As the 80th anniversary of VE Day is marked across the country, communities across North Yorkshire are coming together to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who brought peace to Europe.

The world-famous Grenadier Guards joined young musicians from schools across North Yorkshire to perform a special commemoration concert ahead of the commemorations on 8 May.

The event which was held at the Harrogate Convention Centre was organised by our music service.

It featured 300 children and young musicians from schools in the county and York who took centre stage to perform a range of pieces from the wartime years as well as a contemporary repertoire.

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The young musicians were joined by one of the oldest and most famous military bands in the world, the Regimental Band of the Grenadier Guards.

Formed in 1685 at the request of King Charles II, the 40-strong military ensemble’s quick march, The British Grenadiers, is one of the most recognisable melodies in the world.

Among the performers at the concert were trumpeter George Hirst – an ex-North Yorkshire school pupil and former member of the County Big Band and County Orchestra.

Our music service is responsible for providing instrumental and vocal tuition to pupils in North Yorkshire and York.

The performances took months of planning by our head of the music service, Ian Bangay.

He said: “The concert provided a great opportunity for students to connect with a prestigious musical organisation.

“This is our second concert with the Grenadier Guards (the first was held in June 2022), but we have performed many more with other military bands linked to North Yorkshire.

“I would like to thank you the Grenadier Guards musicians for their valuable time and for everyone in the audience who attended and supported the event.”

Victory in Europe Day – to give it its full name – marked the end of the Second World War in Europe on 8 May 1945, when the Allies accepted the surrender of Nazi Germany.

In Richmond at Friary Gardens, our Armed Forces Champion Cllr Kevin Foster and Catterick Garrison’s commander, Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Anderson RA, took time out to reflect on the lasting impact of the Second World War - and the importance of remembering the human stories behind it.

Cllr Foster said: “I always remember my grandad at this time of year. He is my hero. I just wish he could have been here to see me represent the Armed Forces.”

For many this milestone is deeply personal, shaped by memories of loved ones who served or who were affected by the war.

Lieutenant Colonel Anderson added: “What they went through is far greater than what we go through now – and all that suffering has enabled us to shape the world as it is today.”

Celebrations and events are planned across the region. Church bells will ring out from sunrise to sunset, town criers will mark the anniversary and special flags will also be flown.

There will be parties in streets, gardens, towns, cities, pubs and community centres, while beacons will also be lit across the county when evening falls.

These events not only offer a moment of remembrance but also a chance for all generations to come together, reflect, and give thanks to those who gave us freedom in Europe.

More information about the commemorations is available on the VE Day 80th Anniversary website.