St Matthew’s Church in Leyburn hosted a concert of thanks, hope, peace and light to mark 80 years since Victory in Europe Day.
This was the final event in a week of commemorative activities in Leyburn organised in conjunction with Leyburn Town Council.
The concert on May 11 brought together people from across the community – and across generations.
“This was a collaboration between many community groups, organisations and individuals and resulted in a varied and memorable afternoon,” said organiser Colin Bailey, from BlueBoxt Creative and Performing Arts.
Performances were given by members from:
- BlueBoxt’s Play, Record, Perform project
- Light My Choir! – the Wensleydale Community Gospel Choir
- St. Matthew’s Church
- Leyburn Band
- The Yoredale Strummers
- The Leyburn Branch of the Royal British Legion
- The Wensleydale School Combined Cadet Force
- The 1st Wensleydale Scout Group
- Children from Leyburn, Middleham and Spennithorne, Bainbridge, Askrigg and West Burton Primary Schools
There was also plenty of opportunity for audience participation, and a time of silent reflection with a procession of lanterns, made by the 1st Wensleydale Scout Group, lit as a prayer for hope and peace.
Reverend Gillian Lunn, assistant curate for the Benefice of Leyburn and Bellerby, said: “It has been wonderful to witness such a positive response to the idea and see the community come together to share their stories and remember.
“The afternoon gave us moments of poignancy, humour, light, and hope and a true sense of thankfulness for all the sacrifices of the past, and a prayerful hope for the present and the future.”
To watch the concert, visit https://www.youtube.com/live/X4AwCF3jIKg?si=3NUguFWq6RcgVUVE
The 1st Wensleydale Scout Group is currently recruiting trustees and sectional volunteers.
For more information, email 1stwensleydalescoutgroup@gmail.com
