Guide to VE Day events in the Harrogate district

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May 8 is the 80th anniversary of VE Day, which marks the end of the Second World War in Europe. 

The Stray Ferret has prepared a list of VE Day events across the district.

If you know of any missing, email the details to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will include it in this guide.

Harrogate

Hampsthwaite Memorial Hall

The Memorial Hall was established to give thanks to residents who returned from both World Wars and to honour those who didn’t.

• Throughout April: WW2 exhibition in Memorial Hall

• May 8: Café René with music from Vera Lynn in the community library

• May 10: 12.30pm-4.30pm at the Joiners Garden – Family picnic and games with music from Harrogate Spa Town Ukes. A speech from Winston Churchill will be heard at 3pm.

• May 10: 7pm-11.30pm at the Memorial Hall – 1940s themed dance party with The Sultans of Swing Big Band and Swing Dance Leeds, with catering from The Hogfather and Queens Head. Tickets are £15 and include supper.

Find out more here.

St Thomas a Becket Parish Church, Hampsthwaite

• May 8: Afternoon tea/coffee, cake and prosecco will be hosted at the church with music from the era provided by Ashville College. At 4pm, the Last Post, a minute’s silence and Reveille will be observed.

• May 9: An evening concert by Voces Seraphorum, with songs from the era and the opportunity to sing along.

St Robert’s Church, Pannal

• May 8: 8.45pm-9.30pm – The proclamation will be read, and a beacon will be lit. It is hoped a band will be present and parishioner attendees will sing “I Vow to Thee My Country”. The car park will be decorated with bunting.

Find out more here.

West Park Centre

• May 6: 7pm – Jane Furze and Guy Wilson of the Ripon Military Heritage Trust will explain the largely unknown role of Harrogate and Ripon during World War Two. Tickets £5 from www.trybooking.com/uk/ERDC or contact 07460 470003.

Knaresborough

Market Cross

• May 8: 9am – The VE Day proclamation will be read by the Town Crier.

Castle Grounds

• May 8: 6pm – Live event from the Knaresborough Town Council stage with 1940s themed music, bands and dance performances. Refreshments will be available in the Castle Grounds.

• May 8: 8:30pm – Members of the Knaresborough branch of the Royal British Legion, Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps will parade in the castle grounds to the war memorial.

Find out more here.

War memorial

• May 8: 8.45pm – Rev. Garry Hinchcliffe will lead prayers of remembrance and I Vow to Thee My Country will be sung.

• May 8: 9pm – The lighting of the beacon.

Ripon

Ripon Cathedral

• May 8: 7.15pm – VE Day Proms. Artists include Echo 42 Big Band, Charlotte Potter, The Duchy Belles and Simeon Wood. Children from Brackenfield School and Natalie Robb from Emmerdale fame will be doing readings. Tickets £15. Available from: Stuff 4 Offices, 13 Fishergate, Ripon; The Wakeman Café, 33 Market Place, Ripon; Ripon Cathedral Gift Shop. Or from www.riponcommunitypp.co.uk.

Ripon Market Square

• May 8: 6pm-9.30pm – Family friendly activities with Jennyruth workshops. 1940’s vocalist to bring the era to life. Live music from All for One Choir. Vintage games with Ripon Museums. Climbing wall.

• April 29-May 9: Ripon Community Poppy project’s knitted tank will be back on display.

West Tanfield

May 1-12: 1940-50s themed scarecrow trail. Tickets available at the info shop.

May 4: 1pm-12am – Tanfest Music at the Bruce Arms

May 8: 7pm – Commemorative service at the Churchyard

May 8: 8.30pm – Beacon lighting

May 10: 2.30pm –  Street Party Church Street. Book your place at the info shop.

If you are hosting a VE Day event and are not on our list, contact us on contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or on 01423 276197.