Photos of the concert courtesy of Clive Trewhitt
VE Day Proms Celebration
7.15pm on Thursday 8th May 2025 in Ripon Cathedral.
Artists included
- Echo 42 Big Band,
- Charlotte Potter,
- The Duchy Belles
- Simeon Wood
- compered by Mark Sidwell
All profits going to the Ripon Community Poppy Project & Ripon Cathedral
Tickets SOLD OUT
Working in partnership with Ripon Cathedral
Our Performers
Meet Echo42, a joyous community big band, based in Harrogate and celebrating their 41st year, uniting a group of great players under the spell of jazz. Directed by the brilliant Ross Simpson, Echo42 regularly performs 1940s dance sets, diverse jazz concerts and party sets.
This isn’t your average big band; this is a musical fiesta!
As well as a very slick 1940s set (complete with wartime era Airforce uniforms), the band seek out innovative and exciting contemporary arrangements that breathe new life into the jazz tradition and infuse Motown and pop into repertoire for concert and party sets that entertain and captivate their audiences.
They are the friendliest band you could meet – their sole reason for playing is that they love it! They appear regularly around the area, the Bilton Club in Harrogate four times a year, the Anchor Inn in Whixley, Grassington 1940’s weekend celebrations, Wigan Jazz club, Starbeck Methodist church in concert on May 11th as well as their appearance at the VE day 80th anniversary celebrations on the 8th May. They have recently welcomed the superb Nicki Allen as their feature vocalist.
Born in 2000 in North Yorkshire, Charlotte Potter is rapidly gaining the highest acclaim for her performances in the UK and overseas. Charlotte recently finished her training at The Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and before this, attended the prestigious Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester.
In 2017, Charlotte was honoured to sing at Westminster’s Central Hall, London and 2018 saw her singing at the Proms in the Priory with the London Gala Orchestra. In 2019 she was invited, by Chesterfield Philharmonic Choir, to sing with Lesley Garrett.
Charlotte has been invited for four summers to perform a number of recitals in Bagni di Lucca, Italy. In 2020 Charlotte appeared in Season 7 of ITV’s Endeavour, playing the role of an Oxford University Music undergraduate.
In 2022, Charlotte was part of a SATB recording of ‘A Song for the Commonwealth’ ‑ heard around the UK and Commonwealth as beacons were lit in celebration of the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Charlotte has had the great honour of joining the Band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers at Durham Cathedral as their soloist for the Festival of Remembrance for 3 years, and has been the principal soloist for 2 years at The Great North Proms at the O2 City Hall, Newcastle.
Charlotte first performed at Ripon Cathedral in June 2024 to celebrate the anniversary of D-Day and again for the Festival of Remembrance in November. She is delighted to be back singing in this beautiful cathedral again tonight.
The Duchy Darlings are a newly formed close harmony vocal trio who perform all genres of music including swing, pop and musical theatre. With musical direction and arrangements by Helen Leaf, the trio became an overnight sensation on TikTok when their rehearsal video of “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” for the V.E. 80 Proms went viral attaining millions of views!
Siena Valentine Ansell is an extraordinary young performer currently headlining as Ariel in The Little Mermaid, with the Damien Poole Theatre Company. Siena has enjoyed a passion for singing since she was 4 years old performing solo at the City Varieties, Leeds. Previous performances include being part of the prestigious National Youth Music Theatre cast and bringing the role of Violet Beauregard to life in a stage adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Lottie Belle Gray has loved singing since she was born. Recently, she showcased her skills in Opera North’s production of Love Life. In addition to her passion for singing, Lottie enjoys playing the piano and staying active with sports like cricket, tennis, and netball.
Emilia Foster has shown her love for singing, acting and dancing since she was 4 years old. She has a passion for musical theatre but also screen acting. Emilia enjoys playing the piano and she is a 3rd Dan black belt in karate! Siena, Lottie and Emilia love singing together and are delighted to be performing at Ripon Cathedral to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of V.E. Day.
Like many youngsters, Simeon Wood began his musical life with the recorder. It was during a visit from a wind quintet at his school that he first encountered the flute, leaving a lasting impression that has remained with him throughout the years. This moment marked the beginning of the career we see today – a flourishing path that has taken him across the globe.
Born in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, Simeon picked up the flute at 8 years old. After a decade, he refined his performance and composition talents at Trinity College of Music in London.
Simeon relishes the opportunity to perform internationally, utilising a growing collection of unique instruments, each offering distinct sounds. “As a wandering musician, I have had the privilege of playing in remarkable locations – from caves and castles to palaces and towering redwood forests, alongside more traditional venues like festivals, cruise ships, concert halls, theatres, and art centres.”
When he is not on the road, Simeon frequently receives commissions to compose music for television and theatre productions.
Mark Sidwell – Born in 1972 Mark started playing the trumpet at the age of 8, moving quickly over to the cornet. After studying conducting with Major Peter Parkes, Mark accepted an invitation at the age of 20, to become the resident conductor of the Northeast based Championship section band, Northumbria Police.
Mark has conducted ever since and has continually enjoyed various conducting posts through all of the grading sections.
Today Mark divides his time between freelance performance as a brass player, conducting and teaching brass instrumentalists both privately and in many local schools.
Alongside our dedicated volunteeers, the Ripon Community Poppy Project VE Day Proms has been made possible by the support of the following businesses:
