Local News
Historic North Yorkshire town hall could be revitalised under new plans
Plans have been proposed to transfer Ripon Town Hall from North Yorkshire Council to Ripon City Council on a 99-year lease for £1 per year, aiming to revitalise the historic building.
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Proposal to transfer Ripon town hall to Ripon City Council
A proposal to transfer ownership of the historic Ripon Town Hall to the City Council is aimed at “creating new opportunities to revitalise the landmark building and help reinvigorate the heart of Ripon” say North Yorkshire Council. The venue in the city’s Market Place dates from 1799 and was o...
North Yorkshire care home marks first year as Veteran Friendly with special event
A North Yorkshire care home has marked its commitment to supporting former military personnel one year after becoming officially recognised under a veterans’ scheme.
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Medieval well unearthed at North Yorkshire store set to become new shopper attraction
A medieval well uncovered during regeneration works at the Halls department store in Ripon, North Yorkshire, is set to become a new attraction for shoppers and residents.
Harrogate cancer centre to benefit from major event at Ripon
More than 70 of Britain’s finest vintage tractors are to roll through Ripon this weekend to raise money for a Harrogate cancer centre.
UK’s biggest tractor festival set for milestone year at North Yorkshire stately home
The UK’s largest tractor festival, Tractor Fest, will celebrate its 20th anniversary at Newby Hall and Gardens near Ripon on June 6 and 7, offering a major event for enthusiasts and families.
Long-standing North Yorkshire homeware store relaunches under new owners
The Castle homeware store in Ripon, North Yorkshire, has reopened under new ownership following the retirement of its previous proprietors.
Ripon interiors store under new ownership
The Castle, interiors and homeware store in Ripon, has now officially passed into the hands of new local family owners Zoe and Robert Nemes. On Tuesday 31 March 2026, the shop officially opened under the new ownership. The business has previously been run by Graham and Sasha Wilkes for over 30 years...
North Yorkshire city aims for Town of Culture title with pilgrimage-themed vision
Ripon has launched its bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028 under the theme “Small City, Big Landscape,” highlighting its heritage and cultural ambition.
St Cecilia Orchestra to celebrate the ‘Great Romantics’ at Ripon Cathedral
Ripon’s St Cecilia Orchestra will be joined by international soloists Jack Liebeck (violin) and Tim Lowe (cello) at Ripon Cathedral on Saturday 25th April, in a programme of Romantic greats: Brahms, Dvorak and Weber. The concert opens with the overture to Weber’s final opera, Oberon: an early Ro...
Ripon Theatre Festival 2026: Celebrating Five Years of Culture, Colour and Community Spirit
Ripon Theatre Festival (RTF) launches its 2026 programme on 27 March, promising a summer to look forward to. Firmly established as a key date in the region’s cultural calendar, this year’s Festival runs 5-12 July with 8 days and nights of performances and activities. RTF 2026 is set to be an unf...
Controversial water giant points to 'progress on reducing discharges' in Harrogate and wider region
Yorkshire Water says it will invest £378 million in storm overflows in North Yorkshire as new figures show it is making headway on reducing discharges into watercourses.
Ripon Grammar School caretaker looking to bring the clocktower clock back to life
Matthew Buller, who joined Ripon Grammar School as caretaker in October 2025, has taken on the intricate task as a labour of love, driven by a deep appreciation for the tower’s history and craftsmanship. Matthew said: I’ve always seen the clocktower as the monument of the school, and it’s s...
Housing partnership delivers first homes in North Yorkshire
People have begun moving into their new homes on a mixed-tenure development in a rural North Yorkshire village. The 33-home scheme at Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon, is the latest to be delivered through a partnership between North Yorkshire Council’s Brierley Homes and Broadacres Housing Association...
Ripon Cathedral Rural Forum
Ripon Cathedral Rural Forum brought together 33 members, policymakers, and sector leaders on Friday, March 20 for a landmark event focused on strengthening rural advocacy across North Yorkshire and beyond. Opening the Forum, Dean John Dobson welcomed attendees and emphasised the Forum’s core missi...
North Yorkshire school catering team praised for feeding pupils after gas leak crisis
Catering staff at Ripon Grammar School in North Yorkshire adapted quickly to feed hundreds of students after a gas leak forced the kitchen to close.
Ripon Artisan Market to bring handmade treasures back to city streets
The Ripon Artisan Market, organised by Little Bird Made, will return on March 22, transforming Ripon city centre into a vibrant marketplace.
Newby Hall welcomes visitors with exciting programme of events
Newby Hall and Gardens will welcome visitors back to the award-winning house and gardens on Saturday 28 March with an exciting new programme of events. Alongside the return of popular events, 2026 sees a new show celebrating the iconic British motoring marque, the Mini. Younger visitors will enjoy a...
Little Bird Artisan Market returns to Ripon this Sunday
The city of Ripon is set to bloom this month as spring lands in Yorkshire and the popular Ripon Artisan Market returns to the Market Place on Sunday, 22 March 2026. Organised by Little Bird Made, the event promises a curated outdoor shopping experience that celebrates the very best of Yorkshire’s ...
Award-winning founder expands North Yorkshire food brand
Entrepreneur Monalisa Fathima has opened a new production facility in Ripon to expand her handcrafted Indian ready-to-cook brand, Monalisa’s Kitchen.