Festival of Remembrance at Ripon Cathedral
Each November, Ripon Cathedral becomes a place of reflection, celebration, and unity as it hosts the Festival of Remembrance—a moving service dedicated to the children of Armed Forces families across North Yorkshire.
This special event recognizes the unique sacrifices made by children whose parents serve in the military. With over 3,500 service children in North Yorkshire alone, the Festival offers a space for them to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Each November, Ripon Cathedral becomes a place of reflection, celebration, and unity as it hosts the Festival of Remembrance—a moving service dedicated to the children of Armed Forces families across North Yorkshire.
This special event recognizes the unique sacrifices made by children whose parents serve in the military. With over 3,500 service children in North Yorkshire alone, the Festival offers a space for them to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
The Festival showcases the talents and voices of service children through art, music, and poetry.
In recent years the Festival has featured performances from Rochmond School and Sixth Form Orchestra, the Service Children’s Community Choir, Nepali dancers from Le Cateau and readings by children from Great Ouseburn, SFX and Carnagill.
As Dean John Dobson shared:
“It is a particularly important moment for children whose parents give and risk so much through their military service… My hope is that they will leave this service knowing that they are valued.”
North Yorkshire Council’s Cllr Janet Sanderson beautifully summed up the Festival’s impact:
“These services are not only a poignant act of remembrance, but a beautiful celebration of the identity and achievements of the military children… They give this wonderful group of children and young people the opportunity to make their voices heard.”
