Rejoicing in Ripon: From Ripon with love – writ large in lights!

For all who love our ancient city – residents and visitors alike – good news comes from the council chamber. 🏛️

In their first meeting since the Christmas holiday on Monday evening, city councillors agreed that the Ripon sign on Market Square, illuminated by thousands of energy‑saving LED lights 💡, will remain in place for Valentine’s Day, framed by the Grade I listed obelisk and our historic Grade II listed Town Hall.

The decision has been welcomed by Ripon BID, whose manager Lilla Bathurst, told Tim Flanagan of the Rejoicing in Ripon blog:

“Hollywood has its iconic hillside sign overlooking Los Angeles and in London there are the amazing Piccadilly lights 🌆 and now, thanks to the city council, we have a means of extending the feel‑good factor in the city, beyond the festive season.”

Lilla added:

“The 2025 lights display that the BID promoted through social media 📣 and the production and delivery to 30,000 homes in Ripon and the surrounding villages of the Christmas in Ripon brochure, proved a fantastic footfall driver 👣 from November 15 when the lights were switched on and throughout the crucial trading period for our independent retailers and hospitality businesses.

“We are absolutely delighted that the central eye‑catching feature of the festivities is to remain in situ.” ✨

BID director Councillor Andrew Williams said:

“The city council has agreed that Ripon’s Christmas welcoming sign will, with adaptation, become an ‘I LOVE RIPON’ message ❤️ that will stay at its current location through the Valentine’s weekend.

“With the tremendous positive feedback that we had for the 2025 festive lights, we want to maintain the momentum by having an attention‑grabbing means of supporting our independent traders 🛍️ and giving both residents and visitors a backdrop for inclusion in photos and videos 📸🎥 that they will share with family and friends in Ripon and around the world, in the same way that images of the North Yorkshire Council & the BID’s Big Ripon Sky Wheel 🎡 promoted our historic city during the important Easter Holiday period.”

Cllr Williams pointed out:

“Valentine’s Day is just around the corner 💘 and we are sure that many people living locally and those visiting us from further afield will want to include our stunning illuminated sign when they share messages of love with their families and friends.”

Cllr Andrew Williams and BID Manager Lilla Bathurst at the Ripon sign.