A LANDMARK castle will be at the centre of celebrations to mark its 950th anniversary in the New Year.

Richmond Castle has stood over the Dales market town down many centuries and its 950th year will be marked with a host of events and initiatives organised by the Celebrate Richmond 950 group.

Events planned for the year include a community archaeology project, an exhibition showing 950 years of Richmond’s communications and a community play at The Georgian Theatre Royal,.

There will also be lectures pertaining to Richmond over the years, Victorian events at The Station, concerts, a historical market and more.

A spokeswoman for Celebrate Richmond 950 said: "As the Covid-19 vaccine is rolled out, we all hope that life will start to return to normal.

"Celebrate Richmond 950 fortuitously comes when plans must be in place in time to help recovery in Richmond and to welcome visitors back for all to enjoy the events and everything Richmond has to offer."

She added: "We hope everyone in our community will find something in the programme."

Other initiatives include a new community woodland of 950 native trees planned on a one-hectare site near the Old Racecourse, on land offered at a peppercorn rent by Lord Ronaldshay and Michael Sunley.

The local community is being encouraged to become involved in creating the sanctuary.

There will also be the launch of the Richmond and Me project to create 950 pieces of written thoughts, ideas and memories of what Richmond means to the children and staff in the town’s three primary schools, as well as the residents and staff from Richmond care homes.

The writing will be displayed around the town and archived at Richmondshire Museum.

The official events launch takes place on Saturday, March 27 with a historical market, medieval musicians and jesters and other entertainment. More will be revealed then about booked and forthcoming events.

Members of the events team will be on the Market Place on January 2 to answer questions and hear suggestions and a programme of events will be available alongside merchandise on sale.

Other events, still in the planning stages, and more details about events during the coming months will be announced soon.