COMMUNITY OUTREACH  Since its inception in 1998, the Ripon International Festival has fostered links with the community to help enhance the artistic experiences of children and people of all ages in school, village and church environments.  On 16th June 2008 at Fountains Abbey join us for the Music & Dance Project "East Meets West" involving groups of children from eleven schools in the Ripon & Thirsk district in their exploration of cross-cultural links between eastern and western traditions in both medieval and modern times. Project director Lindsay Ibbotson.

Last year,  2007, international composer and jazz/flamenco guitarist Eduardo Niebla ran a music composition and performance project "Open Your Doors" through the autumn term with guitar, percussion, choirs, organ and strings involving over 130 children from St. Wilfrid's, Holy Trinity Junior, Ripon Grammar, St. Aidan's and The Dales School plus pop groups Diesel and Jet Serpent. Rehearsals were filmed by ITV Yorkshire and there were two performances at Holy Trinity Church on 12th October. After 35 workshops it all came together very well and a great time was had by all the children, parents and public. Thank you, Eduardo,  and everyone who took part! See Eduardo on ITV Yorkshire on Thursday 20th March at 7.30 pm in My Yorkshire.

In 2006, The Kiteman – international kite expert, Malcolm Goodman - ran kite workshops on the weekend of 26th and 27th August at Ripon Leisure Centre. A great time was had by all and the children had a lot of fun flying their own kites at the recreation ground adjoining. www.kiteman.co.uk

In 2005, the Festival provided performances by the superb young London-based quartet, Batterie Percussion, and an exquisite new production Nobody Rides the Unicorn by internationally renowned PuppetCraft for a total of 1200 children in seven primary schools (Boroughbridge, Cathedral, Greystones, Helperby, Holy Trinity, Kirkby Malzeard, St. Wilfrid’s).

In 2004, PuppetCraft took The Amazing Adventures of Sinbad to Moorside Junior School, captivating 200 children who “will remember it for ever” (John Stirling, Head Teacher).

Previous years’ activities ranged from North Country Theatre director Nobby Dimon, running combined Ripon College and Grammar School Drama Workshops to Zulu Drum and Dance workshops by Otiaki International.

Puppetcraft at Holy Trinity Junior School - Nobody Rides the Unicorn