New Year, New Look
As we step into 2026, Ripon Theatre Festival is setting off with a fresh look and a renewed sense of adventure.
This year’s festival is inspired by journeys, movement and community – the many ways we travel through life, discover new stories, and find ourselves somewhere unexpected. It’s about the routes we take, the places we pass through, and the moments of connection we encounter along the way.
Helping us bring this year’s look to life, here’s Fred, a new festival character with a sense of curiosity, a hint of mischief, and some very impressive footwear. He’ll be popping up across our 2026 artwork as a friendly guide, inviting audiences to follow the trail and see where it leads.
At its heart, Ripon Theatre Festival has always been about discovery. About following your curiosity through the city, encountering theatre in surprising places, and stumbling upon performances that invite you to pause, watch and take part. The 2026 look reflects that spirit, celebrating Ripon as a place made for wandering, exploring and shared experience.
You’ll see this idea woven throughout the festival in playful and imaginative ways – from cobbles to stages, from pop-up performances to fully staged shows. The city itself becomes part of the journey, with theatre appearing where you least expect it.
Accessibility and inclusion remain central to the festival. Our 2026 look reflects our commitment to making theatre visible, welcoming and easy to encounter, creating opportunities for people to engage at their own pace and in their own way.
This brand reveal is just the first step. Over the coming months we’ll be sharing more about our 2026 programme, events and opportunities to get involved – from performances and workshops to community participation and family activities.
If you’d like to be among the first to hear about announcements, ticket releases and festival news, you can sign up to our mailing list here: