Toby Lipatti-Mesme

7:00pm - 10:00pm

Email the studio

Maisie Peters

My Regards

Listen Live

RAF flypast over Harrogate district to commemorate VE Day

Wednesday, 14 May 2025 14:12

The Douglas C47 Dakota will fly over Tractor Fest at Newby Hall.

A wartime transport aircraft will help commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE-Day with a flypast over the Harrogate district.

The Douglas C47 Dakota, part of the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), will fly over Tractor Fest at Newby Hall near Ripon on 7th and 8th June.

Originally designed for civil transport, the Douglas C47 Dakota was widely used by the Allies during the Second World War.

It played an essential role in dropping paratroops on the eve of D-Day, as well as missions to evacuate casualties and resupply forces.

Kevin Watson, chair of the Yorkshire Vintage Association, said:

“We are honoured to be hosting the BBMF flypast again this year as part of Tractor Fest and the wider VE Day commemorations.

“It’s a magnificent spectacle and makes the weekend even more special for visitors.”

Organised by the Yorkshire Vintage Association (YVA), Tractor Fest has grown over 19 years to become the UK’s largest tractor show.

More than 100 acres of the Newby Hall estate will become home to over 1,500 vintage and modern tractors and another 1,000 exhibits including stationary engines, commercial vehicles, cars, trucks and motorcycles.

A host of entertainment, crafts, food and drink will be on offer at the show and admission includes access to Newby’s gardens, adventure playground, dolls house and teddy bear exhibitions.

Find out more about Tractor Fest and get your tickets online here.

More from Local News

Harrogate care home donates £1,000 to charity battling loneliness

A Harrogate care home has donated £1,000 to a local charity supporting older people at risk of loneliness and isolation across the region.
Builders unearth medieval well in Ripon city centre

A medieval well believed to date back hundreds of years has been uncovered in Ripon city centre.
Knaresborough teacher to run London Marathon in aid of Henshaws

A teacher from Knaresborough is set to take on the London Marathon later this month in support of a local charity.
Drugs seized and two arrested in Knaresborough

Two people are in custody after police executed simultaneous drugs warrants in Knaresborough yesterday (Tuesday).
Spiegeltent returns to Harrogate for summer extravaganza

It's back, and it's set to be bigger than ever.
Starbeck festival set to return for third year

A popular free-to-attend festival is set to return to Starbeck this summer.
Police appeal to locate Harrogate fuel thief

Police have released a CCTV image of a man following a fuel theft on Leeds Road in Harrogate.
Harrogate MP set to take on London Marathon in aid of colitis charity

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon is preparing to take part in this year's London Marathon to raise funds for Crohn's & Colitis UK.
Expansion could add £17m to northern economy, says Harrogate Spring Water

A proposed expansion of Harrogate Spring Water’s bottling facility could contribute £17 million annually to the northern economy, according to figures released by the firm.
New café to open in place of Hoxton North this week

A new café is set to open in Harrogate this week, taking over the former Hoxton North site on Royal Parade.
Ripon vintage tractor run to return this weekend

More than 70 tractors are expected to take part in the annual Brian Chester Road Run when it returns this weekend.
Ladies lunch event raises £25,000 for Yorkshire children's hospice

A star-studded Ladies Lunch has raised more than £25,000 for Martin House Children's Hospice.
Yorkshire Baby & Toddler Show Returns

The Yorkshire Baby & Toddler Show Returns on Saturday 25th April, bringing big brands and independent businesses together for local families
Lightwater Valley officially opens 'epic' new rollercoaster

A new rollercoaster officially opened at Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park over the Easter weekend, with visitors turning out to ride the attraction for the first time.
Three Harrogate boxers scoop medals at international tournament

Three talented Harrogate boxers have scooped medals at an international tournament in Portugal.
Harrogate woman's stroke at 37 inspires fundraising drive for vital charity

A Harrogate fitness instructor is turning a life-changing medical emergency into a powerful force for good, raising thousands to help others affected by stroke.
Harrogate MP calls for bus and rail fares to be slashed

Local MP Tom Gordon is calling for bus fares and rail fares to be slashed, as part of an emergency transport package "to keep Britain moving".
Kittens with rare condition 'thriving' after community donates £1,000

A Harrogate animal charity has thanked supporters after raising £1,000 to fund specialist treatment for two disabled kittens.
Weather warning for strong winds issued ahead of Easter weekend

A weather warning for strong winds has been issued for Harrogate, Skipton and Ilkley ahead of the Easter weekend.
North Yorkshire Police to roll out facial recognition technology

North Yorkshire Police has announced it's planning to implement Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology within York and North Yorkshire.