25
Apr
Harrogate to hold VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations
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A coalition of groups from across Harrogate has come together to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a series of commemorations including artwork and installations and decorative lighting.
Thursday, May 8 will mark 80 years since the Second World War came to an end in Europe in 1945.
Formerly, VE Day commemorations were organised by Harrogate Borough Council, but that was abolished in 2023. Harrogate Town Council, whose members will be elected on May 1, is yet to be convened, so groups in the town have joined forces to fill the gap.
Harrogate BID is working alongside the Charter Mayor, Councillor Chris Aldred, as well as the Charter Trustees for Harrogate, the Royal British Legion, St Peter’s Church, Harrogate Army Foundation College, the Harrogate Band, and the Air and Sea Cadets to bring the plan to fruition.
Matthew Chapman, chief executive at Harrogate BID, said:
Working alongside local groups and organisations, we are honoured to bring these plans to life to mark such an historic milestone.
VE Day is an important time for remembrance and reflection across the country, so we’re proud to deliver this series of installations.
I would like to thank all of the partners involved in the organisation of this commemorative effort for our town.
Red, white and blue bunting will line the town centre streets, while the creative lighting installed by Harrogate BID will be changed to match these colours.
A projection on the Victoria Shopping Centre, fully funded by Harrogate BID, will also add to the VE Day tributes in the town centre.
A specially commissioned artwork installation, created by local artist Sarah Marsh, will be placed on the Cenotaph area to mark the milestone. Meanwhile, informative boards sharing facts and details on how VE Day was celebrated in Harrogate will be placed in the same location to help both local people and residents to learn about the town’s heritage and experiences during the war.
Harrogate BID and its partners are also encouraging local businesses to get involved, with VE Day-themed window decorations and displays.
Chris Aldred, the Charter Mayor of Harrogate, said:
Unfortunately, VE Day falls during a 10-day period when Harrogate will not officially have a Mayor or any civic representation, as the Charter Trustees legally have to disband five days after the town council election on May 1 and the first town council meeting, at which the new Mayor will be appointed, is scheduled for May 14.
So, I am extremely grateful that Harrogate BID has stepped forward to organise this commemoration. It’s very important that Harrogate residents and business have the opportunity to fully participate in this national event and we are fortunate to have the expertise of the BID staff to pull this together for the town. I’m sure it will be brilliant!
A contained commemoration will be held around the Cenotaph area from 6pm on the evening of May 8 to mark the occasion.
More information can be found by emailing the Harrogate BID team on info@harrogatebid.co.uk.
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