June 6 marks the 80th anniversary of the 1944 D-Day landings in Normandy during the Second World War.  

Here are details of events in the Harrogate district this week to commemorate the occasion. 

Knaresborough

The Knaresborough events will take place on June 6.

8am – The D-Day proclamation

Activities will begin at 8am at Market Cross when the town crier will give the D-Day 80 Proclamation written specially for the occasion. Nearly 400 criers around the globe will also deliver the proclamation.

7pm – Commemoration event on the castle grounds

The event will include 1940s music and a performance by Knaresborough Silver Band. June 6 is also National Fish and Chip Day and there will be plenty available from local businesses.

8pm – Ceremonial element of the evening

In the castle keep the Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps will parade with a VIP inspection and march to the war memorial.

8.45pm – Service of remembrance

A remembrance service will be led by Rev. Garry Hinchcliffe and wreaths will be laid at the war memorial

9.15pm – The international tribute and lighting of the beacon

The tribute at the war memorial will see Knaresborough join with other towns across the UK for the national beacon lighting. The event is set to end at 10pm. 

Masham

The following Masham events will take place on June 6.

8am – The D-Day proclamation

Masham will begin the day with the proclamation written specially for the occasion.

6pm – Church service

The Masham celebrations will continue in the evening with an outdoor service at the war memorial which the Masham Royal British Legion will attend.

6.30pm – Peal of bells

Half an hour later at St Mary’s Church, the peal of the bells will take place.

7pm – D-Day event

At St Mary’s Church, visitors can discover stories and exhibits from people who experienced D-Day. Visitors can also enjoy a tot of rum and fish and chips.

9.15pm – beacon lighting

Masham is also set to host events across the whole weekend with a coffee morning, a parade and wellie wanging on Saturday 8 and an exhibition and service on Sunday, June 9. 

Ripon

Life size Churchill tank and knitted décor 

The city has been adorned with knitted decorations displayed in the lead up to anniversary, including a full sized knitted Churchill AVRE tank created by Ripon Community Poppy Project and Ripon Men's Shed. 

The tank which will be in pride of place on the piazza at Ripon Cathedral forecourt on June 5 and 6.

The knitted soldiers, sailors and airmen around the city are also part of the D-Day hunt which runs until June 15, in the hunt participants can complete sheets created in partnership with Ripon BID.

7pm – City Concert

There will be an anniversary concert held at Ripon cathedral on June 6. The Ripon City Band, The Duchy Belles, The Dishforth Military Wives Choir, and Charlotte Potter will perform. Proceeds will be shared between Ripon Community Poppy Project and Help the Heroes, the armed forces and veterans charity.

Tickets costing £15 are now on sale online from Eventbrite and from Ripon's Stuff 4 Offices in  Fishergate and the Wakeman's Cafe on Market Place South.

9.15 -  beacon lighting

Jack Churchill (Sir Winston Churchill’s great grandson) will be lighting the beacon on the city’s behalf. The lighting will be live-streamed into the Cathedral during the concert.

On June 8 there will be a free entertainment evening in the Market Square

Harrogate

The Royal British Legion are set to hold a short dedication at the Harrogate War memorial in the town centre at 11am on June 6.

Pateley Bridge 

On June 6 commemorations will begin at 9am and Pateley Bridge Town Council have worked alongside Bewerley Parish Council to organise the event.

9am - The raising of the flag

At the Recreation Ground War Memorial

11am - A rememberance service

with the children of the Upper Nidderdale Federation

6.30pm - Bell ringing at St Cuthbert's Church 

9 - 9.15pm - Gather to light the beacon at Coldstones Cut

Spofforth

On June 6, an event will be held at Long Memorial Hall from 6pm to 8.30pm and Spofforth Castle will be illuminated in red, white and blue.

6.00pm - Doors open at Village Hall with cash bar

7.00pm - Fish and chip supper served with entertainment

7.15pm - Community choir sing

8.45pm - Move to castle field

9.10pm - The Last Post

9.15pm - The beacon is lit.

Pannal

Pannal and Burn Bridge Parish Council are holding D-Day commemorations on June 6:

8.45pm- Commemoration evening begins

There will be free refreshments on offer while visitors wait for the beacon to be lit.

9.15pm - The beacon lighting 

At St. Roberts church. The beacon will be lit by Anne Smith, village historian and Arthur Lloyd who is in his final year at Pannal primary school. 

June 9, 12pm-5pm -Pannal family fun day

At the family fun day at St. Roberts church there will be face painting, a bouncy castle, dog show, bar, BBQ and refreshments. All money raised is split between the church, the cricket club and Pannal primary school.

Hampsthwaite

On June 6 Hampsthwaite History Group will hold a film and exhibition evening in honour of D Day. The church is also hosting an event in the afternoon. 

3.00pm - 4.30pm - Refreshments and music

Hampsthwaite Church Garden will host tea/coffee, cake, prosecco and live music at performed by students from Ashville College.

6.30pm - Doors open to Hampsthwaite Memorial Hall

This will include a licensed bar

7.00pm - 9.30pm - Film screening and exhibitions

There will be a Churchill film screening and exhibition featuring information about soldiers and residents of Hampsthwaite during WWII. Tickets to the event are free.

Dacre Banks

The following will take place on June 6.

7.30pm – Commemorative service

At Holy Trinity Church the parish will commemorate the 80th Anniversary of D Day.

8.15pm – Refreshments

At Summerbridge Methodist Church.

9.15pm – beacon lighting

The Lamp Light of Peace at the War memorial next to Summerbridge church will be lit. 

If you know of any more D-Day events let us know at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk