Ripon’s Spa Gardens with its stunning Mick Burns Alice sculpture and fine fir trees, has once again been transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland.

Yesterday (Saturday) was the second of three days that have seen parents, grandparents and children  flock to see a fantasia of festive decorations and imaginative displays created by community groups across the city and supported by businesses and the council.

Adding to the atmosphere, was special lighting effects that illuminated trees, the war memorial and statue of  George Frederick Samuel Robinson, the first Marquess of Ripon and the city’s most high profile politician, who also served as Viceroy and Governor-General of India from 1880 to 1884.

The trees were lit.

The winter wonderland, with its free family fun and music, is run by volunteers and continues today (Sunday) between 2pm and 8pm.

Organiser Caroline Bentham, who is chair of the Friends of Spa Gardens, which organises the event, told the Stray Ferret:

“This is the fourth time that we have staged it and it has grown year on year, as we add new features and activities.

“Over the three days we will see around 2,000 people through the gates, most of them in family groups, who come to enjoy the sights and sounds of our pre-Christmas winter celebration.”

Children look at the knitted figures produced by members of the Ripon Community Poppy Project

This year has seen the introduction of an environmentally-friendly art show featuring more than 50 works created by members of the Littlethorpe Arts Group, which meets every Tuesday in the village hall,

Caroline Bentham (pictured left) and Caroline King, display some of the festive themed works featuring the Grinch, Santa and reindeer in the snow.,

The pieces have been produced on recycled roof tiles donated by Ms King,  who said:

“I had the roof on my house replaced and instead of having the slate tiles taken to the tip, I thought they could be put to good use, by providing the art group with a new medium for their work.

“They are such a good material to work with and the results have been spectacular.”

The Cheshire Cat , which is part of the Alice in Wonderland sculpture, had red light and a smile on his face.

The event, which costs around £7,000 a year to organise, is made possible by donations, grants and volunteers.

Ripon City Council, North Yorkshire Council, the Ripon Inn, and Ripon’s community scrap fund have all given money.

Crowds gathering for an evening of entertainment at Spa Gardens

Musical performances over the first two days were given by Holy Trinity Church Choir, local singer-songwriter Lily Worth, Masham Handbell Ringers, Brackenfield School Choir, and the All For One Ripon Choir.

Ms Worth will perform again today and the Spa Gardens bandstand will also provide the platform  for Yorkshire Voices, the  Jolly Wassailers, and a ukulele band.

Although the event is free, visitors are encouraged to make a donation or buy refreshments. The Sun Parlour cafe in Spa Gardens will be open

Main image: The Alice in Wonderland sculpture was looked spectacular bathed in red light.

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Ripon’s tireless team of non-stop knitters has transformed the city centre into Coronation Street with their skill and ingenuity.

The behind the scenes needle workers of Ripon Community Poppy Project are adept at creating handmade designs for all occasions, from Remembrance events to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and now, in celebration of her son’s crowning glory at Westminster Abbey on May 6.

Within hours of taking down their Easter display, the King Charles III banners and bunting were put in place in High Skellgate, then on railings, the town hall balconies, bollards and on the post box at the entrance to The Arcade.

You can take a look at some of their creations below.

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Seven of Ripon’s best-known locations are combining on Saturday March 12 to provide free entertainment and interactive fun for families.

The Sights and Sounds of Ripon programme, organised by Harrogate Borough Council, runs from 11am until 2pm at all venues.

It includes activities ranging from participation in a Victorian school lesson at the Workhouse Museum, to a visit to the bell tower at Ripon Cathedral.

Anyone interested in how fingerprints have been used to catch criminals can find out at the Prison and Police Museum, on St Marygate, where they can try fingerprinting themselves.

The cathedral will host singing, dancing, displays, craft activities and a bell tower tour.

At the nearby Courthouse Museum on Minster Road, visitors can see how the city’s criminals were brought to justice in bygone days.

In addition to the array of activities at the three heritage attractions run by Ripon Museum Trust, the cathedral, which celebrates its 1,350th anniversary this year, will host an exhibition featuring community services provided by 14 local organisations.

There be family crafts and games and performances from local choirs, Ripon City Morris Dancers and Betty Lupton’s Ladle Laikers.

The dancers and the Ladle Laikers will also be performing at the Workhouse Museum, along with singers and a ukulele band, while Punch and Judy shows will take place at 11.30am and 1.30pm.

The city council’s treasured items will be the focus of talks in the Mayor’s Parlour

At Ripon Town Hall, the city’s silverware and other treasures, collected over centuries, will be the focus of talks held on the hour from 11am in the Mayor’s parlour.

Those looking for some interactive entertainment will find it at Ripon Arts Hub on Allhallowgate, where they can view a working rehearsal by Ripon Youth Theatre between 11am and 12 noon  and join in live Oliver! workshops at 12.15pm, 1pm and 1.45pm.

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• Ripon gala concert will celebrate thee Queen’s jubilee
• Calls to relocate Ripon’s public litter bins