Ripon’s Festive Market Weekend Brings the City to Life ✨

Ripon was buzzing with excitement over the festive market weekend, which proved to be a huge success for both visitors and local businesses.

Lilla Bathurst, Ripon BID Manager, said it had been “a major piece of work to get it all to happen,” but the effort was well worth it. The entertainment was lively and well received, and the carefully planned timings meant the markets complemented the Cathedral Gift Fair and were also aimed at trying to ease traffic and parking concerns.

A Weekend of Celebration 🎄

The idea was simple: build on the popularity of the Cathedral Gift Fair and encourage visitors to explore the city by partnering with Little Bird Artisan Made to bring a three day Christmas Market to Ripon City Centre complete with wooden huts, music and entertainment. Judging by the feedback, it worked brilliantly:

    • Mountain Warehouse reported an exceptionally busy Saturday.
    • Claro Lounge saw a big increase in visitors.
    • One trader oin the market said it was his second best market ever for sales.
    • Pubs including Portly Pig and Black Swan were bustling,
    • Halls of Ripon said that the combination of Christmas market and Cathedral Gift Fair combined contributed to one of the best footfall days of the year.
    • Ripon Revivals reported extra footfall and extra sales saying “Holding the market on same days as Cathedral Christmas Gift Fair was perfect as it drove footfall down/up Kirkgate as people explored both venues”.
    • Realitea and Memorable Moments both reported increased sales.
    • Local favourites like Hot Lava, Big Bites, Oliver’s Pantry, and Storehouse joined in by promoting special offers on social media, helping to spread the festive cheer.

✨ In short: Ripon’s festive market weekend brought people together, boosted local trade, and filled the city with festive spirit. With businesses reporting busy days and visitors enjoying the atmosphere, it’s clear the event was a win for everyone.

Supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and part-funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.