Countdown to annual Ripon arts festival that 'brings thousands of people into the city'
Sponsors are being hailed for driving significant growth in attendances art Ripon Theatre Festival and boosting the city’s summer economy.
First launched in 2021, last year saw the festival attracted nearly 8,000 attendances – a 37% increase on the previous year – reinforcing its growing impact on the local economy.
Organisers of a festival which is Known for its "theatre everywhere" spirit, say that backing is both broad and deeply rooted in the city’s business community.
Ripon Theatre Festival is run by The Ripon City Festival Trust with the aim of providing high-quality cultural opportunities for all, bringing people together and creating a buzz in the city.
It operates as a charity, powered by volunteers and supported by a mix of corporate sponsorship, donations, grants and public funding.
Ticket income accounts for less than a third of the revenue required each year, making external backing essential.
Through three sponsorship tiers – Red Carpet, Leading Lights and Theatre Props – businesses support the festival in ways that go far beyond traditional sponsorship, said Festival Director Katie Scott.
“Some fund performances or headline events, while others provide venues, logistics or professional services or something as simple as feeding performers between shows
"Every contribution plays a part in delivering an eight-day festival that brings thousands of people into the city.”
This year’s Ripon Theatre Festival will run s from July 5-12 with more than 100 events in a diverse array of venues, including Ripon Arts Hub, Ripon Cathedral, Ripon Spa Gardens, Ripon Library, Ripon Races, the Market Place and a host of pubs, cafés, shops and outdoor spaces.
Festival organisers are not the only ones who believe this annual flurry of arts and entertainment has an economic impact on the city.
Lilla Bathurst, Manager of Ripon Business Improvement District (BID), said: “Festival audiences boost footfall, increase dwell time and drive spending in Ripon’s shops, cafés, bars and restaurants creating one of the busiest times of the year.
"We’re proud to have been a top tier sponsor since the beginning, backing the incredible work RTF does for Ripon’s cultural and economic vibrancy.”