Video: Tadcaster whole again as Archbishop blesses bridge

So it was quite fitting that the Archbishop of York should be brought in to bless the crossing which makes Tadcaster whole again.

Hundreds of people turned out yesterday to celebrate the reopening and blessing of the bridge, followed by a lantern parade across the bridge and firework display.

Organisers from Tadcaster and Rural Community Interest Company said the event was intended as thanks to everyone who has contributed to the restoration of the bridge and the community, following the structure’s partial collapse in the wake of flooding of the Wharfe in 2015.

The 300-year-old bridge fell victim to the Boxing Day floods of 2015 and when the ancient stone, overwhelmed by water, finally crumbled it left a town divided. The Archbishop tweeted that he had been ‘looking forward to blessing the new bridge at Tadcaster’.

He said that there had been hope among the people of Tadcaster even during the ‘sad times’ and that it was good news that Tadcaster was a reunited community once again.

Prayers were said for the businesses of the town and the community sang You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Organisers said thanks should go to the volunteers who helped in the clean-up operation, the engineers and builders involved in the £4.3m reconstruction and widening project and the town, district and county council ‘public servants’.

Events yesterday included a medieval market in Kirkgate, a display of classic cars in Westgate and a medieval-style camp and historical re-enactment on the riverside.

There was also be a photographic exhibition called Tadcaster Together, which looked at the floods, at the Coach & Horses pub.

Organisers also held a window dressing contest, lantern making classes, street entertainers and a skatepark. The blessing of the bridge by Dr John Sentamu took place at noon and was followed by a lantern parade across the bridge by hundreds of residents as dusk fell at 5.45pm, starting from Sainsbury’s supermarket on the east bank.

The Archbishop said: “I am delighted to join with the people of Tadcaster to bless the bridge and I am praying for all families, friends and neighbours reconnected by this vital link. I would like to thank all who have worked tirelessly for the bridge to be re-opened and for the whole community who have come together to celebrate and support each other throughout.”

Project Manager David Gluck said: “The re-built bridge in itself is a sight to see but there’s so much more to this little town for people to see, do and enjoy – come and discover what an amazing community Tadcaster is!”