News

Ripon Prepares For Its Second Annual VE Day Event

Thursday 20 March

Nobody could forget the first annual VE Day celebrations which took place in Ripon on Saturday 12th May last year, culminating in the spine-tingling Battle of Britain Memorial Flight over Ripon Market Square which left more than a few of us feeling a little emotional!

As an inaugural event, it truly was a resounding success and the addition of over 5,000 visitors to the city that day secured its place on the Ripon calendar as an annual affair.

This year’s VE Day celebrations are scheduled to be held on Saturday 17th May 2008 and we wait with baited breath to see what the organiser, Emma Warner-Reed, has in store for us:

“All of last year’s favourites will be returning”, says Emma, “including 20 vehicles from the 1930s and 1940s provided by Ripon Old Cars and the resoundingly popular Land Army display from the Old Farm at Ripley.

“We also have a new treat in store”, Emma continues, “in the form of historical costume collector and vintage fashion expert Lynn Hopwood’s wartime fashion display, which promises to bring with it a bevy of live models sporting military and civilian clothing from the day.” What a rare treat!

Emma is keen to drum up as much local support as possible for the event and would ask anyone who wishes to get involved to contact her on 01765 609883 or by email at: enquiries@storminateacup.org.

“I am particularly keen to involve local children in the event”, says Emma.

“Whilst our aim is to provide an event which is thoroughly entertaining to all age-groups, it is so important to educate our children about the events which took the lives of so many men and women and to honour those who fought on our behalf, in order that their bravery and fortitude will never be forgotten”.

Any final words from our organiser? None, other than to remind people that tickets are now on sale for the Victory Ball to be held on the evening of the 17th May 2008 at Ripon Rugby Club.

As with the day time celebrations, this promises to be a bigger and better event than last year with 10 piece live dance band, the Palm Court Dance Orchestra, swinging the night away with tunes from the 1930s and 1940s. Last year’s buffet is being replaced with a hearty wartime feast of pie and peas (vegetarian options available), and prizes will be given to the best dressed 1940s couple: 1940s dress encouraged but optional, of course! There will even be a dancing competition for those of you with a competitive streak!

Tickets go on sale from Tuesday 1st April and can be purchased from Storm in a Teacup at 5 Kirkgate, Ripon or by contacting Emma in person on 01765 609883. Cost of tickets is £20 and includes entry, live entertainment, pie and peas and your first drink at the bar. All proceeds will be donated to the Royal British Legion’s Lister House.