Folk crammed into the Spring Food, Home & Garden Show at Ripon Cathedral on Saturday when hundreds of families poured through the doors to enjoy a great day out. 
Visitors came from all over Yorkshire to witness delights such as baby animals which were kindly provided by Brimham Rocks Adventure Farm.
‘Crumble’ the alpaca was undoubtedly one of the stars of the show, said Margaret Hammond, manager of Ripon Cathedral Development Campaign.
“There was a great buzz of activity and excitement throughout the day with refreshments at the pop-up café which served delicious homemade soup, sandwiches and cakes.
“The event raised a fantastic £10,000 for Ripon Cathedral Renewed, supporting the dean’s development plans for a 21st century cathedral,” Margaret said.
Gardening expert and radio presenter Martin Fish gave a talk ‘Gardening on the menu’ in which the audience was given hints and tips on how to grow some fantastic crops of fruit and vegetables and then how to make the most of that harvest in the kitchen.
The birds of prey from Thorp Perrow included an Eagle Owl proved a big hit with visitors, who were given the opportunity to have their photograph taken holding the bird.
The plant stall run by cathedral volunteers selling affordable home-grown plants and vegetables, proved a huge draw for gardeners.
All this, as well as some 70 stalls offering gardening goods, homewares and tasty food treats - including local artisan food businesses from all over Yorkshire.
“We would like to thank all the hard-working cathedral volunteers who helped to make the event a great success. We’d also like to thank the main sponsor McCarthy and Stone and our Principal Business Partners LCF Law, CNG of Harrogate and Brewin Dolphin Leeds for their generous support,” Margaret said.
The Food, Home and Garden Show will take place again on Saturday April 4 2020 and
another popular upcoming event – the annual Cathedral Beer Festival - takes place on the May Day Bank Holiday, Monday, May 6.