News

Richmond Meet packs a big punch. Historically, it goes back 132 years, but it's certainly not stuck in the past. It's a community celebration for today's Richmond and attracts massive involvement across the town.

Starting as a cycle Meet in Victorian times, the Meet has gone through many changes. These days, it is firmly run by RIchmond people, for Richmond people. The focus is on raising money for good causes in Richmond - so if you buy a badge, donate for a programme, drop your change in a collection bucket, or invest in raffle tickets, yuo can be sure the money raised goes right back into the community.

The Meet is busy all year round, but its most important time is Whit Bank Holiday Weekend. Traditionally, the President of the Meet starts the Whit Fair on Thursday evening, and there may be formal dinners or church services over the weekend as well - in the past there used to be lots of sporting competitions, and not just cycling. These days, the Meet weekend features:

- coffee morning on Saturday in the Town Hall with cakes and tombola and raffle

- a stall in the Market Place on Saturday morning selling badges and programmes (Meet Merch!) and Grand Draw tickets. The Meet Grand Draw is immense - seriously good prizes and a lot of them, donated by businesses and organisations of the Town to support the Meet. Tickets are just £1 each and as they say, you've got to be in it to win it, so grab a ticket.

- President's Dinner on Saturday evening

- Meet Quiz at The Buck on Sunday evening

- (the big one) the Meet Parade on Monday morning. Anyone can enter the Meet Parade - as individual fancy dress, as a themed group, or with a vehicle float - and it's free. There are stacks of prizes to be won, so you just need to get to Nuns Close Car Park by 9am to be in the competition. Then the Parade itself sets off at 10am on its way to the Market Place

- Also on Sunday, Fun in the Friary Gardens, with live music and family-friendly activities - including the Dog Show at 1pm! If you just know your pooch has the waggiest tail in Richmond, bring him or her along to take part!

A fairly small group of people work really hard to make the Meet Weekend happen so come along and show your support!