Ripon is preparing to host the 80th anniversary celebrations of VE Day with a packed programme of events spanning three days.
From Thursday, May 8, to Sunday, May 11, the city, rich in military history, will commemorate the momentous occasion with concerts, community displays, and poignant tributes to local veterans.
Thursday, May 8 – VE Day Anniversary Proms at Ripon Cathedral
The commemorations begin on Thursday with a special VE Day Anniversary Proms concert held at the stunning Ripon Cathedral. Organised by the Ripon Community Poppy Project in partnership with Ripon Cathedral, the evening promises to bring the community together in remembrance and celebration.
Attendees will be treated to performances by the Echo 42 Big Band, Charlotte Potter, The Duchy Belles, and Simeon Wood, with the evening compered by Mark Sidwell. Children from Brackenfield School and actress Natalie Robb, known for her role in Emmerdale Farm, will deliver readings.
Tickets for the concert are priced at £15 and are available at www.riponcommunitypp.co.uk or in person at The Wakeman Cafe, Stuff4Office, Ripon Cathedral Shop, and Eccles Hedden Solicitors.
As a visual tribute, the Ripon Community Poppy Project’s iconic knitted tank will return to Ripon Market Square from 29th April until 9th May.
Saturday, May 10- More events on Ripon Market Square
Further VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations will continue on Saturday, May 10 on Ripon Market Square.
Full details are yet to be announced, with residents encouraged to keep an eye on www.visitripon.co.uk and @visitripon on Facebook for updates.
Sunday, May 11 - Mayor's parade and Bomb Happy performance
Sunday will see the traditional installation of the new Mayor of Ripon, with a ceremonial parade through the city culminating at Ripon Cathedral.
The weekend of commemorations will conclude with a moving double-bill performance, “Bomb Happy – the stories of Yorkshire Normandy Veterans”, hosted at Lister House at 2:30pm.
The event is a collaboration between Ripon Theatre Festival and the Ripon Community Poppy Project.
The second half features a screening of A Walk in the Park, a short film following the memories of Coldstream Guardsman Dennis “Hank” Haydock, shot at Duncombe Park.
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Festival Director Katie Scott said: “We are proud to honour the stories of two ordinary Yorkshire lads who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances.
"It is particularly appropriate to present this event in Lister House, the home of many retired veterans who have served their country in different, but always challenging, theatres of war.”
Described as “at times humorous, at times harrowing”, the performance and film offer a powerful and personal look at life on the frontlines. Tickets for Bomb Happy are £10.
