VE Day 80th celebrations in North Yorkshire

Victory in Europe Day, known as VE Day, is celebrated on 8 May to mark the moment the Allies formally accepted Germany's surrender in 1945.

People across North Yorkshire are being encouraged to join in the celebrations and commemorations, with York's City Walls lit in red, white and blue from Monday 5 until Thursday 8 May.

Pete Kilbane, executive member for economy and culture at City of York Council, said: "The end of the war in Europe is a moment to celebrate. It also reminds us of the sacrifices people made so that we can be free today.

"So let's come together in our streets, communities and workplaces and mark this 80th anniversary."

On 8 May, the Royal British Legion Scarborough branch will hold a service of prayers and wreath-laying in Alma Square from 11:00 BST.

On 10 May, there will be a cocktail reception and formal lunch at Middlethorpe Hall & Spa near York from 12:30 BST.

The four-course meal will have a "Dig for Victory" theme, using produce from the venue's own gardens and local farmers.

It will be accompanied by live music from York's Celebration Singers.

St Wilfrid's Garrison Church in Strensall will be hosting a concert by York Railway Institute Band and the York Military Wives Choir.

The event, at 19:30 BST on 8 May, will feature old and new songs that evoke memories of 1945, concluding with a Last Night of the Proms-style finale.

Tickets are priced at £10 per adult and £5 per child.

Yorkshire Air Museum in Elvington will hold celebrations on the weekend of 10 and 11 May.

The museum said its "We'll Meet Again" weekend would be its "big event of the year", featuring reenactors in 1940s dress, who will be giving demonstrations and talks, with vintage vehicles on show and tables and chairs set out for a street party.

On 8 May, Ripon Cathedral will be hosting a VE Day anniversary proms, with children from a local school giving readings. Tickets are £15.

Ripon City Council will host a free event in the market square from 18:00 to 21:30 BST, with live music, a climbing wall, vintage games and family friendly activities.

And on Sunday 11 May, there will be a traditional parade through Ripon for the Installation of the new Mayor of Ripon at Ripon Cathedral.

There will also be a performance of stories of Yorkshire Normandy veterans, as told by Ripon Theatre Festival and the Ripon Community Poppy Project, at Lister House.

On 1 May, York Army Museum will launch its Remembering Victory in Europe exhibition showcasing regiments and the home front in York.

There will be live performances at 17:00 and 19:00 BST on 8 May telling the stories of two of York's Normandy veterans.

On 10 May the museum will host a dramatisation offering an insight into the lives of prisoners of war, and highlighting the ethnic diversity of the veteran community.

On 8 May, York Minster will host a special Evensong commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day, starting at 17:30 BST.

On 8 May at 18:00 BST, Knaresborough Castle will host themed entertainment including performances from local musicians, bands and dance groups.

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 and lead attendees to gather at the War Memorial for prayers of remembrance.

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