💛🌹More than four hours after the pulsating sounds of the annual St Wilfrid Day procession had abated, the blast of four horns 🎺🎺🎺🎺 saw history made on Ripon’s market square.
For the first time since July 2021, when Ripon’s team of hornblowers increased from a trio to a quartet, all four joined in the ancient setting of the watch ceremony.
Saturday’s Fab Four ⭐
Patricio Maglio, who resigned from the team for business reasons in 2025, made a return guest appearance, as Allison Clark was unable to attend. Members on duty were headed by Wayne Cobbett and included Adrian (Gunner) Mardon and Steven Bartlett.
Little city, big welcome 🤝
Councillor Andrew Williams, who became Mayor of Ripon in May, stood amid a large gathering of local Tykes and tourists from far and wide as the fab four blowers gathered to make the final unified blast that emphatically ensured that Ripon’s day of St Wilfrid and Yorkshire Day celebrations was satisfactorily done and dusted.
There were cheers as Cllr Williams addressed attendees and told them that the White Rose flags 🌼 adorning buildings around the city had been put in place to underline Ripon’s wish to be known as the ‘Most Yorkshire Place in Yorkshire!’
He said: “We are one of the smallest cities in England but you will always receive a big Yorkshire welcome when you come here.
“For those of you who have travelled from other parts of the world or the country, please come back again and bring your family and friends with you.”
A family‑focused day 👨👩👧👦
Antony Prince, chair of the St Wilfrid’s Procession Committee which, with the support of an army of volunteers, ensured the success of the day, told Tim Flanagan of the Rejoicing in Ripon Blog: “It’s fabulous to see so many people, including large family groups, here to cheer the procession and enjoy the free fairground rides 🎠.”
Fairground attractions 🎡
Ripon BID was among the supporters of Saturday’s event and BID manager Lilla Bathurst said: “St Wilfrid’s Day once more brought thousands of people to the city streets and along the route of the procession, and this year we had the added element of Yorkshire Day to encourage proud Tykes and other visitors to come to Ripon for the day.
“For those with children, the fact that they could enjoy the fairground attractions free of charge meant that they could spend their money in the city’s great choice of cafés, pubs and restaurants and other independent businesses.”
All photos taken by Tim Flanagan of the Rejoicing in Ripon Blog for Ripon BID.
