What's that thing up there in the sky..? What's that strange buzzing sound..?

It's the sun, of course (remember the sun?). And it's the sound of visitors strolling round Richmond Market Place, soaking up sunshine and ice-creams, basking in the warmth, and dropping into the Information Centre to pick up a map, a few brochures, a pack of postcards, some advice on how to take a boat down the river to London ("Sorry, sir, wrong Richmond"), or a copy of Richmond Walks. 

Please enjoy your visit, be nice to others - and stay safe.

Made famous by BBC4's All Aboard! The Country Bus (click here to view a clip), this scenic bus route links the industrial North-East with lovely Swaledale, Wensleydale (by way of Buttertubs Pass), Ribblesdale (with its famous viaduct) and Chapel-le-Dale before stopping in Ingleton or Kirkby Lonsdale, a whole world away from where it started. 

Prosaically known as Dalesbus 830 or 831, the service runs every Sunday and Bank Holiday from 16 May to 17 October, with pickups and drop-offs in Richmond, Reeth, Low Row, Gunnerside, Muker and beyond. It's a magical journey, and one you won't forget.

Full details here: dalesbus.org/831.

The official launch of Richmond's 950th birthday took place last Saturday. Undaunted by driving rain, hundreds of residents and visitors enjoyed a medieval market, complete with jesters, stilt-walkers, potters, traditional ales and minstrels.

Richmond 950 commemorates the building of Richmond Castle in 1071, an event from which the market town was forged. The festival features a wide range of events spanning the whole of 2021. Things to look forward to include guided visits to the town's Georgian Theatre, talks on the history and architecture of the town, music from the 11th century to modern jazz dinners, hands-on archaeology, garden visits, drama, brewing and beer-tasting, orienteering, cricket, guided walks, morris dancing and much, much more.

Full details are at richmond950.co.uk.