Ripon's knitted tank will be back on display as the city commemorates the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a free 3-day family event.
Victory in Europe Day, shortened to ‘VE Day’, will celebrate 80 years since the Allies of WWII accepted Germany’s surrender on 8th May.
And the city of Ripon, known for its military heritage, will be hosting a concert, parade and children’s activities to mark the occasion.
Ripon Community Poppy project’s knitted tank will also be back on display from the 29th April until May 9th in Ripon Market Square.
Thursday 8th May
- VE Day Anniversary Proms at Ripon Cathedral
Bringing the people of Ripon together in commemoration and celebration, Ripon Community Poppy Project is hosting a special concert at Ripon Cathedral.
Echo 42 Big Band, Charlotte Potter, The Duchy Belles and Simeon Wood will perform, compared by Mark Sidwell.
Children from Brackenfield School and Natalie Robb of Emmerdale fame will be doing readings.
Tickets cost £15 and are on sale at www.riponcommunitypp.co.uk
- Free family friendly event in Ripon Market Square
Ripon City Council are hosting a free event in Ripon Market Square from 6pm to 9:30pm to commemorate the VE Day 80th anniversary.
Activities include live music from All for One Choir, a 1940s vocalist to bring the era to life, a free climbing wall, family friendly activities with Jennyruth Workshops and vintage games from Ripon Museums.
Saturday 10th May
Further exciting VE Day 80 events will take place on Ripon Market Square on the Saturday, with details of these events set to be announced nearer the time.
Keep an eye on www.visitripon.co.uk and @visitripon on Facebook for updates.
Sunday 11th May
- Installation of the Mayor
A traditional parade will be held through Ripon for the Installation of the new Mayor of Ripon at Ripon Cathedral.
- Bomb Happy – the stories of Yorkshire Normandy Veterans
A long weekend of VE Day Commemorations in Ripon will conclude with a powerful and poignant event at Lister House.
Ripon Theatre Festival and the Ripon Community Poppy Project are joining forces to present Bomb Happy – a double bill of new works telling the stories of Yorkshire Normandy Veterans in their own words.
In the first half, playwright Helena Fox and vocalist Natasha Jones bring to life the first-hand experiences of D-Day Veteran, Ken “Smudger” Smith.
This is followed by a screening of A Walk in the Park – a short film in the footsteps of Coldstream Guardsman Dennis “Hank” Haydock, beautifully shot on location at former WWII tank encampment in Duncombe Park.
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.“
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