St Wilfrid's Procession

Saturday 7th August 2027

 Ripon | North Yorkshire

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St Wilfrid's Horse

Countdown To The Procession

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The St Wilfrid's Procession

One of the UK's oldest continual events!

The St Wilfrid’s Procession is one of the UK’s oldest annual events, dating back to 1108 when King Henry I granted the City of Ripon a charter to hold a fayre and feast in honour of St Wilfrid, the founder of Ripon Cathedral and patron saint of the city.

Traditionally held on the first Saturday in August, the procession has grown from a modest horse-led pilgrimage into a vibrant, family-friendly parade. Today, visitors enjoy brightly decorated lorries, marching bands, traditional dancers, and even mobile live theatre performances, making it one of the most colourful cultural events in Ripon.

The event celebrates Ripon’s rich history while showcasing local artistry, music, and community spirit. For those seeking a memorable summer festival in North Yorkshire, the St Wilfrid’s Procession offers a perfect blend of heritage, entertainment, and tradition.

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St WIlfrid's Procession 2026 - 1 - Ben Colson

Procession Route & Timings

Route And Approximate Timiings For The St Wilfrid's Procession

Route Map

Approximate Timings

  • Studley Road - 13:40
  • Spa Gardens - 13:45
  • Westgate - 13:50
  • Market Place West -13:55
  • Magdalen's Road - 14:15
  • Stonebridgegate - 14:25
  • Allhallowgate - 14:30 - 14:50
  • Market Place East - 14:55
  • Kirkgate - 15:00
  • Bedern Bank - 15:05
  • Bondgate - 15:10
  • Southgate - 15:15 - 15:35
  • Barefoot Street - 15:45
  • Harrogate Road - 15:50
  • High Skellgate - 15:55
  • Westgate - 16:00
  • Blossomgate - 16:05
  • Marshall Way - 16:10
  • North Street - 16:15
  • Market Place East - 16:20
  • Kirkgate - 16:25
  • Cathedral - 16:30

The St Wilfrid's Procession

Useful Links

Welcome to the St Wilfrid’s Procession Useful Links hub, your one-stop destination for everything you need to get involved. Here you can donate to support the procession, enter a float, become an event sponsor, register as a volunteer, vote for your favourite float, and access essential visitor information for Ripon.

Whether you’re supporting the event, taking part, or planning a visit to Ripon for the procession, these quick links make it easy to connect, contribute, and be part of this historic community celebration.

Donate

Enter A FLoat

Volunteer

Become A Sponsor

Visitor Information

Procession Lineup

Over 900 Years of Tradition

A Brief History

Discover the origins and evolution of the St Wilfrid’s Procession, a cherished Ripon tradition dating back over 900 years.

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The Birth Of St Wilfrid

St Wilfrid was born in 634AD to a noble Northumbrian family and during his late teens, studied at the monastery on Lindisfarne before continuing to Canterbury & Rome to strengthen his devotion to the Roman Church.

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Founding Of Ripon Cathedral

Upon return from mainland Europe, Wilfrid returned to Northumbria before receiving a monastery in Ripon from the reigning King Oswiu’s son, Alhfrith.

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St Wilfrid Dies

St Wilfrid dies in what is now Sussex. Following his death, his body is rumored to have been brought up to Ripon, buried and a shrine constructed roughly where the high altar is today.

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Granting Of A Royal Charter

King Henry 1st grants a Royal Charter to the City Of Ripon to celebrate the life and work of St Wilfrid, the founder of Ripon Cathedral and patron saint of Ripon.

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The Traditional Procession

An annual procession is held either on the last Saturday in July or the first Saturday in August. Traditionally, the procession likely consisted of a basic horse led procession with musicians and key dignitaries following behind.

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Present Day

The Modern Procession

The modern procession has evolved from a simple walking procession to a carnival like atmosphere and large brightly decorated lorries.

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Ripon Cathedral Founded

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Years Of History

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Royal Charter Granted

What Past Entrants Say

Testimonials

Hear directly from past float entrants, community groups, schools, and organisations who have taken part in the St Wilfrid’s Procession in Ripon.

This testimonials section shares real experiences, stories, and feedback from those who have been part of one of the UK’s oldest annual processions, offering insight into the community spirit, creativity, and unforgettable atmosphere of the event.

Discover why so many people return year after year to take part in this historic Ripon tradition.

Pete Swales

Previous Entrant
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"The Team at Ripon Farm Services had a fantastic day on our float and cannot wait to do it all again this year"

Andy Bates

Previous Entrant
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"The procession was a roaring success and we cannot wait for next year when we return with four dragons!"

Stories and Announcements from the St Wilfrid’s Procession

Latest News and Updates

Stay up to date with the latest news from the St Wilfrid’s Procession in Ripon. Our blog and news section features important event updates, announcements, community stories, volunteer news, sponsorship highlights, and behind-the-scenes insights from one of the UK’s oldest annual processions.

Whether you’re looking for information about upcoming events, procession planning, or community involvement, this is your go-to place for everything happening in the world of Ripon’s historic St Wilfrid’s Procession.

View All News & Updates

Get In Touch

Please use the contact form to get in touch with the St Wilfrid’s Procession committee.

Once your message is received, it will be forwarded to the most appropriate committee member, who will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.