Theatre on creating this exciting living history project. The three culminating performances on Sunday 26 June (3.30pm, 4.45pm & 6pm) are the final ticketed - [Ripon Cathedral Joins our List of 2023 Venues](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/ripon-cathedral-joins-our-list-of-2023-venues/) - Ripon Cathedral becomes a festival venue for the first time this year hosting a range of intimate events for all ages. To celebrate the festival, the Thursday Concerts event on 9 June sees Songs from Shakespeare performed by soprano Louise Wayman accompanied by Tim Harper. On Festival Saturday the crypt of St Wilfrid will be - [Celebrating our Pop-Up events](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/celebrating-our-pop-up-events/) - From the ancient Crypt in Ripon Cathedral to the back of The Little Ripon Bookshop, this year’s festival will see puppets, stories and drama popping up in multiple venues across the city. It’s a strand of our programme we’ve been keen to develop, given the enthusiasm of local venues and businesses wanting to be involved.Gav - [The Last Motel – Review of our “Yorkshire Noir” event](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/the-last-motel-review-of-our-yorkshire-noir-event/) - We’re looking forward to welcoming Sheepish Productions with their darkly funny play The Last Motel. Reviews from the show performed in 2022 tell of a “deft two-hander” which “lives up to its billing as a cinematic tour de force”.We hear of glorious set pieces “performed with to die for precision”. The set design is by - [Wilf Unleashed thanks to Ripon Races](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/wilf-unleashed-thanks-to-ripon-races/) - Meet WILF, the Drama Llama. Wilf is our virtual mascot for all things family-focused at RTF. He appears on our new Festival for Families leaflet which is being circulated over the next month to schools and nurseries and wherever children and families gather. The leaflet highlights various activities which are nearly all FREE or Pay What You - [Festival and Ripon City of Sanctuary Working Together with Syrian Story](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/festival-and-ripon-city-of-sanctuary-working-together-with-syrian-story/) - Our lunchtime event on Festival Friday, 9 June, combines storytelling, theatre and a Syrian meze. Storm in the North Theatre will present their unique show Bread is Life which celebrates the power of food to bring people together and remembers the people of Syria. The event is presented in Holy Trinity Arches in partnership with Ripon - [Get Set for Super Sunday!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/get-set-for-super-sunday/) - There’s so much happening on Festival Sunday, we thought the day deserved a post all of its own.On Sunday 11 June, we have two main open-air zones plus our finale event at Fountains Abbey.Indoors, there’s pop-up puppets and a brunch event plus Sunday afternoon theatre at the Arts Hub.Down at the Workhouse Museum there’s workshops - [Your Harrogate comes on board as media partner](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/your-harrogate-comes-on-board-as-media-partner/) - We’re delighted to be working with the team at Your Harrogate as media partner for this year’s festival to make sure you’re getting all the latest festival news. Katie spoke to Nick Hancock about all the great things going on over June’s long weekend during Thursday’s breakfast show. Nick will also be broadcasting live from Ripon - [The Local  Line-Up – Full list of Community Performers announced](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/the-local-line-up-full-list-of-community-performers-announced/) - Twenty different community groups and local performers will be joining us over the weekend of the festival to bring music, dance, drama and colour to the city.We are so grateful to everyone who is prepared to give up their time, bravely perform and contribute to the festival spirit. Alongside walkabout acts, street entertainment, theatre and - [Young Leaders Prepare for Opening Night](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/young-leaders-prepare-for-opening-night/) - We’ve been enjoying getting to know the Ripon YMCA Young Leaders. This remarkable group of young people has been working with the Festival and with visiting theatre company Forget About The Dog over the last few weeks.They have been stepping out of their comfort zone by taking part in drama workshops and planning their take-over of Ripon Arts Hub for - [Andy has been busy with birds](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/andy-has-been-busy-with-birds/) - Festival Team Member and Hazelsong Theatre artist, Andy Bates, has been leading workshops with community groups over the last few weeks.Sessions at Ripon Walled Garden, Evolve College and Ripon YMCA have resulted in the creation of some beautiful and colourful birds.These will be adorning the trees of Ripon Spa Gardens to delight visitors on Sunday 11 June. Thanks - [Puppets with a Tale to Tell](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/puppets-with-a-tale-to-tell/) - 35 years ago, Ripon resident, Margaret Prince was asked by a librarian friend to produce some hand puppets for a story-time project.The theme was to be ‘The House that Jack Built’ and so she made puppets from scrap materials and a backdrop with opening windows and doors for the puppets to pop through.Years passed before the puppet - [Overblown! Cast Get Set to Perform](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/overblown-cast-get-set-to-perform/) - Rehearsals are in full swing for our cheeky community cabaret show. The team is working hard to bring you sketches, songs, magic and mayhem and provide a flavour of Ripon like you’ve never tasted before!Official Festival Photographer, Helen Tabor popped along to a rehearsal this week and captured some great action shots. Don’t forget to buy your - [Pop-Up Highlights in Surprising Places](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/pop-up-highlights-in-surprising-places/) - The weather looks good for Festival Saturday, but don’t forget our intriguing and entertaining indoor Pop-Up events. Here’s two that we are particularly looking forward to.Award-winning storyteller, Gav Cross will be popping up with two different shows in three different locations, The Unicorn Hotel, The Courthouse Museum and the slightly spooky Crypt at the Curzon. Meanwhile The - [Sponsors Announced for 2024 Festival](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/sponsors-announced-for-2024-festival/) - The Festival relies on the business community to support the range, quantity and variety of events we stage. In return, sponsors gain from association with the festival and from various promotional benefits. This year we welcome fourteen sponsors who have stepped up to get involved.Some have been with us from the very start and we - [Ticket Release Announcement](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/ticket-release-announcement/) - Tickets for SIX festival events go on sale on Saturday 10 February. This is your chance to get in early and book tickets for some of our summer highlights.Britain’s leading radical theatre company, Red Ladder, is set to return and we can’t wait for a very special cabaret act featuring the music of Victoria Wood - [A fantastic start to this year's festival](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/a-fantastic-start-to-this-years-festival/) - A very happy place The festival got started on Wednesday evening with Happy Place at the Arts Hub. Sell-out for Tales from the Scriptorium A packed event at Ripon Library got us started on Thursday. Austen at the Old Deanery Great fun at our first outdoor event, with plenty of picnics and unexpected audience participation! - [Can we Summarise RTF 2023 in Five Words?](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/can-we-summarise-rtf-2023-in-five-words/) - Busy As promised, this year’s festival did turn out to be bigger, brighter and bolder than before. Even with over 80 events in more than 20 venues, we were able to squeeze everybody and everything in. Thanks to the hard-working Festival Team and more than 30 volunteers over the five days, we managed a safe - [Launch Night with George Egg now on Sale](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/launch-night-with-george-egg-now-on-sale/) - George Egg cooks food whilst making you laugh.He joins us to launch the 2024 Ripon Theatre Festival on Thursday 21 March. Taking place at Ripon Arts Hub, George Egg: Set Menu will be the central dish in an evening feast which also includes a welcome drink, refreshments courtesy of Valentino’s and exclusive information about upcoming - [Cricket on the Hearth](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/cricket-on-the-hearth/) - Cricket on the Hearth SUNDAY 7 JULY 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 - [Freddie Cleary](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/freddie-cleary/) - Freddie Cleary SUNDAY 7 JULY Freddie performs as a solo acoustic act (guitar/vocals) playing well-known Indie Rock/Pop/Folk covers such as Oasis, Stone Roses, Plain White T’s and Ed Sheeran as well as his own original songs. As a busker Freddie can often be found entertaining crowds in Ripon, Harrogate, Leeds, York, Robin Hoods Bay and - [The U3A Ukulele Group](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/the-u3a-ukulele-group/) - The U3A Ukulele Group SUNDAY 7 JULY FREE EVENT 12.30-1pm Ripon Spa Gardens - [Lily Worth](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/lily-worth/) - Lily Worth SUNDAY 7 JULY FREE EVENT 1.30-2pm Little Bird Market - [Ripon Walled Garden Performers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/ripon-walled-garden-performers/) - Ripon Walled Garden Performers SUNDAY 7 JULY FREE EVENT 12-12.30pm Ripon Spa Gardens - [Passion for Movement](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/passion-for-movement/) - Passion for Movement SUNDAY 7 JULY FREE EVENT 12.30-1pm Little Bird Market - [Welcoming Solo](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/welcoming-solo/) - Solo Estate Agents are one of our newest sponsors this year.Celebrating ten years’ trading and winning gold in the British Property Awards for Ripon Rentals, Solo Estate Agents provides property sales and lettings along with some commercial rentals and sales. The team at Solo believes that the festival is good for Ripon, commenting: “It is great - [A Cracking Night with George Egg](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/a-cracking-night-with-george-egg/) - RTF 2024 got off to an egg-cellent start on Thursday 21st with comedian and anarchist cook, George Egg.His latest show Set Menu formed the central dish in an evening of food, fun and festival info.Ripon Arts Hub was packed to the rafters with people keen to enjoy the show and be the first to get - [Media Sponsor Announced](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/media-sponsor-announced/) - Our Media Sponsor for 2024 is The Stray Ferret – the independent online news service for the Harrogate district. We are so pleased to have them on board. The Stray Ferret provides a platform for people in the district to ask questions, share their views and voice opinions on issues of public importance. They have - [Celebrating Year Three with Elstob](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/celebrating-year-three-with-elstob/) - Elstob Auctioneers were our very first corporate sponsor back in 2022. We are so grateful that they took a chance on us. After sponsoring A Midsummer Night’s Dream, then Robin Hood, both at Fountains Abbey, they are continuing their connection with outdoor specialists, Illyria, by supporting this year’s performance with the company at Newby Hall. - [Where to Stay](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/where-to-stay/) - Where to Stay Why not stay the night to make the most of the Festival?Ripon has a plenty of options for visitors seeking independent & boutique accommodation.Choose from pubs and restaurants with rooms, Airbnb, campsites, glamping sites and holiday rentals.For hotel accommodation look no further than the newest arrival in the city – The Ripon ## Pages - [Home](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/) - Discover Ripon Theatre Festival, a vibrant week of theatre, street entertainment and family events across the historic city of Ripon in the first week of July. - [Our Sponsors](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/our-sponsors/) - Our Sponsors and Supporters Ripon Theatre Festival is a charity, powered by volunteers and fuelled by donations, corporate sponsorship, grants and charitable awards.Ticket income brings in less than a third of the revenue required, so we are hugely grateful to the wonderful businesses, generous individuals, supportive public bodies and local councillors who help make the - [About Ripon Theatre Festival](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/about-ripon-theatre-festival/) - About Ripon Theatre Festival RTF is run by a small team of volunteers. We work together with our funders, venues and community partners to bring colour and culture to all the communities of the city, contributing to Ripon’s development as a vibrant place to live, work and visit. Our Vision To bring colour and culture - [Community Performers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/community-performers/) - Community Performers Are you a performer? Do you act, sing, dance, play, juggle, mime, yodel, recite, or take part in any other activity you’d like to share with our audience? Do you perform with a community group based in Yorkshire? Our Community Performers make Ripon Theatre Festival truly special, bringing energy, creativity and flair to - [Schools' Programme](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/schools/) - Previous Next Schools' Programme 2026 We are delighted to be partnering with Opera North, The Rubbish Shakespeare Company and Mind the Gap Theatre to bring high-quality creative experiences to pupils across Ripon as part of this year’s Ripon Theatre Festival. We know that for some pupils this could be a highlight of the year! Whether - [Meet the Team](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/meet-the-team/) - Our Trustees Katie ScottFestival Director Katie has worked in the arts and cultural sector throughout her career. She has held a variety of producing, marketing and fundraising roles since establishing an open-air touring theatre company upon graduating many moons ago.She also spent time as a local authority Arts Development Officer and served on the board - [Looking back on 2025](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/looking-back-on-2025/) - Looking back on 2025 The fourth Ripon Theatre Festival took place over six days and nights from 1-6 July 2025, with a record number of events and an increase in total attendances. We extended our Community Outreach Programme, reached new audiences, supported the local economy and helped put Ripon on the regional cultural map.“Ripon has - [Looking back on 2022](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/looking-back-on-2022/) - Looking back on 2022 Our Programme Our packed programme ran over 4 days, including children’s activities, workshops, many indoor and outdoor productions, culminating in a fabulous finale of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Fountains Abbey. Previous Next Check out more fantastic photographs of the event from Helen Tabor here! Our Sponsors Our fantastic festival was - [Looking back on 2024](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/looking-back-on-2024/) - Looking back on 2024 Ripon Theatre Festival 2024 took place from 2-7 July with workshops, warm-up performances and community outreach events in the preceding weeks. We developed our artistic offering and extended our reach into the community, resulting in larger audiences and greater inclusion.Read our Impact Report here. Our Programme Children’s activities, workshops, stories, drama, dance - [What's on 2025](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/whats-on/) - What's on 2025 All Events Featured Events Family Events Ticketed Events Drama Music Comedy Dance Saturday Street Entertainment Sunday Family Day Community Performers - [News Archive](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/news-archive/) - News Archive Outcast Partnership marks Festival FirstJune 18, 2026 We’re Already Reaching Out!June 11, 2026 RTF Partners with Ripon Cathedral to present slave trade dramaJune 7, 2026 Funding Success Boosts Youth Engagement at RTF26June 4, 2026 New for 2026 – Multi-Buy DealsApril 5, 2026 Town of Culture bid Announced at RTF LaunchMarch 30, 2026 The - [Community Performers 2024](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/community-performers-2024/) - Meet our Community Performers Passion for Movement Ripon Walled Garden Performers Ripon Goes to Bollywood Lily Worth The U3A Ukulele Group Freddie Cleary Cricket on the Hearth Trinity Singers U3A Folk Group Yorkshire Voices Workhouse Walkabouts 400 Roses and Thorns The Wakeman Mummers Ripon Youth Theatre Ripon Drum Circle Ripon City Morris Rock Choir Medusa - [Looking back on 2023](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/looking-back-on-2023/) - Looking back on 2023 Our Programme Our packed programme ran over 5 days, including children’s activities, workshops, many indoor and outdoor productions, culminating in a fabulous finale of Robin Hood at Fountains Abbey.Check out the full programme here. Previous Next Check out photos from Helen Tabor and Ben Colson to see the festival in all its glory! ## Events - [Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/shakespeares-romeo-and-juliet/) - Two hearts. One fate. A timeless love reborn.The Duke’s Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, a bold reimagining of the iconic tragedy directed by Joseph Pitcher. Pitcher’s acclaimed credits include Gypsy (UK Theatre Award for Best Musical Production) and My Fair Lady at The Mill at Sonning, and Macbeth at the Salomons Theatre, Tunbridge - [Writing a 10 Minute Drama](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/writing-a-10-minute-drama/) - 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 - [The Three Musketeers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-three-musketeers/) - All for One - and One for All! Alexandre Dumas wrote five Musketeers novels, the first appearing in 1844. They have enjoyed enormous popularity worldwide and are not just textbook examples of the Historical Romance but also hilarious pastiches of that genre. This one, the first, remains the greatest. Young D’Artagnan is desperate to join - [Short + Sweet Pop-Ups](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/short-sweet-pop-ups-1/) - Short + Sweet Yorkshire is an annual festival of 10 minute new writing with participants showcased here at Ripon Theatre Festival. Enjoy four 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 - [Short + Sweet Pop-Ups](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/short-sweet-pop-ups/) - Short + Sweet Yorkshire is an annual festival of 10 minute new writing with participants showcased here at Ripon Theatre Festival. Enjoy a handful 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 - [The Essence of Audrey - Cancelled](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-essence-of-audrey/) - We regret that this performance has been cancelled. We hope to reschedule the event at a future time. Audrey Hepburn. All she really wanted was to be loved and to find love. She was, and continues to be, an inspiration. A beautiful, modest actress, and Ambassador of UNICEF living a seemingly idyllic life. Audrey proved - [Stories with Liv](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/stories-with-liv-2/) - The story of Jack and the Flumflum Tree (Julia Donaldson) in the backroom of our favourite bookshop. Jack's Granny is sick with a bad case of the moozles! The only cure grows on the faraway Isle of Blowyernose. Olivia Corbin-Phillip is a popular professional storyteller from Leeds. She leads regular sessions at Leeds Playhouse and - [Little Listeners: Mini Magic Flute](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/little-listeners-mini-magic-flute/) - 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 - [Comb](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/comb/) - When Charlotte was a child her Grandad told her the beginning of a story but refused to tell the full tale. Years later a chance encounter led her to find the rest of his story buried deep within an archive gathered from families in Ireland. Not only did she discover this unbelievable link to her - [Comb](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/comb-2/) - When Charlotte was a child her Grandad told her the beginning of a story but refused to tell the full tale. Years later a chance encounter led her to find the rest of his story buried deep within an archive gathered from families in Ireland. Not only did she discover this unbelievable link to her - [Tributaries](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/tributaries/) - A celebration of one of Yorkshire’s Rivers: the River Yore as told by Fell-Foss Theatre and the people of Ripon and Wensleydale, with the Dales Countryside Museum and Ripon Workhouse Museum. The culmination of a project along the river’s watercourse, creating theatre from the head of the dales to its cathedral city. Discover the spirit - [Tributaries](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/tributaries-2/) - A celebration of one of Yorkshire’s Rivers: the River Yore as told by Fell-Foss Theatre and the people of Ripon and Wensleydale, with the Dales Countryside Museum and Ripon Workhouse Museum. The culmination of a project along the river’s watercourse, creating theatre from the head of the dales to its cathedral city. Discover the spirit - [The Music Bank Rock & Pop Band](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-music-bank-rock-band/) - The Music Bank Rock/Pop 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! - [Tony and Ray Find Their Feet](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/tony-and-ray-find-their-feet/) - Friendship, rivalry, work tools, tomfoolery and dance as a pair of workers become distracted from their tasks. Slapstick, eccentric dance, clowning and squeak wrangling inspired by the golden era of silent movies and comedy double acts. Unexpected, uplifting and undeniably funny. Presented by Rudkin and Hicks About the performers: Rudkin & Hicks is a physical comedy - [Tony and Ray Find Their Feet](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/tony-and-ray-find-their-feet-2/) - Friendship, rivalry, work tools, tomfoolery and dance as a pair of workers become distracted from their tasks. Slapstick, eccentric dance, clowning and squeak wrangling inspired by the golden era of silent movies and comedy double acts. Unexpected, uplifting and undeniably funny. Presented by Rudkin and Hicks About the performers: Rudkin & Hicks is a physical comedy - [St Aelred's Irish Dance](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/st-aelreds-irish-dance/) - 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 - [Punch and Judy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/punch-and-judy-2026-4/) - 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 For over 30 years, Professor Ron Wood has been a beloved figure in the world of entertainment, bringing the enchanting Punch and Judy Show - [Safari So Goody](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/safari-so-goody/) - Josephine and Gerald are out on safari and are hoping to meet some of the locals. Ideally taking in the sights, stopping off for tea and enjoying pleasant conversation, but their pesky camels have other ideas. Presented by Rhubarb Theatre. FREE EVENT 11.00-11.30am Ripon Market Place (Little Bird Artisan Market) - [Freddie Cleary](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/freddie-cleary-busking/) - Freddie performs as a solo acoustic act (guitar/vocals) playing well-known Indie Rock/Pop/Folk covers such as Oasis, Stone Roses, Plain White T’s and Ed Sheeran as well as his own original songs. As a busker Freddie can often be found entertaining crowds in Ripon, Harrogate, Leeds, York, Robin Hoods Bay and as far a field as - [Janice Hopkinson](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/janice-hopkinson-busking/) - Janice Hopkinson Janice brings traditional folk and Morris tunes to life on the melodeon, entertaining audiences with lively, foot-tapping performances. FREE BUSKING EVENT - please show your support by putting a donation in Janice's hat. 10.45-11.15am The Arcade Janice will also be performing at the top end of Kirkgate at the following time: 1.00-1.30pm & 3.30-4.00pm - [Lily Worth](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/lily-worth-busking/) - Lily is a well-known local singer and performer. She is also a regular director and committee member of the Ripon Charity Pantomime Group. 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 - [The Wakeman Mummers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-wakeman-mummers-26/) - Formed to celebrate the 1100 anniversary of Ripon's City Charter, the Wakeman Mummers are celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2026. Reviving a tradition which goes back many centuries, the “St Wilfrid Play” will be repeated around 5 of Ripon’s hostelries by a colourful band of performers and musicians telling, simply and with humour, the story of King - [Poetry at the Pig](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/poetry-at-the-pig/) - 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 - [Poetry at the Pig](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/poetry-at-the-pig-26/) - 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 - [Pub Tales at King William IV](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/pub-tales-at-king-william-iv/) - 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 - [Pub Tales at The Ripon Inn](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/pub-tales/) - 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 - [Outcast](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/outcast/) - Please note - this theatre experience starts at The Leper Chapel and ends at Ripon Arts Hub - details below. Join writers Paul Mills and Andy Croft in the atmospheric surroundings of the Leper Chapel to tune in to a little-known period of the Middle Ages - The Anarchy. They will share the context and - [Somewhere Road](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/somewhere-road/) - Somewhere Road A four-piece band playing original folk music and folk covers – songs, tunes and stories – on pipes, mandolins, guitars and percussion. The members are Paul Greenwood (Tunstall), Dave Hope (Ripon), Will Forster (Little Fencote) and Paul Hetherington (Hudswell). This year they have performed at Leyburn Festival, Thirsk De Mowbray Festival, local venues - [Participation Zone with Yorkshire CREATE](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/participation-zone-yorkshire-create/) - Dive into a vibrant day of theatre-inspired creativity for families, including mask-making, myths and more. Explore hands-on crafts inside or alongside our dedicated tent space in the Spa Gardens. Participation Zone led by facilitators from Yorkshire CREATE - a Knaresborough-based organisation which provides opportunities for people of all ages. From performing arts to creative writing, - [The Music Bank Guitar Group](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-music-bank-guitar-group/) - The Music Bank Guitar Group Adult students from The Music Bank in Knaresborough. 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 - [Kismat Walla](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/kismat-walla/) - Thingumajig Theatre, who have performed A la Puppet Carte and Kit and Caboodle (pictured below) at previous Ripon Theatre Festivals, return with their brand 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 - [Kismat Walla](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/kismat-walla-2/) - Thingumajig Theatre, who have performed A la Puppet Carte and Kit and Caboodle (pictured below) at previous Ripon Theatre Festivals, return with their brand 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 - [Participation Zone with Yorkshire CREATE](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/participation-zone-with-yorkshire-create-4/) - Dive into a vibrant day of theatre-inspired creativity for families, including mask-making, myths and more. Explore hands-on crafts inside or alongside our dedicated tent space in the Spa Gardens. Participation Zone led by facilitators from Yorkshire CREATE - a Knaresborough-based organisation which provides opportunities for people of all ages. From performing arts to creative writing, - [Participation Zone with Yorkshire CREATE](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/participation-zone-with-yorkshire-create-3/) - Dive into a vibrant day of theatre-inspired creativity for families, including mask-making, myths and more. Explore hands-on crafts inside or alongside our dedicated tent space in the Spa Gardens. Participation Zone led by facilitators from Yorkshire CREATE - a Knaresborough-based organisation which provides opportunities for people of all ages. From performing arts to creative writing, - [Participation Zone with Yorkshire CREATE](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/participation-zone-with-yorkshire-create-2/) - Dive into a vibrant day of theatre-inspired creativity for families, including mask-making, myths and more. Explore hands-on crafts inside or alongside our dedicated tent space in the Spa Gardens. Participation Zone led by facilitators from Yorkshire CREATE - a Knaresborough-based organisation which provides opportunities for people of all ages. From performing arts to creative writing, - [Janice Hopkinson](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/janice-hopkinson/) - 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 - [Janice Hopkinson](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/janice-hopkinson-2/) - 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 - [The Museum of Memorable Trees](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-museum-of-memorable-trees-3/) - 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 - [The Museum of Memorable Trees](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-museum-of-memorable-trees/) - 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 - [The Museum of Memorable Trees](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-museum-of-memorable-trees-copy-2/) - 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 - [Frankie Magilligan](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/frankie-magilligan/) - 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 - [Incidents in the Life of an Anglican Slave](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/incidents-in-the-life-of-an-anglican-slave/) - Incidents is inspired by a letter written in 1723 from an anonymous enslaved Virginian to the archbishop of London, asking the archbishop, and vicariously King George, to “releese us out of this cruell bondegg”. It is thought to be the earliest written plea for freedom from slavery in the British Empire. The extraordinary 1723 letter - [Big Family Weekend: Sunday](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/big-family-weekend-sunday/) - 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. - [Big Family Weekend: Saturday](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/big-family-weekend-saturday/) - 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, - [The Poetical Life of Philomena McGuiness](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-poetical-life-of-philomena-mcguinness/) - How will history remember you? As the person you are, or as the person you want to be? A funny and poignant story of an Irish nurse and poet, based on the true stories from World War II. It’s 1939 and Philomena McGuinness, an Irish nurse and poet, has been newly recruited for the British - [Hampsthwaite Primary School](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/hampsthwaite-primary-school/) - 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 - [Ye Birdz](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/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 - [Around the World with Phileas Fogg: Day 79](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/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 - [The Lost Bus](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-lost-bus/) - 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 - [Out of the Blue](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/out-of-the-blue/) - 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 - [Count Ocular](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/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 - [Ripon Youth Theatre](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-youth-theatre-26/) - 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 - [Ye Birdz](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ye-birdz-2/) - 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 - [The Lost Bus](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-lost-bus-2/) - 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 - [Around the World with Phileas Fogg: Day 79](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/around-the-world-with-phileas-fogg-day-79-2/) - 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 - [Count Ocular](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/count-ocular-2/) - 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 - [Do What Ya Mamma Told Ya!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/do-what-your-mumma-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 About Just More Productions: Just More Productions is a physical theatre - [Out of the Blue (Walkabout)](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/out-of-the-blue-2/) - Out of the Blue (Walkabout) Italian clown Fra Martó brings her laundry with her - laughter and bubbles on the move. 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 - [Hodman and Sally](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/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 About - [St Aelred's Irish Dance](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/st-aelreds-irish-dance-2/) - 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 - [Frankie Magilligan](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/frankie-magilligan-2/) - 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 - [Costa Cabaret Corner](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/costa-cabaret-corner/) - 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. - [Count Ocular](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/count-ocular-3/) - 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 - [Hodman and Sally](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/hodman-and-sally-2/) - 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 About - [The Lost Bus](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-lost-bus-3/) - 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 - [Yorkshire CREATE - Orpheus](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/yorkshire-create-orpheus/) - 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 - [Astro Norma (Walkabout)](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/astro-norma-walkabout/) - Meet Norma from Fladam Theatre's intergalactic musical adventure as she explores the streets of Ripon. FREE EVENT 2.00 -2.30pm The Arcade and City Centre Fladam are performing Astro Norma and the Cosmic Piano in Ripon Library at 10.30am and 12 noon in Ripon Library. - [Out of the Blue](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/out-of-the-blue-3/) - 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 - [Around the World with Phileas Fogg: Day 79](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/around-the-world-with-phileas-fogg-day-79-3/) - 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 - [The Mischievous Monkey](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-mischievous-monkey/) - Join storyteller Olivia Corbin-Phillip (Stories with Liv) in this interactive outdoor storytelling event, perfect for children aged 3-7. Crocodile is not well and needs some monkey liver soup to get better. He concocts a cunning plan.. .but sometimes even tricksters get tricked! FREE EVENT 2.30-3.15pm Minster Gardens Liv will also be sharing stories for children - [The Lost Bus](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-lost-bus-4/) - 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 - [Do What Ya Mamma Told Ya!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/do-what-ya-mumma-told-ya-2/) - 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 About Just More Productions: Just More Productions is a physical theatre - [Ripon Dance Academy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-dance-2026-sat/) - 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 - [Ye Birdz](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ye-birdz-3/) - 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 - [Hodman and Sally](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/hodman-and-sally-3/) - 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 About - [St Aelred's Irish Dance](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/st-aelreds-irish-dance-3/) - 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 - [Ripon Dance Academy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-dance-academy-sun/) - 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 - [Frankie Magilligan](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/frankie-magilligan-sun/) - 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 - [Punch and Judy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/punch-and-judy-2026/) - 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 For over 30 years, Professor Ron Wood has been a beloved figure in the world of entertainment, bringing the enchanting Punch and Judy Show - [St Aelred's Irish Dance](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/st-aelreds-irish-dance-sun-1/) - 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 - [The Rubbish Shakespeare Company: Romeo & Juliet](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/rubbish-shakespeare-romeo-and-juliet/) - Romeo and Juliet Rubbish Shakespeare Company 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. This frenetic 60 mins of fourth-wall-breaking, ludicrous action features clowning, slapstick, and mischievous storytelling, ensuring everyone from 5 to 105 knows what’s going - [Frankie Magilligan](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/frankie-magilligan-sun-2/) - 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 - [Punch and Judy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/punch-and-judy-2026-2/) - 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 For over 30 years, Professor Ron Wood has been a beloved figure in the world of entertainment, bringing the enchanting Punch and Judy Show - [St Aelred's Irish Dance](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/st-aelreds-irish-dance-sun-2/) - 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 - [The Crow House](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/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 multi-skilled performers use aerial, acrobatics, live music and slap-stick comedy to battle the furious crow who has taken up residency. Who will win? A wonderful silent-movie inspired show using - [The Soapsud Sisters](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-soapsud-sisters/) - ‘Here come the girls!’ Pair up your socks, dig out your delicates, separate your silks, it’s laundry time with the magnificent SOAPSUD SISTERS, Rhubarb Theatre’s latest festival show for 2025. Join our bubbly beauties as they take you for a spin through a washing cycle like no other. Presented by Rhubarb Theatre Company About the - [Punch and Judy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/punch-and-judy-2026-3/) - 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 For over 30 years, Professor Ron Wood has been a beloved figure in the world of entertainment, bringing the enchanting Punch and Judy Show - [Ripon Dance Academy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-dance-academy-sun-2/) - 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 - [The Rubbish Shakespeare Company: Romeo & Juliet](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-rubbish-shakespeare-company-romeo-juliet-2/) - Romeo and Juliet Rubbish Shakespeare Company 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. This frenetic 60 mins of fourth-wall-breaking, ludicrous action features clowning, slapstick, and mischievous storytelling, ensuring everyone from 5 to 105 knows what’s going - [St Aelred's Irish Dance](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/st-aelreds-irish-dance-sun/) - 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 - [The Soapsud Sisters](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-soapsud-sisters-2/) - ‘Here come the girls!’ Pair up your socks, dig out your delicates, separate your silks, it’s laundry time with the magnificent SOAPSUD SISTERS, Rhubarb Theatre’s latest festival show for 2025. Join our bubbly beauties as they take you for a spin through a washing cycle like no other. Presented by Rhubarb Theatre Company About the - [The Crow House](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-crow-house-2/) - 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 multi-skilled performers use aerial, acrobatics, live music and slap-stick comedy to battle the furious crow who has taken up residency. Who will win? A wonderful silent-movie inspired show using - [Red](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/red/) - 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. - [Dancing with Colours](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/dancing-with-colours/) - 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 - [Batty!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/batty/) - 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 - [One Man Poe](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/one-man-poe/) - 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 - [Down to Chance](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/down-to-chance/) - One woman, a radio, and the largest earthquake in US History. Anchorage, Alaska. 1964. A part-time radio reporter, her teenage intern, a general on leave, and a local hobbyist find themselves at the centre of a remarkable relief effort. Genie Chance, live on air, must take unimaginable risks to save her community and family from - [Service Please](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/service-please/) - Lara, a hopeful but insecure creative writing graduate, is trying to write the next best-selling fantasy romance novel. There’s only one thing standing in her way: her casual waitressing job that keeps the money coming in. Unprepared for the stressful and chaotic reality of working in the service industry, can Lara keep her sanity and - [Puppetry for Beginners](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/puppetry-for-beginners/) - 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, - [Singing with Flo - Morning Chorus for Early Birds](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/singing-with-flo/) - 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 - [Stage Combat for the Fearless](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/stage-combat-for-the-fearless/) - Inspired by the swashbuckling Three Musketeers or the street fights in Romeo and Juliet? Learn the secrets behind the action in a fun and active session including safe techniques for punches, slaps, and falls. Session led by performers and facilitators from Yorkshire CREATE. Based in Knaresborough, Yorkshire CREATE is an arts organisation dedicated to making creativity accessible to - [Irish Dance for First Timers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/irish-dance-for-first-timers/) - 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 - [No Strings Attached - A Puppet Cabaret](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/no-strings-attached-a-puppet-cabaret/) - An evening of song and sketches and some surprises, all performed by talented puppets with help from local community performers and Puppet Power North. Join the Festival Team, friends and volunteers for a fun finish to Festival week. Puppet Power North (PPN) is led by Mark Edwards who has honed his puppetry skills over the - [Orb Community Arts](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/orb-community-arts/) - 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 - [HG33 Band](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/hg33-band/) - 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 - [Morris Dance from 400 Roses & Slubbing Billy's](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/morris-dance-from-400-roses-slubbing-billys-2/) - 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 - [Morris Dance from 400 Roses & Slubbing Billy's](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/morris-dance-from-400-roses-slubbing-billys-3/) - 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 - [Morris Dance from 400 Roses & Slubbing Billy's](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/morris-dance-from-400-roses-slubbing-billys-4/) - 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 - [Morris Dance from 400 Roses & Slubbing Billy's](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/morris-dance-400-roses-slubbing/) - 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 - [Sound Board](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/sound-board-2/) - Sound Board Zest Theatre It starts with a conversation. Where it ends? That’s up to you. Part chat show, part game, part live performance - Sound Board has been made especially for young people and their community. Packed with quick-fire debates, playful challenges, and surprising moments of honesty, it’s a show shaped by you in - [Sound Board](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/sound-board/) - Sound Board Zest Theatre It starts with a conversation. Where it ends? That’s up to you. Part chat show, part game, part live performance - Sound Board has been made especially for young people and their community. Packed with quick-fire debates, playful challenges, and surprising moments of honesty, it’s a show shaped by you in - [Ripon Walled Garden & Jennyruth Workshops - The Big Red Shoes](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/rwg-and-jennyruth-performers/) - 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 - [Open the Book - Escape!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/open-the-book-escape/) - Open the Book is led by Holy Trinity Church, alongside members from Methodist churches and Ripon Cathedral. The group visits schools across Ripon to bring Bible stories to life through fun, interactive performances involving pupils throughout the show. This year’s production, Escape! retells Moses leading the Hebrews out of Egypt and their journey across the - [Ripon Goes to Bollywood](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-goes-to-bollywood-2026/) - 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 - [Morris Dance from Slubbing Billy's](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/morris-dance-from-slubbing-billys/) - 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 - [Morris Dance from Slubbing Billy's & Medusa Gothic Morris](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/morris-dance-from-slubbing-billys-medusa-gothic-morris/) - 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 - [Morris Dance from Slubbing Billy's & Medusa Gothic Morris](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/morris-dance-from-slubbing-billys-medusa-gothic-morris-2/) - 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 - [Books!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/books-2/) - 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 - [Ripon Trinity Singers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-trinity-singers-2026/) - 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 - [Cricket on the Hearth](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/cricket-on-the-hearth-2026/) - 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 - [Peelers on the Prowl](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/peelers-on-the-prowl/) - 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 - [Peelers on the Prowl](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/peelers-on-the-prowl-2/) - Ripon Museums present 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 11.00am 11.45am Kirkgate 1.00-1.45pm Kirkgate - [Skellsiders](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/skellsiders/) - 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 - [All for One Choir](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/all-for-one-choir/) - 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 - [Calle Oche](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/calle-oche-2026/) - 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 - [Florence Glen](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/florence-glen/) - 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 - [Yorkshire Voices](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/yorkshire-voices-2026/) - Yorkshire Voices say: "We are a true Community Choir embracing all that makes singing in a choir so joyful. We rehearse in nine different locations throughout the week around Harrogate, Ripon, York, Wetherby, Selby and Northallerton and come together for performances, when we meet new and old friends and raise the roof! Our repertoire is - [Lily Worth](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/lily-worth-26/) - Lily is a well-known local singer and performer. She is also a regular director and committee member of the Ripon Charity Pantomime Group. 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 - [Poetry for Breakfast](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/poetry-for-breakfast/) - 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 - [Cosmic Storytime](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/cosmic-storytime/) - Launch into space from the teepee at The Ripon Inn, with a space-themed storytelling session for pre-schoolers and their grown-ups. Explore the story with hands-on sensory activities that spark the imagination and engage the senses. Get ready for a bit of cosmic creativity… For thirsty and hungry explorers, there’s the chance to refuel at The - [Astro Norma and the Cosmic Piano](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/astro-norma-and-the-cosmic-piano-2/) - 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 - [Astro Norma and the Cosmic Piano](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/astro-norma-and-the-cosmic-piano/) - 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 - [Stitch in Time](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/stitch-in-time/) - 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 - [Jord](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/jord/) - Jord explores our fascination and obsession with women staying young and delaying ageing. What happens if we ask for eternal youth? Our bodies and minds turned to stone, preserved in that moment in time? Jord visits Mother Shipton to request her petrifying abilities to turn her age into stone and preserve her youth. Jord will - [Ripon Ghost Walk](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-ghost-walk-26/) - 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 - [Kirkgate Street Party](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/kirkgate-street-party-2026/) - 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! - [Stories with Liv](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/stories-with-liv/) - 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 - [Pop-Up Poetry](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/pop-up-poetry-26/) - Join local poets in a relaxed sharing session in the back room of our favourite Bookshop. "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 - [Hilarity Bites Festival Special 2026](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/hilarity-bites-festival-special-2026/) - Hilarity Bites returns to Ripon Arts Hub with a special show for Ripon Theatre Festival, featuring two stars of Live at the Apollo, QI, and Have I Got News For You – Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Ignacio Lopez. Welsh comedian Kiri is a multi-award winning comedian, satirist and writer. She regularly co-hosts Loose Ends, guest - [Fixing: Launch Event 2026](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/fixing/) - When Matt was little, their dad bought a classic car. A 1952 Sunbeam Talbot Mark II. Dad had ideas that he and Matt would do it up, repair, rebuild together. They never did, and the car festered in a garage. I mean, Dad had just been through a divorce. Now in their 30’s, Matt would - [Peelers, Poachers & Paupers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/peelers-poachers-paupers/) - A tale of resistance, survival and defiance in Victorian Yorkshire Experience an unmissable theatrical journey across Ripon’s historic museums. Ripon Workhouse Theatre Ensemble and Fell Foss Theatre join forces to present a brand-new production staged across all three sites: the Workhouse Museum, the Police and Prison Museum, and the Courthouse. Step into the gripping true - [Peelers, Poachers & Paupers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/peelers-poachers-paupers-2/) - A tale of resistance, survival and defiance in Victorian Yorkshire Experience an unmissable theatrical journey across Ripon’s historic museums. Ripon Workhouse Theatre Ensemble and Fell Foss Theatre join forces to present a brand-new production staged across all three sites: the Workhouse Museum, the Police and Prison Museum, and the Courthouse. Step into the gripping true - [Peelers, Poachers & Paupers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/peelers-poachers-paupers-3/) - A tale of resistance, survival and defiance in Victorian Yorkshire Experience an unmissable theatrical journey across Ripon’s historic museums. Ripon Workhouse Theatre Ensemble and Fell Foss Theatre join forces to present a brand-new production staged across all three sites: the Workhouse Museum, the Police and Prison Museum, and the Courthouse. Step into the gripping true - [Peelers, Poachers & Paupers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/peelers-poachers-paupers-4/) - A tale of resistance, survival and defiance in Victorian Yorkshire Experience an unmissable theatrical journey across Ripon’s historic museums. Ripon Workhouse Theatre Ensemble and Fell Foss Theatre join forces to present a brand-new production staged across all three sites: the Workhouse Museum, the Police and Prison Museum, and the Courthouse. Step into the gripping true - [A Knight Away](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/knight-away/) - Follow Sir Kuss and his loyal (if somewhat grumbling) squire on their well deserved time off! After many a quest, its finally time for a rather well-earned holiday. It was very kind of The Knightly Order to send him on this permanent vacation. As a paragon of Justice – Sir Kuss feels this is nothing - [A Knight Away](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/a-knight-away-2/) - Follow Sir Kuss and his loyal (if somewhat grumbling) squire on their well deserved time off! After many a quest, its finally time for a rather well-earned holiday. It was very kind of The Knightly Order to send him on this permanent vacation. As a paragon of Justice – Sir Kuss feels this is nothing - [Ripon Dance Academy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-dance-academy-2/) - 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 at the Little Bird Artisan Market from - [Ripon Dance Academy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-dance-academy/) - 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 - [Bee Cart](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/beecart/) - Bee guides Bombus and Borage have left the hive with the Bee Cart – their mobile world of interaction, bee wisdom and surreal fun. Delve into the world of bees, learn the pollen packing dance, the waggle dance, try out their buzz pollinator, and maybe even get your nose pollinated! Presented by Pif Paf. FREE - [Bee Cart](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/bee-cart-2/) - Bee guides Bombus and Borage have left the hive with the Bee Cart – their mobile world of interaction, bee wisdom and surreal fun. Delve into the world of bees, learn the pollen packing dance, the waggle dance, try out their buzz pollinator, and maybe even get your nose pollinated! Presented by Pif Paf. FREE - [Bee Cart](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/bee-cart-3/) - Bee guides Bombus and Borage have left the hive with the Bee Cart – their mobile world of interaction, bee wisdom and surreal fun. Delve into the world of bees, learn the pollen packing dance, the waggle dance, try out their buzz pollinator, and maybe even get your nose pollinated! Presented by Pif Paf. FREE - [Punch and Judy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/punch-and-judy-2025/) - 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 11.00am 12.15pm 1.15pm 2.15pm - [Punch and Judy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/punch-and-judy-2025-2/) - 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 11.00am 12.15pm 1.15pm 2.15pm - [Punch and Judy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/punch-and-judy-2025-3/) - 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 11.00am 12.15pm 1.15pm 2.15pm - [Punch and Judy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/punch-and-judy-2025-4/) - 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 11.00am 12.15pm 1.15pm 2.15pm - [Sunday Family Day](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/sunday-family-day-2025/) - Once again our Family Day takes place across Ripon Spa Gardens and at the Little Bird Artisan Market on the Market Place. Open-air theatre, walkabout acts, circus skills workshops and Punch and Judy plus music, stories and dance from community groups. Bring a picnic to the park and stay all day! Join us for a - [Babies, Books & Biscotti](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/babies-books-biscotti/) - 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 - [Books!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/books/) - 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 - [Calamity Dames](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/calamity-dames/) - "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, - [Calamity Dames](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/calamity-dames-2/) - "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, - [Calamity Dames](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/calamity-dames-3/) - "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, - [Cloudscapes](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/cloudscapes/) - 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 - [Cloudscapes](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/cloudscapes-2/) - 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 - [Cloudscapes](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/cloudscapes-3/) - 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 - [Victoria Sponge & Flour Power](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/victoria-sponge-flour-power-2/) - 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 - [Ripon City Morris, Betty Lupton's Ladle Laikers & Slubbing Billy's](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-city-morris-betty-luptons-ladle-laikers-2/) - 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 - [The Wakeman Mummers' Musicians](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-wakeman-mummers-musicians-2/) - 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 - [Soul Choir](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/soul-choir/) - 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 - [The Knighty Knights](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-knighty-knights-2/) - 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 - [Ripon Youth Theatre](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-youth-theatre-2025/) - Ripon Youth Theatre (RYT) runs on Saturday mornings and has over 50 members aged between eight and eighteen from the City and surrounding areas. Here, young people are given the chance to work on the musical theatre skills of singing, dancing and acting as well as taking part in activities such as trips to see - [Tooti Fruity](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/tooti-fruity-2/) - 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 - [Tooti Fruity](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/tooti-fruity-3/) - 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 - [Ripon City Morris, Betty Lupton's Ladle Laikers & Slubbing Billy's](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-city-morris-betty-luptons-ladle-laikers-3/) - 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 - [Slubbing Billy's](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/slubbing-billys-2/) - "We are The Slubbing Billy's, a mixed Morris side dancing in the North West style. We dance in clogs , and bowler hats decorated with fresh flowers. Our large bass drum keeps us in time and our musicians play traditional folk dance tunes. In purple kit , sticks and bells we put on a colourful - [Lula on the Loose](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/lula-hoopa-walkabout/) - 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) 2-2.30pm Kirkgate - [Rock Choir](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/rock-choir-2-2/) - 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 - [Spy Movie: The Play!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/spy-movie-the-play/) - Agent Blonde has 24 hours to save the world. The only things standing in her way are dastardly villains, an outrageous plot, and... a lack of funding. When Hollywood rejects her script, a frustrated screenwriter invites you, an audience of producers, to a one-night-only presentation of The Greatest Spy Movie (n)Ever Made! From two of - [Flamenco Dance Taster Session](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/flamenco-dance-taster/) - A relaxed and friendly one-hour beginners' session led by Vanessa Matthews from Flamenco de Leeds. Since 2015 Flamenco de Leeds has been 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 - [Flamenco de Leeds](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/flamenco-de-leeds/) - 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 - [Jack and the Beanstalk](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/jack-and-the-beanstalk/) - 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 - [Ripon Dance Academy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-dance-academy-3/) - 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 at the Little Bird Artisan Market from - [Ripon Dance Academy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-dance-academy-sunday/) - 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 at Ripon Spa Gardens from 10-10.30am and - [The Dame Judy & Mr Punchinello Show!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/mr-punchinello/) - 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 - [The Dame Judy & Mr Punchinello Show!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-dame-judy-mr-punchinello-show-2/) - 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 - [The Dame Judy & Mr Punchinello Show!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-dame-judy-mr-punchinello-show-3/) - 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 - [The Knighty Knights](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-knighty-knights/) - 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 - [The Knighty Knights](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-knighty-knights-3/) - 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 - [Lula on the Loose](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/lula-on-the-loose-2/) - 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](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/story-cart/) - 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 - [The Story Cart](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-story-cart-2/) - 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 - [The Fantastic Mr Forster](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-fantastic-mr-forster/) - 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 Fantastic Mr Forster](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-fantastic-mr-forster-2/) - 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- 12.45pm Minster Gardens 2.30 - 3.15pm Market Place - [Yorkshire Voices](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/yorkshire-voices-2025/) - "We are a community choir who practice in nine choirs through the week in Ripon, Harrogate, Northallerton, Thirsk, York, Wetherby and Selby and come together to perform under our brilliant Choir Leader Steve Brown. Our performances are joyous! We are an eclectic group who love to sing and we have so much fun and our - [Bomb Happy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/bomb-happy/) - “Bomb Happy is a slang phrase we use for being under fire for many days at a time… it does describe the condition you become.” D Day Veteran, Ken “Smudger” Smith Two new works telling the stories of Yorkshire Normandy Veterans in their own words. This poignant and lyrical double-bill includes: A Walk in the - [Saturday Street Entertainment](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/saturday-street-entertainment-2025/) - 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, - [Sunday Street Entertainment at Little Bird Artisan Market](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/sunday-street-entertainment-2025/) - Once again our Family Day takes place across Ripon Spa Gardens and at the Little Bird Artisan Market on the Market Place. A fantastic range of professional acts and community performances whilst you browse the stalls or pull up a deck chair and take the weight off for a while. All events are FREE. Head - [Almost Austen](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/almost-austen/) - Catherine is a modern girl in love with Jane Austen’s world. She can’t believe her luck when she meets her very own Mr Tilney. Through passages from Northanger Abbey, songs from musicals and operatic classics, singer Louise Geller relates Catherine’s romantic ups and downs as real life and fantasy collide. Following a sold-out run at - [Pirate Princess](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/pirate-princess/) - ** 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, - [Mrs Churchill - My Life with Winston](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/mrs-churchill-my-life-with-winston/) - Winston Churchill is arguably one of the most famous Englishmen that has ever lived. His inspirational leadership helped win the Second World War, and his parliamentary career of 62 years ensured he was responsible for many momentous decisions. What of Clementine, his wife for 56 years? They say that behind every great man, there is - [Mangoes on the Beach](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/mangoes-on-the-beach/) - Love.. Loss.. Separation.. and the ties that bind a family. 1937. India is still under British rule, and in a small village in the north a ten year old boy dreams of a better life. A life free from the shackles of the caste system which has imprisoned his family for as long as anyone - [Third Class - A Titanic Story](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/third-class-a-titanic-story/) - "The White Star Line merged itself out of existence. Those clever little educated boys.” A one-man theatre show based on the life of Titanic survivor, Edward Dorking. Edward was gay. Openly gay, and on Wednesday, April 10th, 1912, he set sail for NYC on a ticket bought for him by his parents in the hope - [The Beloved Son](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-beloved-son/) - A moving solo performance by Andrew Harrison, exploring hope and longing, family dynamics, sexual and emotional crisis, and the profound insights of a man who became one of the greatest spiritual writers of the 20th century. Henri Nouwen (1932 – 1996) was a Dutch, Catholic priest, psychologist, and professor who reached the heights of academic - [Morris Dance Taster Session](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/morris-dance-taster/) - Do you love to see traditional Morris sides dancing in public spaces over the summer months? Have you thought about joining in? It's a great way to keep fit and keep a vibrant tradition going for the future. Rehearsals usually (always?) end in the pub, so it's very sociable activity and a great way of - [African Drumming Workshop](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/african-drumming-workshop/) - If you’ve got a heartbeat you’ve got rhythm! Learn to tap your natural human potential in this relaxed and friendly one-hour beginners' session led by Alison Lyon from Drums Agogo. Alison has been teaching drumming for twenty-one years, and her fun (and sometimes rather silly) style has made her classes and workshops a hit with adult - [Head in the Clouds](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/head-in-the-clouds-2/) - A serene and beautiful walkabout act of three wandering women with their head in the clouds.... Feeling foggy?... In limbo?....When things get a little stormy, remember that after the rain comes a rainbow...these airheads will leave you feeling on cloud 9! Curiously quirky walkabout act brought to you by Kitsch n Sync Collective. FREE EVENT - [Head in the Clouds](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/head-in-the-clouds/) - A serene and beautiful walkabout act of three wandering women with their head in the clouds.... Feeling foggy?... In limbo?....When things get a little stormy, remember that after the rain comes a rainbow...these airheads will leave you feeling on cloud 9! Curiously quirky walkabout act brought to you by Kitsch n Sync Collective. FREE EVENT - [The Pied Piper](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-pied-piper-3/) - Notice this Notice are proud to present their brand new adaptation of Pied Piper of Hamelin! Based on Robert Browning's much loved poem, the mischievous Piper outwits the greedy townsfolk and their plague of pesky rats. Expect a RAT-ical performance with music, witty wordplay, and plenty of audience participation as we bring this classic tale - [The Pied Piper](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-pied-piper-2/) - Notice this Notice are proud to present their brand new adaptation of Pied Piper of Hamelin! Based on Robert Browning's much loved poem, the mischievous Piper outwits the greedy townsfolk and their plague of pesky rats. Expect a RAT-ical performance with music, witty wordplay, and plenty of audience participation as we bring this classic tale - [The Pied Piper](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-pied-piper/) - Notice this Notice are proud to present their brand new adaptation of Pied Piper of Hamelin! Based on Robert Browning's much loved poem, the mischievous Piper outwits the greedy townsfolk and their plague of pesky rats. Expect a RAT-ical performance with music, witty wordplay, and plenty of audience participation as we bring this classic tale - [The Puppet Petting Farm](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-puppet-petting-farm-3/) - Come join us down on the farm for this brand-new puppet show from HandMade Theatre. Featuring a wonderful collection of loveable animals from the cheeky goat to the giant highland cow. Playfully interact with these wonderful puppets and enjoy original music and songs. The puppets are handcrafted from recycled materials and come to life in - [The Puppet Petting Farm](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/puppet-petting-farm/) - Come join us down on the farm for this brand-new puppet show from HandMade Theatre. Featuring a wonderful collection of loveable animals from the cheeky goat to the giant highland cow. Playfully interact with these wonderful puppets and enjoy original music and songs. The puppets are handcrafted from recycled materials and come to life in - [The Puppet Petting Farm](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-puppet-petting-farm-2/) - Come join us down on the farm for this brand-new puppet show from HandMade Theatre. Featuring a wonderful collection of loveable animals from the cheeky goat to the giant highland cow. Playfully interact with these wonderful puppets and enjoy original music and songs. The puppets are handcrafted from recycled materials and come to life in - [Breadcrumbs](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/breadcrumbs/) - Hansel and Gretel are siblings that just can't seem to get along. They argue about everything: Who's the loudest, who's the fastest, who's the smartest, who's Mum's favourite, and who gets the most Christmas presents?! So when they wake up lost and confused in the heart of the enchanted forest one day, it's no surprise - [Breadcrumbs](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/breadcrumbs-2/) - Hansel and Gretel are siblings that just can't seem to get along. They argue about everything: Who's the loudest, who's the fastest, who's the smartest, who's Mum's favourite, and who gets the most Christmas presents?! So when they wake up lost and confused in the heart of the enchanted forest one day, it's no surprise - [Victoria Sponge & Flour Power](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/victoria-sponge-flour-power-3/) - 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 - [Victoria Sponge & Flour Power](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/victoria-sponge/) - 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 mouthwatering sweets, cherries and lollipops. Beside the cake stands Flour Power, the baker, who created this - [Dishforth Military Wives Choir](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/dishforth-military-wives/) - The Military Wives Choirs is a registered charity and network of 75 choirs in British military bases across the UK and overseas, bringing women in the military community closer together through singing. We share a love of singing and have a communal understanding that comes from our members' shared experiences of the Armed Forces. FREE - [Ripon City Morris, Betty Lupton's Ladle Laikers & Slubbing Billy's](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-city-morris-betty-luptons-ladle-laikers-4/) - 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 - [Ripon City Morris, Betty Lupton's Ladle Laikers & Slubbing Billy's](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-city-morris-2025/) - 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 - [Slubbing Billy's](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/slubbing-billys-sunday-2/) - "We are The Slubbing Billy's, a mixed Morris side dancing in the North West style. We dance in clogs , and bowler hats decorated with fresh flowers. Our large bass drum keeps us in time and our musicians play traditional folk dance tunes. In purple kit , sticks and bells we put on a colourful - [Slubbing Billy's](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/slubbing-billys-sunday/) - "We are The Slubbing Billy's, a mixed Morris side dancing in the North West style. We dance in clogs , and bowler hats decorated with fresh flowers. Our large bass drum keeps us in time and our musicians play traditional folk dance tunes. In purple kit , sticks and bells we put on a colourful - [Tooti Fruity](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/tooti-fruity/) - 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 - [Cricket on the Hearth](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/cricket-on-the-hearth-2025/) - 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 - [Grace Hughes](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/grace-hughes/) - 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. ". - [Lily Worth](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/lily-worth-2025/) - 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 - [The Daytones](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-daytones/) - 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 - [Skellside Folk Group](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/skellside-folk-group/) - 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 - [Lula Hoopa](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/lula-hoopa/) - Dynamic hula hoop circus act. Rhythmic gymnastics, dance and fun. You might even get a chance to give it a go yourself. FREE EVENT 10.30 - 11.00 Cathedral Forecourt 12.45 - 1.15am Market Place - [Calle Oche](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/calle-oche/) - 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 - [Rock Choir](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/rock-choir-2025/) - 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 - [Belebele](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/belebele/) - Drums Agogo presents – Belebele ! This is African drumming with a Yorkshire accent! It’s funky, fun and folky - come and stomp your feet to the joyful sound of Belebele – It means “ a big personality,” and you’ll see what they mean. FREE EVENT Minster Gardens 10.30 – 11am **Fancy having a go - [Pop-Up Poetry](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/pop-up-poetry/) - 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 - [The Wakeman Mummers' Musicians](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-wakeman-mummers-2025/) - 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 - [The Wakeman Mummers' Musicians](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-wakeman-mummers-musicians-3/) - 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 - [Ripon Trinity Singers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/trinity-singers-2025/) - Ripon Trinity Singers is a local community chamber choir rehearsing at St. Wilfrid’s Community Hall every Thursday evening during term time. 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 - [Ripon Trinity Singers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/trinity-singers2-2025/) - Ripon Trinity Singers is a local community chamber choir rehearsing at St. Wilfrid’s Community Hall every Thursday evening during term time. 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 - [Medusa](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/medusa-2025/) - Medusa Gothic Morris are a small Knaresborough-based dance team bringing elegance and Gothic mystery to the art of Morris dancing, with black kit and purple hankies, and tunes in a minor key. They would welcome new dancers (no experience necessary) and musicians. To join us, contact Sally on 01423 868753 or email spolem@hotmail.com FREE EVENT - [Circus Skills with Tit for Tat](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/circus-skills-with-tit-for-tat-2/) - Have a go with juggling balls and clubs, poi and ribbon twirling, staff spinning, Chinese yoyo, diabolo, balancing props and handstand tuition. Take time out from seeing shows to have some fun with the experts. Tit for Tat are an eccentric Circus Theatre company that believes in celebrating the ordinary. They create high-octane entertainment for - [Ripon Walled Garden Performers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-walled-garden-performers-2025/) - 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 - [Ripon Goes to Bollywood](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-goes-to-bollywood-2025/) - 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 - [Open the Book - The Story of Joseph](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/open-the-book-2025/) - The story of Joseph (and his famous technicolour dream-coat) in around 20 minutes. 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 - [Scrumptious!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/scrumptious-2/) - All is well at Sylvie’s Scrumptious Sweet Shop, PC Lee can’t resist the fruit cake, Stanley the Horse loves peppermint creams, and the Talkative Twins only cause a crumb of chaos. That is until a stranger arrives, and their irresistible ice cream threatens to spoil everything. A magical show about friendship and ice cream, with - [Anansi & the Lost Sun](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/anansi-the-lost-sun/) - An inspiring and entertaining West African tale mixing puppetry and traditional music. One day darkness covers the face of the land. Lion appeals for someone to bring back the light and save the world. Who will succeed? The powerful Eagle? The clever Monkey? Or Anansi the Spider and his mates? Presented by Swallows Wing Puppetry. - [Kirkgate Street Party](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/kirkgate-street-party-2025/) - 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 - [Scrumptious!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/scrumptious/) - All is well at Sylvie’s Scrumptious Sweet Shop, PC Lee can’t resist the fruit cake, Stanley the Horse loves peppermint creams, and the Talkative Twins only cause a crumb of chaos. That is until a stranger arrives, and their irresistible ice cream threatens to spoil everything. A magical show about friendship and ice cream, with - [Short & Sweet Minis](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/short-and-sweet-minis/) - 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 - [Ripon Ghost Walk](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-ghost-walk/) - 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 - [Circus Skills with Tit for Tat](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/circus-skills-with-tit-for-tat-1/) - Have a go with juggling balls and clubs, poi and ribbon twirling, staff spinning, Chinese yoyo, diabolo, balancing props and handstand tuition. Take time out from seeing shows to have some fun with the experts. Tit for Tat are an eccentric Circus Theatre company that believes in celebrating the ordinary. They create high-octane entertainment for - [Hilarity Bites Festival Special](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/hilarity-bites-festival-special-2/) - Ripon Theatre Festival joins forces with Ripon Arts Hub’s monthly Hilarity Bites Comedy Club to present a special show headlined by Larry Dean. Larry’s credits include the Royal Variety Performance in 2024, two appearances on Live at the Apollo (once as host), Mock the Week, House of Games, Roast Battle, World’s Most Dangerous Roads, The Stand Up Sketch Show, The Comedy Roast for SU2C, and Michael - [Walking and Writing City and Country](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/walking-and-writing-city-and-country/) - ‘Ripon…has not only an agreeable situation on a rising ground between two rivers, but the marketplace is the finest and most beautiful square that is to be seen of its kind in England’ Daniel Defoe 1724-6 Wetlands and rivers, canals and monasteries, monuments and follies; the city of Ripon is an inspirational landscape that has - [Walking and Writing City and Country](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/walking-and-writing-city-and-country-2/) - ‘Ripon…has not only an agreeable situation on a rising ground between two rivers, but the marketplace is the finest and most beautiful square that is to be seen of its kind in England’ Daniel Defoe 1724-6 Wetlands and rivers, canals and monasteries, monuments and follies; the city of Ripon is an inspirational landscape that has - [Short and Sweet Yorkshire Showcase](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/short-and-sweet-yorkshire-showcase/) - Get ready for an electrifying showcase of Yorkshire’s finest up-and-coming talent as the Short and Sweet Yorkshire Festival Finalists take to the stage at Ripon Festival 2025! This special event celebrates the very best in local new writing, with a diverse line up spanning theatre, spoken word, and music. Short and Sweet Yorkshire is an - [Doctor Fairytale](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/doctor-fairytale/) - Catherine Jacob introduces her beautiful rhyming book for little ones. "My name is Doctor Fairytale, I'm always super busy. My list of patients is so long, it sometimes makes me dizzy!" In a magical fairytale land, Doctor Fairytale and her dog, Nurse Pup, travel far and wide to help injured or poorly people! Rapunzel's head - [Anansi & the Lost Sun](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/anansi-the-lost-sun-2/) - An inspiring and entertaining West African tale mixing puppetry and traditional music. One day darkness covers the face of the land. Lion appeals for someone to bring back the light and save the world. Who will succeed? The powerful Eagle? The clever Monkey? Or Anansi the Spider and his mates? Presented by Swallows Wing Puppetry. - [Storytelling for Beginners](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/storytelling-for-beginners/) - Whether you are thinking of dipping your toe into live storytelling, are a parent, teacher or carer who loves telling or reading stories to younger listeners, use public speaking in your work, or are just curious about how the ancient art of spoken storytelling can be relevant in the 21st century - this workshop might - [Nana Funk: Tough Old Bird](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/nana-funk-tough-old-bird/) - A heartfelt musical journey of exploration, inspired by real life events. Presented by Nana Funk, the great-great-grandmother of good times. Tough Old Bird explores how women are viewed in society as they have the absolute gall to get older! Have you ever noticed those adverts promising to ‘defy the effects of ageing’? Ooh Nana hates - [A Midsummer Night's Dream](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/a-midsummer-nights-dream/) - It’s Midsummer’s eve and deep in an enchanted forest mischief is stirring. The Fairy King and Queen are feuding, four runaway lovers are tying themselves in knots, and a troupe of quite appalling actors are preparing a theatrical extravaganza destined to impress. With shapeshifting trouble-maker Puck at the helm, the course of true love never - [The Wind in the Willows](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-wind-in-the-willows/) - Mole yearns to explore the wide world. Gruff old Badger enjoys peace and quiet. And Rat likes picnics and just messing about in boats. Their idyllic lives on the Riverbank are turned upside down when Toad, bewitched by the roar of an engine and the screech of burning tyres, pursues his latest in a long - [Opera Brunch](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/opera-brunch/) - *SOLD OUT* With the Down-to-Earth Diva, Nicola Mills.An uplifting start to your Festival Sunday with a truly unique performer. Choose from a wide-ranging Song Menu from Italian arias to crossover classics. “I laughed and was amazed in a matter of minutes” Tickets £16 - includes brunch Brunch includes sweet or savoury pastries with Bucks Fizz - [Stand Up Stories](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/stand-up-stories/) - *SOLD OUT* Join our Storyteller in Residence, Ilaria Passeri, for funny stories with a glass of wine.The product of a bold Scottish mother, an errant Italian father and a little sister with the vocabulary of a truck driver, Ilaria has found herself in more than a few scrapes, situations and silly scenes. In this quirky - [Saturday Street Entertainment](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/saturday-street-entertainment-2/) - Walkabout acts, crazy characters, circus and clowning bring the streets and open spaces of Ripon to life throughout the day. Professional acts come together with community performers including Ripon City Morris Dancers, the Rock Choir and Ripon Youth Theatre. Performances will be staged at Ripon Market Place, Minster Gardens (in front of the Courthouse Museum), - [Sunday Family Day](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/family-day/) - 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 - [Saturday Pop-Up Events](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/saturday-pop-up-events/) - We love our Pop-Up Events! Surprising events in surprising places. Puppets, storytelling, music, heritage tales, poetry, music and theatre. Venues large and small, across our beautiful city. Professional performances alongside community groups plus events from our Storyteller-in Residence and shows with links to the history of Ripon. Please note: some of these events are ticketed - [The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-adventures-of-doctor-doolittle/) - 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 - [Looking For Me Friend - the Music of Victoria Wood](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/looking-for-me-friend/) - *SOLD OUT* “The most feel-good show in town”⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (The Daily Mail) has spread nostalgia and laughter throughout the UK and has the seal of approval from Victoria’s very own schoolchums and colleagues. Featuring the star of BBC1’s ‘All Together Now’, Paulus The Cabaret Geek “King of Cabaret” (The Stage) with Michael Roulston - [Mr Owen's Pocketbook](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/mr-owens-pocketbook/) - *SOLD OUT* Wilfred Owen lived his last summer in Ripon. He spent his last birthday in the Cathedral which now provides a fitting backdrop for Rupert Mason’s one-man performance.An officer travels from Allied HQ to the Western Front one week before the Armistice and discovers the pocket book of a young lieutenant killed that day. - [Family Theatre Workshop with Henshaws](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/family-theatre-workshop/) - 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 - [Ripon Walled Garden Performers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-walled-garden-performers/) - 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 - [Tales from the Scriptorium](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/tales-from-the-scriptorium-2/) - Brother Aidan returns to the Festival, bringing heritage crafts, history and storytelling to his new home at Fountains Abbey. Witness the process of creating an Anglo Saxon book whilst he weaves talks of his life as a monk. On hand - a huge range of replica artefacts. Demonstration includes parchment and ink making, leatherwork, bookbinding - [Tales from the Scriptorium](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/tales-from-the-scriptorium-3/) - Brother Aidan returns to the Festival, bringing heritage crafts, history and storytelling to his new home at Fountains Abbey. Witness the process of creating an Anglo Saxon book whilst he weaves talks of his life as a monk. On hand - a huge range of replica artefacts. Demonstration includes parchment and ink making, leatherwork, bookbinding - [Ripon Goes to Bollywood](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-goes-to-bollywood/) - 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 - [Rock Choir](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/rock-choir/) - The UK's original award-winning, local, contemporary choir. 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 - [Rock Choir](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/rock-choir-2/) - The UK's original award-winning, local, contemporary choir. 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 - [Tales from Honeypot Village](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/tales-from-honeypot-village-2/) - Join our Storyteller in Residence, Ilaria, for an imaginative adventure with puppets. Funny and interactive stories featuring loveable characters Rita the Mouse and The Tidy Trolls. Age guide ​4+ A Pay What ​You Can event. Recommended price £4 per ​child. - [Punch and Judy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/punch-and-judy-4/) - 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 - [Punch and Judy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/punch-and-judy/) - 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 - [Punch and Judy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/punch-and-judy-3/) - 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 - [Punch and Judy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/punch-and-judy-2/) - 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 - [The Not So Big Bad Wolf](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-not-so-big-bad-wolf/) - “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 - [The Not So Big Bad Wolf](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-not-so-big-bad-wolf-2/) - “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 - [Ayla's Dream](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/aylas-dream/) - Another magical miniature suitcase show from expert puppeteers, Eye of Newt. A captivating tale of night skies, light and counting sheep. Puppet workshop making beautiful moths accompanies the library performance. Age guide ​3-10 A Pay What ​You Can event. Recommended price £4 per ​child. Performance is also repeated every ten minutes in Ripon Cathedral from - [Trunk Tales](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/trunk-tales/) - A well-travelled lady arrives with her trunk of tales that tell of boastful toads, magical fish and fearsome beasts. Using only the contents of her magical luggage, she creates Arabic seas, epic mountains, fields of turnips and the tallest trees. Interactive stories from around the world. Imagination is the only passport you’ll need.The perfect tea-time - [The Tea Cosies](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-tea-cosies/) - Meet Dorothy Dunker, Tippy Teapot and Barbara Bourbon. Come and have a natter with our colourful crochet trolley dollies! There’s always a warm brew and plate of goodies on show when these ladies are about… “One lump or two?”… A fun, family-friendly walkabout act with dance, stories and jokes. There are also a few interactive - [Logy on Fire](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/logy-on-fire/) - Juggling danger and excitement, this show is raw, rock ‘n’ roll and full of danger. Playing with fire and risking lacerations and climaxing in a perilous display of equilibrium and custom-made razor-sharp unique object juggling like you have never seen before! Logy is a Belfast-based bearded multi manipulator and performer. Performing since 2001, he has - [Workhouse Walkabouts](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/workhouse-walkabouts/) - FREE EVENT 11am-12noon Minster Gardens 1.15-2pm Minster Gardens - [Sedan Chair Stories](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/sedan-chair-stories/) - Hail down the ultimate in Georgian era transport and be carried above the hoi polloi, hear scurrilous tales from Ripon’s scandalous past as your footmen pass on their knowledge and deposit you at your destination of choice. From the dastardly deeds of Eugene Arum to the insider trading of Chancellor Aislabie, each Sedan Chair Story - [The Tea Cosies](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-tea-cosies-2/) - Meet Dorothy Dunker, Tippy Teapot and Barbara Bourbon. Come and have a natter with our colourful crochet trolley dollies! There’s always a warm brew and plate of goodies on show when these ladies are about… “One lump or two?”… A fun, family-friendly walkabout act with dance, stories and jokes. There are also a few interactive - [Ripon Youth Theatre](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-youth-theatre/) - FREE EVENT 12-12.30pm Minster Gardens - [Logy on Fire](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/logy-on-fire-2/) - Juggling danger and excitement, this show is raw, rock ‘n’ roll and full of danger. Playing with fire and risking lacerations and climaxing in a perilous display of equilibrium and custom-made razor-sharp unique object juggling like you have never seen before! Logy is a Belfast-based bearded multi manipulator and performer. Performing since 2001, he has - [Sedan Chair Stories](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/sedan-chair-stories-2/) - Hail down the ultimate in Georgian era transport and be carried above the hoi polloi, hear scurrilous tales from Ripon’s scandalous past as your footmen pass on their knowledge and deposit you at your destination of choice. From the dastardly deeds of Eugene Arum to the insider trading of Chancellor Aislabie, each Sedan Chair Story - [Workhouse Walkabouts](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/workhouse-walkabouts-2/) - FREE EVENT 11am-12noon Minster Gardens 1.15-2pm Minster Gardens - [The Tea Cosies](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-tea-cosies-3/) - Meet Dorothy Dunker, Tippy Teapot and Barbara Bourbon. Come and have a natter with our colourful crochet trolley dollies! There’s always a warm brew and plate of goodies on show when these ladies are about… “One lump or two?”… A fun, family-friendly walkabout act with dance, stories and jokes. There are also a few interactive - [The Tea Cosies](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-tea-cosies-4/) - Meet Dorothy Dunker, Tippy Teapot and Barbara Bourbon. Come and have a natter with our colourful crochet trolley dollies! There’s always a warm brew and plate of goodies on show when these ladies are about… “One lump or two?”… A fun, family-friendly walkabout act with dance, stories and jokes. There are also a few interactive - [Let Them Eat Cake](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/let-them-eat-cake/) - 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 - [Let Them Eat Cake](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/let-them-eat-cake-2/) - 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 - [Hilarity Bites Festival Special](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/hilarity-bites-festival-special/) - Hilarity Bites Comedy Club x Ripon Theatre Festival feat. Tarot, Black Liver, Joe Kent-Walters, and host Lee Kyle Tonight’s extra special comedy collaboration has a twist of theatre and a dash of music with a good dollop of improv squirted on the top. Tarot Born from the loins of multi-award winning sketch powerhouses Gein's Family - [Struzzo and Maxim](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/struzzo-and-maxim-4/) - 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 - [Struzzo and Maxim](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/struzzo-and-maxim/) - 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 - [Struzzo and Maxim](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/struzzo-and-maxim-3/) - 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 - [Struzzo and Maxim](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/struzzo-and-maxim-2/) - 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 - [Theatre for One](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/theatre-for-one/) - 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 - [Ripon City Morris & 400 Roses and Thorns](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-city-morris-400-roses-and-thorns-3/) - 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 - [Theatre for One](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/theatre-for-one-2/) - 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 - [Theatre for One](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/theatre-for-one-3/) - 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 - [Cricket on the Hearth](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/cricket-on-the-hearth/) - 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 - [Ripon City Morris & 400 Roses and Thorns](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-city-morris-400-roses-and-thorns-4/) - 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 - [Arcade](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/arcade-4/) - Casson & Friends has a passion for bringing dance to people in new and unusual ways. Set to a bouncing electronic soundtrack, ARCADE’s interactive dance games will connect you with the childlike joy of play. Watch the fun unfold or get stuck in with our friendly team of dancers, led by The Gamesmaster. Six unique - [Ripon City Morris & 400 Roses and Thorns](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-city-morris-400-roses-and-thorns-2/) - 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 - [Medusa](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/medusa-2/) - Medusa Gothic Morris are a women’s dance group, we are based in Knaresborough and practice on Thursday evenings. We dress in black and purple, and regularly dance at local events. We would welcome new dancers (no experience necessary) and musicians to join us, contact Sally on 01423 868753 or email spolem@hotmail.com FREE EVENT 10-10.30am Ripon Cathedral forecourt - [Arcade](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/arcade-3/) - Casson & Friends has a passion for bringing dance to people in new and unusual ways. Set to a bouncing electronic soundtrack, ARCADE’s interactive dance games will connect you with the childlike joy of play. Watch the fun unfold or get stuck in with our friendly team of dancers, led by The Gamesmaster. Six unique - [Arcade](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/arcade-2/) - Casson & Friends has a passion for bringing dance to people in new and unusual ways. Set to a bouncing electronic soundtrack, ARCADE’s interactive dance games will connect you with the childlike joy of play. Watch the fun unfold or get stuck in with our friendly team of dancers, led by The Gamesmaster. Six unique - [Ripon City Morris & 400 Roses and Thorns](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-city-morris-400-roses-and-thorns/) - 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 - [Medusa](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/medusa/) - Medusa Gothic Morris are a women’s dance group, we are based in Knaresborough and practice on Thursday evenings. We dress in black and purple, and regularly dance at local events. We would welcome new dancers (no experience necessary) and musicians to join us, contact Sally on 01423 868753 or email spolem@hotmail.com FREE EVENT 10-10.30am Ripon Cathedral forecourt - [Arcade](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/arcade/) - Casson & Friends has a passion for bringing dance to people in new and unusual ways. Set to a bouncing electronic soundtrack, ARCADE’s interactive dance games will connect you with the childlike joy of play. Watch the fun unfold or get stuck in with our friendly team of dancers, led by The Gamesmaster. Six unique - [Passion for Movement](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/passion-for-movement/) - FREE EVENT 12.30-1pm Little Bird Market - [The Fireman Dave – Circus Skills Drop-In](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-fireman-dave-circus-skills-drop-in/) - 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 - [Short Story Writing Workshop](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/short-story-writing-workshop/) - A fun, practical and creative session for adults. How to turn your real-life experiences and memories into material for imaginative short stories. Bring a pen and notepad. Led by Ilaria Passeri, RTF Storyteller in Residence. "Ilaria Passeri has a knack for finding the bizarre in the mundane and weaving it into funny and touching stories. - [The Wakeman Mummers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-wakeman-mummers/) - FREE EVENT 11.15-11.30am Ripon Cathedral forecourt 1.15-1.30pm Ripon Cathedral forecourt - [Yorkshire Voices](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/yorkshire-voices/) - FREE EVENT 11.30am-12 noon Ripon Cathedral - [U3A Folk Group](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/u3a-folk-group/) - FREE EVENT 12.30-1pm Ripon Cathedral - [The Wakeman Mummers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-wakeman-mummers-2/) - FREE EVENT 11.15-11.30am Ripon Cathedral forecourt 1.15-1.30pm Ripon Cathedral forecourt - [Trinity Singers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/trinity-singers/) - Ripon Trinity Singers is a local community chamber choir rehearsing at St. Wilfrid’s Community Hall every Thursday evening during term time. 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. We are currently - [Trinity Singers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/trinity-singers-2/) - Ripon Trinity Singers is a local community chamber choir rehearsing at St. Wilfrid’s Community Hall every Thursday evening during term time. 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. We are currently - [Lily Worth](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/lily-worth/) - FREE EVENT 1.30-2pm Little Bird Market - [The U3A Ukulele Group](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-u3a-ukulele-group/) - FREE EVENT 12.30-1pm Ripon Spa Gardens - [Monoliths - Tuesday](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/monoliths-tuesday/) - Three women. Three voices. Three stories. An immersive, digital theatre experience, which interweaves three northern UK landscapes – a moor, a city and a coast – with sweeping soundscapes and poetic monologues. Written by Hannah Davies, Carmen Marcus and Asma Elbadawi, the stories are an arresting testament to the inextricable link between person and place. - [A Spoonful of Julie](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/a-spoonful-of-julie/) - It’s supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!Who loves Julie Andrews? A practically perfect and truly memorable one-woman tribute. Full of charming stories of Julie’s life with songs, sing-a-longs and medleys from all her best-known shows. A lunchtime delight to entertain and transport you to a world of favourite things. Performed by Nicola Mills with Pianist Maria King Suitable for all - [Monoliths - Wednesday](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/monoliths-wednesday/) - Three women. Three voices. Three stories. An immersive, digital theatre experience, which interweaves three northern UK landscapes – a moor, a city and a coast – with sweeping soundscapes and poetic monologues. Written by Hannah Davies, Carmen Marcus and Asma Elbadawi, the stories are an arresting testament to the inextricable link between person and place. - [Look After Your Knees](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/look-after-your-knees/) - Look After Your Knees is a new solo work by theatre maker, performer and physical comedian Natalie Bellingham. It is about the pain and beauty of growing older, of connecting and unravelling, of taking hold and letting go. This new solo performance uses comedy, storytelling, movement and interaction to uncover some of the things in - [Monoliths - Thursday](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/monoliths-thursday/) - Three women. Three voices. Three stories. An immersive, digital theatre experience, which interweaves three northern UK landscapes – a moor, a city and a coast – with sweeping soundscapes and poetic monologues. Written by Hannah Davies, Carmen Marcus and Asma Elbadawi, the stories are an arresting testament to the inextricable link between person and place. - [Shakespeare's Royals](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/shakespeares-royals/) - Join Barrie Rutter OBE, plus special guest, to celebrate the Bard’s Kings & Queens – their achievements, conquests and foibles – with anecdotes and memories from a career of playing and directing Shakespeare’s Royals, with Northern Broadsides and beyond, all over the world. "A formidable, inspiring frontman, never afraid to be outspoken, the irrepressible Yorkshireman - [Freddie Cleary](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/freddie-cleary/) - Freddie performs as a solo acoustic act (guitar/vocals) playing well-known Indie Rock/Pop/Folk covers such as Oasis, Stone Roses, Plain White T’s and Ed Sheeran as well as his own original songs. As a busker Freddie can often be found entertaining crowds in Ripon, Harrogate, Leeds, York, Robin Hoods Bay and as far a field as - [Monoliths - Friday](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/monoliths-friday/) - Three women. Three voices. Three stories. An immersive, digital theatre experience, which interweaves three northern UK landscapes – a moor, a city and a coast – with sweeping soundscapes and poetic monologues. Written by Hannah Davies, Carmen Marcus and Asma Elbadawi, the stories are an arresting testament to the inextricable link between person and place. - [Monoliths - Saturday morning](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/monoliths-saturday-morning/) - Three women. Three voices. Three stories. An immersive, digital theatre experience, which interweaves three northern UK landscapes – a moor, a city and a coast – with sweeping soundscapes and poetic monologues. Written by Hannah Davies, Carmen Marcus and Asma Elbadawi, the stories are an arresting testament to the inextricable link between person and place. - [Monoliths - Saturday afternoon](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/monoliths-saturday-afternoon/) - Three women. Three voices. Three stories. An immersive, digital theatre experience, which interweaves three northern UK landscapes – a moor, a city and a coast – with sweeping soundscapes and poetic monologues. Written by Hannah Davies, Carmen Marcus and Asma Elbadawi, the stories are an arresting testament to the inextricable link between person and place. - [We're Not Going Back](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/were-not-going-back/) - 75 Mines. 3 Sisters. 1 Cause. (And a six-pack of Babycham) 2024 is the fortieth anniversary of the 1984/85 miners’ strike, a dispute that still resonates today. But the strike wasn’t just about pickets vs police – in this thought-provoking musical comedy, there are no miners and no cops. Instead, we follow the fortunes of - [Fate and the Warrior](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/fate-and-the-warrior/) - In the atmospheric surroundings of the Guardians' Room at Ripon Workhouse, Fell-Foss Theatre presents the first read through of a new play detailing the last years of Edgar Mittelholzer, credited as the first English speaking novelist from the Caribbean. He had a prolific output, gaining much success, though his work took an increasingly darker tone - [As You Like It](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/as-you-like-it/) - Shakespeare's leafy tale of banishment, love and disguise is given a light-hearted and musical treatment by Folksy Theatre. Rosalind, the daughter of a banished duke, falls in love with Orlando. Banished from the court by her usurping uncle, Rosalind takes on the appearance of a boy, calling herself Ganymede. She, her cousin Celia and jester - [Hedge Heads](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/hedge-heads-2/) - 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 - [Hedge Heads](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/hedge-heads/) - 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 - [Stone Soup](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/stone-soup-2/) - A wandering stranger holds the secret to making delicious soup, fit for the finest folk in the land. But can they really make soup with just a stone? Performed from a travelling cart and including elements of storytelling, music and comical puppet characters. Eye of Newt’s re-telling of this traditional folk tale invites audiences young and - [Stone Soup](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/stone-soup/) - A wandering stranger holds the secret to making delicious soup, fit for the finest folk in the land. But can they really make soup with just a stone? Performed from a travelling cart and including elements of storytelling, music and comical puppet characters. Eye of Newt’s re-telling of this traditional folk tale invites audiences young and - [Medieval Maniax](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/medieval-maniax-2/) - Death by Laughter. Giggle and guffaw as the fatal fools amuse and bemuse you. These award-winning street-performers perform all over the world and are ready to make you laugh with their historical hysterics. A spectacular show full of music, jokes and illusions. The Maniax are great crowd pleasers and repeatedly star at ‘The Robin Hood - [Medieval Maniax](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/medieval-maniax/) - Death by Laughter. Giggle and guffaw as the fatal fools amuse and bemuse you. These award-winning street-performers perform all over the world and are ready to make you laugh with their historical hysterics. A spectacular show full of music, jokes and illusions. The Maniax are great crowd pleasers and repeatedly star at ‘The Robin Hood - [The Bachelors of Paradise](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-bachelors-of-paradise-3/) - The most beautiful birds to grace the streets of Ripon this season. Check out their glorious wingspans and gorgeous tailfeathers. Stilt walkers from Full Stilt. FREE EVENT Market Place 11-11.30am Cathedral Forecourt 12.30pm Kirkgate 2 -2.30pm - [The Bachelors of Paradise](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-bachelors-of-paradise/) - The most beautiful birds to grace the streets of Ripon this season. Check out their glorious wingspans and gorgeous tailfeathers. Stilt walkers from Full Stilt. FREE EVENT Market Place 11-11.30am Cathedral Forecourt 12.30pm Kirkgate 2 -2.30pm - [The Bachelors of Paradise](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-bachelors-of-paradise-2/) - The most beautiful birds to grace the streets of Ripon this season. Check out their glorious wingspans and gorgeous tailfeathers. Stilt walkers from Full Stilt. FREE EVENT Market Place 11-11.30am Cathedral Forecourt 12.30pm Kirkgate 2 -2.30pm - [The Golden Tree](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-golden-tree/) - 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, - [Storytime with RTF Storyteller in Residence](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/storytime/) - Storytime for pre-schoolers and those they bring with them.Can you help Derek the Dragon? Will you cheer on Rita the mouse in her skateboarding competition? And is your bedroom as messy as Brian the chickens? Age guide ​2-5 A Pay What ​You Can event. Recommended price £4 per ​child. - [Tales from Honeypot Village](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/tales-from-honeypot-village/) - Join our Storyteller in Residence, Ilaria, for a breakfast-time adventure. Funny and interactive stories featuring loveable characters Rita the Mouse and The Tidy Trolls. Age guide ​4+ A Pay What ​You Can event. Recommended price £4 per ​child. - [Ripon Ghost Walk](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-ghost-walk-24/) - Explore the darker side on Ripon’s history from the macabre to the mysterious. Discover ancient burial sites, curious bone finds and characters who lived and died hundreds of years ago, but who some say still linger… With such a long history, it’s no wonder the streets of Ripon are filled with stories. Led by Ripon - [Thursday Lunchtime Concert](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/thursday-lunchtime-concert/) - Ripon Cathedral is delighted to host wonderful performers in the stunning setting of the medieval quire for its free lunchtime concerts which take place most Thursdays throughout the summer season. Linking with Ripon Theatre Festival 2024, this week's recital from tenor Joseph Spratt is sure to feature a song or two with a theatrical nod. - [The Story of Daniel](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-story-of-daniel/) - 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 - [Kit and Caboodle](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/kit-and-caboodle/) - 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 - [Kit and Caboodle](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/kit-and-caboodle-2/) - 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 - [The Three Suitcases](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-three-suitcases-2/) - 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 - [The Three Suitcases](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-three-suitcases/) - 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 - [The Bombardiers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-bombardiers/) - 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 - [Kirkgate Street Party](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/kirkgate-street-party/) - 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! 3 – 6pm Kirkgate - [Ayla's Dream](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/aylas-dream-2/) - A story of imagination and illumination, performed in miniature on beautiful sets within a vintage suitcase. This very short tale of duration is told through puppetry, spoken word and music. A captivating tale of night skies, light and counting sheep to enchant and engage adults and children alike. Performances every 10 minutes. This show is - [Snakes and Ladders at The Workhouse](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/snakes-and-ladders/) - Join the Master and Matron of the Workhouse on the entrance front green for an interactive game of Snakes and Ladders. Learn how life then, as now, is as precarious as a shake of the dice - slither down the snake to a shaven head and de-fumigation or ascend to a life out the ashes. - [Snakes and Ladders at The Workhouse](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/snakes-and-ladders-at-the-workhouse-2/) - Join the Master and Matron of the Workhouse on the entrance front green for an interactive game of Snakes and Ladders. Learn how life then, as now, is as precarious as a shake of the dice - slither down the snake to a shaven head and de-fumigation or ascend to a life out the ashes. - [The Trial of John Sinkler](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-trial-of-john-sinkler/) - Step inside a Magistrates Court room virtually unchanged since first being built and experience justice 1871 style in Ripon Courthouse as members of the Workhouse Theatre group invite you to the trial of John Sinkler for Poaching and Threatening to shoot a watcher. Ensure Justice is seen to be done as audience members or perhaps - [Wood Owl and the Box of Wonders](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/wood-owl-and-the-box-of-wonders/) - A lonely little owl wants nothing more than to fly into the night and join his friends. But how can he, when he is made from wood? The arrival of another lonely soul changes his life as he strives to help. Join Hoglets Theatre on a magical journey of singing owls, fantasy worlds, friendship and - [Wood Owl and the Box of Wonders](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/wood-owl-and-the-box-of-wonders-2/) - A lonely little owl wants nothing more than to fly into the night and join his friends. But how can he, when he is made from wood? The arrival of another lonely soul changes his life as he strives to help. Join Hoglets Theatre on a magical journey of singing owls, fantasy worlds, friendship and - [George Egg: Set Menu](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/george-egg-set-menu/) - George Egg is the comedian who cooks. This award-winning, multi-sell-out, international-touring performer presents a delightful evening’s cooking-with-laughs comprising the best bits from his previous acclaimed shows, plus a few new surprises. Set Menu is the centrepiece of the RTF 2024 Launch Event. Join us in hearing our plans for July 2024 followed by George's hilarious - [Family Events in Ripon Spa Gardens](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/family-events-in-ripon-spa-gardens/) - A whole day of family entertainment in the attractive surroundings of the Spa Gardens. With open-air theatre for all ages, puppet shows, interactive games and even a chance to practice your circus skills, this will be a boredom-free zone. The professional programme will be complimented by music, drama and dance performances from local groups inside - [Saturday Street Entertainment](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/saturday-street-entertainment/) - Walkabout acts, crazy characters, circus and clowning bring the streets and open spaces of Ripon to life throughout the day. Professional acts come together with community performers including Ripon City Morris Dancers, the All for One Choir and Ripon Youth Theatre. Performances will be staged at Ripon Market Place, Minster Gardens (in front of the - [The House that Jack Built](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-house-that-jack-built/) - Hazelsong Theatre present The House that Jack Built - a high energy puppet show for children and families. Come and watch the two bungling performers try to control their wayward puppets popping up in all the wrong places. They are going to need help to stop everything falling apart… Age guide 3+ Free event - - [Puppets for Breakfast: The House that Jack Built](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/puppets-for-breakfast-the-house-that-jack-built/) - Hazelsong Theatre present The House that Jack Built - a high energy puppet show for children and families. Come and watch the two bungling performers try to control their wayward puppets popping up in all the wrong places. They are going to need help to stop everything falling apart… Age guide 3+ Pay What You - [The Little Bird Artisan Market](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-little-bird-artisan-market/) - The Festival teams up with Little Bird Artisan Markets to bring you colourful characters, music and puppetry throughout the day. Watch out for the Have-a-Go Pirates, Monsieur Monsieur the Mime Artist and characters from Alice in Wonderland mingling with buskers and community performers. Highlights of the day include tricycle-pulled puppet shows from Thingumajig Theatre and - [Steve Bonham: Stumbling Over Eden](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/steve-bonham-stumbling-over-eden/) - Based upon Steve’s much-loved book of the same name, Stumbling Over Eden is a one-hour show that combines story and song to celebrate the adventurer, explorer and vagabond within us all. From the notion of freedom and the beauty of the trail to the joy of travelling companions and the meaning of home. Not just - [Steve Bonham: How to have an adventure](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/steve-bonham-how-to-have-an-adventure/) - Steve Bonham shares stories (and maybe a song or two) that celebrate the adventurer, explorer and vagabond within us all. Catch Steve again at Claro Lounge at 11am on Sunday 11th June. Free event - just turn up - [Noah’s Ark](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/noahs-arc/) - School assembly favourites Open the Book present a pop-up open-air theatre version of the famous Old Testament story in front of the bandstand. Let’s hope the deluge remains imaginary. Free event - just turn up - [Happy Place Drama Workshop](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/happy-place-drama-workshop/) - A chance for young people with an interest in theatre and performance to attend an exclusive workshop with actors from Forget About The Dog theatre company. Their acclaimed production of Happy Place opens the festival on 7 June but those aged 12-18 are invited to attend a fun two-hour session using drama games and theatre - [Open the Book](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/open-the-book/) - Tales from the Lion Storyteller Bible brought to life by school assembly-favourites. Age guide 5+ Free event - just turn up - [Robin Hood](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/robin-hood/) - This summer, the award-winning company presents Robin Hood, an action-packed heist for the whole family. A team of cheeky misfits swoop in to bring down the greedy Sheriff of Nottingham, and they never miss. This fast-moving production delivers huge laughs, swashbuckling adventures, and well-deserved revenge! Pack a picnic and cheer on the underdogs as Illyria - [Drama at the Workhouse](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/drama-at-the-workhouse/) - Following on the success of last year’s Jubilee at the Workhouse, the museum will once again come alive with Victorian characters based on real lives. Explore the Workhouse corridors, immerse yourself in its history and hear tales from within the cloistered walls. See the staff who were charged with maintaining the strict rules and judge - [Overblown!](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/overblown/) - The thirteenth coolest place to live in the UK? Join our team of well-meaning residents attempting to sell the charms of our unique city and demonstrate community cohesion in action. Nothing goes quite to plan as local farmers, pub quizzers and pantomime dames come together in comic chaos. An evening of sketches and musical numbers - [Upstage Academy: Student Mini Dramas](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/upstage-academy-student-mini-dramas/) - A gripping half-hour from some of Upstage Academy’s prize-winning drama students. These young people take their theatre seriously and regularly sweep the board at competitions with their intense monologues and dynamic two-handers. Upstage Academy in Ripon offers classes to children aged 6-18years in all disciplines of performance. Age guide 14+ Pay What You Can (PWYC) - [Happy Place](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/happy-place/) - ‘Weight of the world getting you down? Get down to your nearest Happy Place and leave your worries at the door. With over seven thousand locations nationwide, we create personalised realities at affordable prices.’ In a near dystopian future, corporations have commodified happiness into virtual reality booths, costing just the price of a coffee for - [Tales from the Scriptorium](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/tales-from-the-scriptorium/) - A morning of heritage crafts, history and storytelling. Join Brother Aidan of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne as he creates an Anglo Saxon book whilst weaving talks of his life as a monk. To do this he will have on hand a huge range of replica artefacts and the audience members will experience parchment making, - [Songs from Shakespeare](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/songs-from-shakespeare/) - A recital of Shakespeare songs and arias including works by Verdi, Gounod and Cole Porter, finishing with Brush Up Your Shakespeare! Performed by soprano Louise Wayman, accompanied by Tim Harper. Louise, originally from Dorset, studied at the Wales International Academy of Voice with Dennis O’Neill and Nuccia Focile. Previously she studied at Birmingham Conservatoire with - [Once Upon a Fairytale](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/once-upon-a-fairytale/) - Goldilocks is missing and we need your help to find her! A fun-packed, interactive show for little folk. There’ll be games, music, puppets and so much more! Fairytales have been around for centuries. Passing from generation to generation and taking on different twists and turns there are usually lessons to be learnt and characters to - [Sense and Sensibility](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/sense-and-sensibility/) - The social season is upon us! You are cordially invited to the Sense and Sensibility Matchmaker’s Ball. Ladies Elinor and Marianne Dashwood each seek to meet an honourable man of good fortune (and handsome countenance if possible) by whatever means necessary. As you mingle amongst the beau monde, revelry and romance will ensue and together - [Bread is Life](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/bread-is-life/) - Let’s make bread - the Syrian way. We’ll mix the dry ingredients, in a bowl bought in a souk from Idlib, then we add water… and wait for it to rise. And when it is ready, and the room is filled with the smell of freshly-baked bread, we will share it with our friends and - [Mike and Millie Go to the Seaside](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/mike-and-millie-go-to-the-seaside/) - Specially created for those living with later-stage dementia, this charming show takes the audience on a day trip to the 1960s. Using music, dance, mime and rhyme, the performers from Smashing Mirrors Theatre Company provoke memories and stimulate interaction in a safe and comfortable setting. There’s even sand, seaweed and shells to touch and take - [The Bluebird - A Quest for Happiness](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-bluebird-a-quest-for-happiness/) - Join Mirtel, a Seer, and her tree spirit Micky, on their journey to find the elusive bluebird and help unlock its mystery. What is the bluebird’s secret power and where could it be hiding? In the Land of Memory or Future? Is it trapped in the Land of Luxury or lost in the Land of - [Ripon Heritage Ghost Walk](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/ripon-heritage-ghost-walk/) - Explore the darker side on Ripon’s history from the macabre to the mysterious. Discover ancient burial sites, curious bone finds and characters who lived and died hundreds of years ago, but who some say still linger… Led by Ripon Museum Trust Guides. All proceeds to Ripon Museum Trust Ticket Price: £4 - £6 - [The Last Motel](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-last-motel/) - Abalone’s desperate, he’s taken holiday to commit armed robbery and now he has a woman stuffed into the boot of his classic car. Join us at The Last Motel to see if Abalone’s hostage changes his perspective on life. 'A theatre, more than a hint of Tarantino and Lynch' – Fictionmaker. ‘A kind of homespun - [Gav Cross: Traditional Tales with a Twist](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/gav-cross-traditional-tales-with-a-twist/) - In a lovely little house, in the middle of a lovely quiet wood, things are shaping up to be a very good day indeed. There’s breakfast on the table, but it’s just too hot so time for a family morning walk. But how quickly things can change! A broken antique chair, and a very noisy - [The Hare and the Moon](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-hare-and-the-moon/) - Performed in miniature on beautiful sets within a vintage suitcase, the tale of the adventurous Hare and her patient friend Moon is told through five delightful minutes of puppetry, spoken word and music. Children and adults alike will be charmed by this enchanting story of night skies, light and the joy of friendship. 10-10.30am The - [Beached](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/beached/) - A mini marvel of a show for a mini audience. Put on your headphones and become immersed in the tale of Arnold, whose walk quickly becomes an adventure. A soundtrack is played on earphones for each audience member, creating a little world to share. Each performance by renowned mask and puppet company Strangeface lasts for - [The Wanderer](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-wanderer/) - Come and follow the footsteps of countless pilgrims down into the ancient crypt of Saint Wilfrid. Lit only by the guttering flame of candlelight, meet the Wanderer. An exile who has journeyed north from the stormy south coast of Manhood End. Hear his service and be warmed by his words as you take your own - [The Hare and the Moon](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-hare-and-the-moon-2/) - Performed in miniature on beautiful sets within a vintage suitcase, the tale of the adventurous Hare and her patient friend Moon is told through five delightful minutes of puppetry, spoken word and music. Children and adults alike will be charmed by this enchanting story of night skies, light and the joy of friendship. 10-10.30am The - [The Hare and the Moon](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-hare-and-the-moon-3/) - Performed in miniature on beautiful sets within a vintage suitcase, the tale of the adventurous Hare and her patient friend Moon is told through five delightful minutes of puppetry, spoken word and music. Children and adults alike will be charmed by this enchanting story of night skies, light and the joy of friendship. 10-10.30am The - [Gav Cross: Twisted Tales for Terrible Children](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/gav-cross-twisted-tales-for-terrible-children-2/) - Scratch the surface of all the tales we have heard since childhood and we find they are dark, nasty and full of dubious intention… A slight twist reveals the terrible, the silly and the downright incredible ’truths’ hidden in plain sight. Gav Cross: Storyteller, Show Off and Chief Idiocy Wrangler vividly brings these old fables - [Gav Cross: Twisted Tales for Terrible Children](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/gav-cross-twisted-tales-for-terrible-children/) - Scratch the surface of all the tales we have heard since childhood and we find they are dark, nasty and full of dubious intention… A slight twist reveals the terrible, the silly and the downright incredible ’truths’ hidden in plain sight. Gav Cross: Storyteller, Show Off and Chief Idiocy Wrangler vividly brings these old fables - [Crash - or the Last 30 Minutes of a Life](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/crash-or-the-last-30-minutes-of-a-life/) - A man is seeing his life ebb away from him, and as it does so his mind fills with past memories as they weave in an out of his consciousness, gradually fragmenting the closer he gets to death. With a nod to both T.S.Eliot and Samuel Beckett, Crash is an examination of memory and time, - [Beached](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/beached-2/) - A mini marvel of a show for a mini audience. Put on your headphones and become immersed in the tale of Arnold, whose walk quickly becomes an adventure. A soundtrack is played on earphones for each audience member, creating a little world to share. Each performance by renowned mask and puppet company Strangeface lasts for - [The Hare and the Moon](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/the-hare-and-the-moon-4/) - Performed in miniature on beautiful sets within a vintage suitcase, the tale of the adventurous Hare and her patient friend Moon is told through five delightful minutes of puppetry, spoken word and music. Children and adults alike will be charmed by this enchanting story of night skies, light and the joy of friendship. 10-10.30am The - [Kate Fox: Bigger on the Inside](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/kate-fox-bigger-on-the-inside/) - Poet and comedian Kate Fox once thought receiving a positive diagnosis for autism had as much a chance of happening as a female Doctor Who. As such, since the Doctor’s 13th incarnation (played by Jodie Whittaker) in 2018, Fox’s life has changed quite a bit. Blending stand-up and spoken word with personal memoir and her - [Seastorm in a Teacup](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/seastorm-in-a-teacup/) - A mermaid is an amazing gift for a young adventurer. But what do you do when it just won’t stop growing? A chance meeting, an act of kindness and an unusual present lead a lonely young girl on the most unexpected journey. This new play by Gemma Curry (The Sleep Pirates) will take you on - [Where is Mrs Christie?](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/where-is-mrs-christie/) - Agatha Christie was one of the greatest and most prolific thriller writers of all time. In 1926, she was at the centre of a mystery as perplexing as any of her fiction, sparking one of the biggest and most extensive police hunts in history. Her crashed car was discovered in Surrey with the famous author - [An Audience with Barrie Rutter OBE](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/an-audience-with-barrie-rutter-obe/) - For one night only, Barrie Rutter, OBE and founder of the ground-breaking theatre company Northern Broadsides visits Ripon. With over 50 years of experience on stage and screen, Barrie has had a fascinating career which has taken him to China, India, Brazil and Skipton Cattle Market with all points in-between. His belief that the Northern - [Seeing Red](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/seeing-red/) - A modern retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood tale, full of red-related surprises, a pinch of feminism and a mini mob of original puppet characters; all crammed into one large, furry suitcase! When Gran and Red contemplate their fate inside the wolf’s stomach, a flash of motivation leads our heroine to ‘see red’ and - [Wonderland of Games](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/wonderland-of-games/) - Join Rhubarb Theatre as you shrink into the gardens of the Queen of Hearts to find yourselves amongst her large lawn games. Once there you might get knotted up in the Alice-themed twister, go crackers with the croquet, or become champions of the chequers board. But watch out for her court jokers, bringing mayhem and - [Circus Skills with The Fire Man Dave](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/circus-skills-with-the-fire-man-dave/) - A drop-in session for all ages. Have a go with juggling balls or clubs, plate-spinning, diabolo, hula hooping and more. A great way to spend some time before the next show begins! Drop in any time between 12.30 and 2.30 Free event - just turn up - [A la Puppet Carte](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/a-la-puppet-carte/) - On the menu is not one, not two, but three pop up puppet stages built onto the backs of electric tricycles. Each mobile stage is a show full of surprises, fun and heart-warming stories of friendship and a sense of home. Stories include the Story of the Scary Noise and the Magic Samovar. Presented by - [Dream of the Sea](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/dream-of-the-sea/) - The adventure of a lifetime turns into a disaster for this fisherman! But when a friendly whale shows him the truth of the sea, his life is changed in ways he could never have imagined. The ocean comes to life around him with more beauty than he knew existed and as time passes it changes - [… and this is my friend Mr Laurel](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/and-this-is-my-friend-mr-laurel/) - Jeffrey Holland (Hi-de-Hi, You Rang M'Lord) stars in this one-man show about friendship, memories and a couple of remarkable lives. Set in Oliver Hardy’s bedroom, the action takes place as Laurel pays a visit to his sick friend, recounting their past success as one of the greatest cinematic partnerships of the century and providing an ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/category/uncategorized/) - [News](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/category/news/) - [Information](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/category/info/) - [Sponsors](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/category/sponsors/) - [Street Performance](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/category/street/) - [Community Performers](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/category/community/) ## Tags - [pay-what-you-can](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/pay-what-you-can/) - [pop-up](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/pop-up/) - [sat-pop-up](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/sat-pop-up/) - [free](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/free/) - [sun-pop-up](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/sun-pop-up/) - [Arts Hub](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/arts-hub/) - [Fountains Abbey](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/fountains-abbey/) - [Spa Gardens](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/spa-gardens/) - [claro lounge](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/claro-lounge/) - [ticketed](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/ticketed/) - [marketplace](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/marketplace/) - [Unicorn](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/unicorn/) - [bookshop](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/bookshop/) - [Curzon](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/curzon/) - [hare+moon](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/haremoon/) - [beached](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/beached/) - [Ripon Cathedral](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/ripon-cathedral/) - [Gav Cross](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/gav-cross/) - [Library](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/library/) - [Holy Trinity](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/holy-trinity/) - [community](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/community/) - [steve-bonham](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/steve-bonham/) - [hazelsong](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/hazelsong/) - [Newby Hall](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/newby-hall/) - [kirkgate](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/kirkgate/) - [workhouse](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/workhouse/) - [Little Bird](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/little-bird/) - [Ripon Inn](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/ripon-inn/) - [storyteller](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/storyteller/) - [minster gardens](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/minster-gardens/) - [featured](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/featured/) - [family](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/family/) - [new work](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/new-work/) - [Leper Chapel](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/leper-chapel/) - [comedy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/comedy/) - [Allhallowgate Methodist Church](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/allhallowgate-methodist-church/) - [outdoor theatre](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/outdoor-theatre/) - [matinee](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/matinee/) - [walkabout](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/walkabout/) - [participation](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/participation/) - [pub](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/pub/) - [arcade](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/tag/arcade/) ## Event Categories - [family](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/events/category/family/) - [drama](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/events/category/drama/) - [spoken word](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/events/category/spoken-word/) - [workshop](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/events/category/workshop/) - [music](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/events/category/music/) - [comedy](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/events/category/comedy/) - [dance](https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/events/category/dance/)