St Wilfrid's 2022 - Main Procession 2

ST WILFRID’S PROCESSION ATTRACTS LARGE CROWDS

by with No Comment Procession NewsSt Wilfrids Procession

Article: Ben Colson

Images: Ben Colson

The Procession Returns

Returning to the ancient streets of Ripon following a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the 2022 St Wilfrid’s Procession attracted thousands of people who lined the streets to clap and cheer as brightly decorated floats snaked their way through the city.

Led by St Wilfrid, his band of monks & Ripon City Band, the procession generated a party atmosphere with numerous local organisations entering floats and supporting the event through sponsorship.

The main body of the procession consisted of a range of brightly decorated tractors, lorries, & walking floats before ending with a huge 1980’s American truck, affectionately named ‘The Bear’.

St Wilfrid's 2022 - Main Procession 13
St Wilfrid's 2022 - Main Procession 72

Community Engagement

Despite the two-year gap, the Ripon community really got behind the event, showcasing their creativity with themes such as Calendar Girls, Teddy Bear’s Picnic & Rapunzel all captivating spectators.

Antony Prince, of the St Wilfrid’s Procession Committee said “There is no St Wilfrid’s without the volunteers who put it together. All the money raised goes towards preserving the procession for future generations”.

In a first for the procession, Ripon Community Poppy Project made history with the first ever knitted float. Consisting of poppies, the Platinum Jubilee Beacon and Paddington Bear, the group led by Stuart Martin & Hazel Barker showcased some of the many projects the group have been involved in.

The Results

In keeping with the ancient tradition of the procession, the event culminated in a short service in Ripon Cathedral to celebrate St Wilfrid & to present the awards.

Flying into a close third position were Ripon Farm Services with their Top Gun themed float. Led by Pete ‘Maverick’ Swales & team, their American aircraft carrier themed float definitely deserved to sail into third position.

Teleporting into second place, were Club 1350 who transported their float into another dimension with aliens of all shapes and sizes. Dedicated to lives lost during the pandemic, the float reminded people of the challenges faced by many over the past 2 years.

Finally, sailing into 1st position were St Michael’s Hospice with their Save Our Oceans themed float. Decorated with nets, plastic bottles and other ocean pollutants, the float really brought the plight of our oceans to the attention of spectators.

St Wilfrid's 2022 - Awards 21

Get In Touch

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

Once we receive your message, a member of our team will assign the message to the most appropriate committee member for your enquiry and they will get back to you at their earliest convenience.

 

    St Wilfrid's Procession - Horse on Kirkgate 2019

    BELOVED PROCESSION RETURNS FOR 1350TH ANNIVERSARY

    by with No Comment Procession NewsSt Wilfrids Procession

    The Procession Awakens

    Ripon’s traditional St Wilfrid’s procession will be back this summer, following a two-year hiatus
    due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Held in honour of the city’s patron saint, St Wilfrid, the procession is
    one of the largest events in the city each year, usually attracting thousands of people to the
    streets and Market Square.

    Phillip Trimmings -140802-St Wilfrid's Procession 2014-22
    St Wilfrid's 1

    Ancient Tradition

    The 2022 procession’s return on Saturday 30th July, means that the event will play a significant
    role in celebrations to mark the 1350th anniversary of the consecration of Ripon’s ancient
    cathedral in 672 AD.

    Dating back to 1108, when King Henry I granted a charter to the City of Ripon to hold an annual fair
    celebrating the birth of St Wilfrid, the procession is about to celebrate its 914th year in a city that
    takes great pride of its heritage and traditions.

    Ripon's Patron Saint

    As the city’s patron saint, St Wilfrid has been celebrated annually since 1108. However, over the last
    50 years in particular, the event has gone from strength to strength, and will be bigger and better
    than ever, with floats, dancers, music and more bringing a carnival atmosphere to the city
    streets.

    Ben Colson, A St Wilfrid’s Procession Committee Member said: “It is fantastic to see the procession
    is reawakening from its Covid-19 enforced slumber & we are sure it is going to be a day to
    remember!”

    Born in Northumbria in 634 AD, St Wilfrid’s name can be found on street signs, a primary school, a
    cafe and a Catholic church in the city as well as in other towns across the country.

    St Wilfrid's Procession - Morris Dancers dance down Kirkgate close 2019

    Get In Touch

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

    Once we receive your message, a member of our team will assign the message to the most appropriate committee member for your enquiry and they will get back to you at their earliest convenience.