Ripon’s traditional St Wilfrid’s procession will be back this summer, following a two-year absence 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 attracting thousands of people to the streets and Market Square.

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

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.

At 1.45pm on July 30, the traditional procession will take place, celebrating both the cathedral and the birth of its founder, St Wilfrid. Weaving its way through the city, with some rolling road closures to minimise disruption, spectators can expect a huge return following the pandemic interruption.

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. The committee says it will be bigger and better than ever, with floats, dancers, music and more bringing a carnival atmosphere to the city streets.

Ben Colson, St Wilfrid’s Procession committee member, added: “It is fantastic to see the procession is reawakening from its Covid-19 enforced slumber and we are sure it is going to be a day to remember.”

Born in Northumbria in 634AD, 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.