The Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers is returning to give a concert in the cathedral at 7.30pm to launch what will be a memorable ‘Ripon Weekend’.

Tickets for the concert are £4 on the door or can be bought in advance from Ripon Travel, the tourist information office or the cathedral shop.

The band will also play tomorrow on the market square where 38 Engineer Regiment will be staging a display of military equipment, alongside a display of the corps silver in the town hall from 10am-noon.

This year’s Ripon Weekend marks the end of an era for 38 Engineer Regiment, which is moving to Northern Ireland in the summer after nearly half a century based in the city.

A highlight of the weekend comes on Sunday with the annual parade marking the granting of the Freedom of the City to the Corps of Royal Engineers.

Around 300 soldiers will march through the city following a service in the cathedral at 10.30am, with the Chief Royal Engineer, General Sir Kevin O’Donoghue, present to take the salute in the Market Place..

Although this will be the last ‘freedom parade’ for 38 Engineers, the replacement regiment at Claro Barracks – 21 Engineer Regiment, currently based in Germany – will continue the tradition.



Back in Ripon tonight – The Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers. (S)