Ripon proves it is a city on the rise as figures for footfall soar in this historic part of Yorkshire
Ripon has seen a dramatic increase in footfall after a series of “mass participation event events” which have drawn the crowds to this historic city.
The latest – and final – event of the summer will take place this weekend with Ripon City Council organising seven hours of family-focused activities in the Market Square.
Running from 10am until 5pm, the event will include free fairground rides for children of all ages, a football shoot out, balloon modelling, fun with bubbles and face painting.
Ripon Business Improvement District (BID), which supports businesses in the Ripon city region, believes events like this are a key part of the city’s growing popularity which has seen footfall up more than 10% on last year and nearly 20% on two years ago.
Ripon BID manager Lilla Bathurst told Tim Flanagan of the Rejoicing in Ripon Blog: “Our figures show that in the period from July 1 to August 16 overall footfall rose by 13.31% compared with 2025 and 18.14% compared with 2024.
“From the landmark fifth Ripon Theatre Festival in early July brilliantly curated by director Katie Scott, to the historic Saint Wilfrid procession and Yorkshire Day celebrations on August 1st headed by Antony Prince, who marshalled an army of volunteers, Ripon BID is delighted to support events and activities that bring additional visitors to the city centre.”
In addition to the mass participation events, July saw the reopening of Ripon Workhouse Museum following a r£2.8 million renovation of the residential block and the reception building, which was completed in time for the start of the school summer holidays.
Ripon BID also held a series of Saturday events on the Market Square in August including a climbing wall and face painting.
This was complemented by Ripon City Councils music, crafting and magic shows.
In a sign of how important cultural and sporting events are to Ripon’s prosperity, the recent Great St Wilfrid handicap at Ripon Racecourse saw an estimated 10,000 racegoers through the gates – many of whom visited the city centre for something to eat and drink before and after the racing.
Information: https://visitripon.co.uk/ripon-bid/