There will be dancing in the aisles at Ripon Cathedral this weekend as part of the annual celebration of Harvest.
Chairs will be cleared to make room for a Harvest Festival Ceilidh on Saturday evening (October 1st) and after a two-course supper there will be dancing to the Aluinn Ceilidh band (pictured right).
The Cathedral’s canons and clergy will be among those trying their hand at jigs and reels, as the cathedral and local community come together to celebrate harvest and support the Salvation Army Food Bank in Ripon.
The Ceilidh comes in the middle of a busy weekend for cathedral staff. On Friday evening the Dean's Banquet is taking place in the nave, while on Saturday morning at 10am the Ripon Episcopal Area C5 Church growth celebration is being held in the cathedral.
The Cathedral will be decorated in traditional harvest style for the weekend and on Sunday October 2nd all are welcome to the Great Ripon Harvest Festival at 10.30am.
The Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd John Dobson said, "The Cathedral is taking the opportunity provided by the Harvest Festival to help people celebrate God's gift of life and all the blessings that make our daily living possible and fruitful.
"On a number of occasions, Jesus described heaven as a great banquet and party", he added. "This is a party that brings people together in friendship and celebration - everyone is welcome."
Over the weekend there will also be a stall selling fresh produce – with proceeds – as well as the harvest gifts – going to the Salvation Army Food Bank in Ripon,
Tickets for the Harvest Ceilidh are £12.50 and are available from the Cathedral shop. There is also a family ticket available for two adults and up to three children at £30.