Visitor Information and FAQs

Planning a trip to the Common Ridings? Before you go, it’s important to understand the significance of these historic festivals. Each celebration draws on generations of local customs. They are a heartfelt celebration of heritage, culture and community.

As a visitor, please respect the landscapes, towns and the people who make these festivals possible. Check out our advice and frequently asked questions below to help preserve the spirit of the Common Ridings.

Code of Conduct

Each festival has a code of conduct that officials and spectators are expected to adhere to. This includes respecting the event marshals, local landscapes, dress codes for specific events, and basic manners and courtesy. Litter should be disposed of in bins and bags provided or taken home. Make sure to keep dogs under close control and on a leash at all times.

Check the information for the festival you’re planning to attend before traveling on the official event online channels.

General Spectator Information

Organising committees work hard to make Common Ridings events possible and ensure the safety of all, participants and spectators. Make sure to respect all members of the public, riders and marshals.

Carry cash with you: Festival programmes are only available for a cash payment. Additionally, food and refreshments may only be available for cash payments.

Please respect farmers’ land and property. Do not block roadways and follow the instructions of marshals and stewards. Walkers follow the exact same route as riders. This keeps livestock and spectators safe when crossing farm lands and local hills.

All vehicles are parked at the owner’s risk. The organising committees take no responsibility for any damage incurred while attending the event or while parked in no parking zones. 

Marshals are in Charge

Event marshals at the Common Ridings keep spectators, participants and horses safe. You will find marshals and stewards along ride out and parade routes, and especially at river crossings. Respect the routes laid out by them, and keep to official crossings along routes. If you are opening gates to pass through, make sure to close them behind you.

Be Informed on Event Timings

With each Common Ridings consisting of a variety of events, parades and official ceremonies, it is important to be informed on what is happening when. Timing of the events is crucial. Be mindful and respectful, disturbances can lead to songs and speeches being cancelled.

For an overview of what is happening, routes and locations, spectators can purchase an event programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will next year’s dates be announced? Why do they keep changing?

Each Common Riding and Festival has its own way of choosing the dates for their celebrations. This can include historic traditions of choosing ‘the Friday after the first Monday in June’ and the desire to ensure that celebrations don’t fall on the same dates as neighbouring towns. In line with different local approaches, each town also announces its dates at a different time.

Will there be road closures during the celebrations? Will this affect travel to other towns?

In the preparations for each Common Riding, local town groups and committees work hard with landowners, councils and officials to prepare for their routes. There will be road closures during some of the events but these are limited, with diversions signposted.

I want to visit and stay locally for the Common Ridings. Will I get to participate?

Before attending, make sure to check a few important details. While towns warmly welcome spectators, some events are reserved for officials or require tickets purchased in advance. Many communities hold special Exile Nights, where former residents return to celebrate their roots. Such events are in high demand and may give preference to those with strong links to the town. Still, some festivals also hold international receptions, welcoming visitors who have made the long journey from abroad. Make sure to check with the event you’re planning to attend.

My heritage relates to the area or town of a Common Riding. How can I find out more?

Visitors who want to undertake ancestral research can reach out to a number of people and organisations. Local heritage hubs and guides can help you trace your heritage in the area – check out our Ancestry section for more information. Common Ridings committees hold information on past officials and may have archives of old photos on videos. Reach out to them if you believe one of your ancestors was involved in the festivals.

I want to join the cavalcade and ride out on horseback, what do I need to do?

Participating as a rider comes with responsibilities and strict guidelines – safety is the top priority for participants, horses and spectators. Besides being a responsible horse rider, each festival expects proof of horsemanship, experience and insurance. Riders must have a hunt or event fit horse, capable of cantering over open country in a large group and for a full day. They must also be of a standard where riders can confidently walk, trot, canter and gallop across rough open ground.

If riders wish to hire a horse locally, there are many excellent options available. However, hirers will expect riders to ride with them several times before the festivals to assess their abilities. Horse welfare comes first. Only those meeting the appropriate standards are allowed to join the ride out.

There are clear dress codes for participating riders. To maintain high standards, only smart, suitable riding wear is accepted and protective headgear must be worn. Head cams are not permitted on ceremonial rides.

All riders must maintain full control of their horse throughout the ride outs. If marshals, officials or police believe a rider is unfit or does not respect the rules, they have the authority to ask them to leave the event. Failure to comply with the rules may also lead to a ban. If you are confident in your abilities and meet all the criteria, you can contact a town’s Common Riding committee to enquire about participating.