Two focus groups are being set up by North Yorkshire County Council’s registration service to gather information from the gay community in preparation for civil partnership registrations, which comes into effect in December.

The meetings in Scarborough and Harrogate will look into the demand for ceremonies, the wording of the ceremony, reading and music content, likely location of the registration, and the promotion of civil partnership registration.

“The County Council would like to extend a warm invitation to anyone who would like to attend these focus groups,” said councillor John Fort, the county council’s executive member for the registration service.

“Those interested should contact the Harrogate or Scarborough offices direct so that numbers can be confirmed. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

Anyone interested in North Yorkshire as a wedding destination is also advised to visit the County Council’s registration services display at the Gay Wedding Show in Manchester in November, or to call the local register office in North Yorkshire.

There are 10 to choose from as well as almost 100 licensed venues. 

The Scarborough group will meet on Monday July 25 (register at 01723-360309) and in Harrogate on Thursday July 28 (register at 01423-506949). Both sessions will start at 6pm and will last for about two hours.