THIS year’s Remembrance Day holds a special significance.

Every year we purchase and pin on our poppies with pride - remembering of course that the delicate red flower we sport on our clothing demonstrates our acknowledgement of those who gave service above self.

This year, though, is particularly poignant as it commemorates the centenary of the end of the First World War.

Throughout the year events and initiatives have taken place in recognition of the sacrifices so many service people made - and still do.

As well as the services taking place on Remembrance Sunday, there are many other things to see to show your appreciation and acknowledge the sacrifices made for our tomorrow.

Today (Saturday November 10) Ilkley and Otley Choral are performing Elgar: Spirit of England along with poetry readings during a special commemoration concert marking the centenary of the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day at St Margaret’s Church, Queen’s Road, Ilkley. The performance starts at 7pm. For more information call 01943 607015.

Until November 24 Skipton Town Hall, High Street, Skipton, is hosting an exhibition exploring the impact of the First World War on the people of Craven.

Organised in association with the Craven and the First World War project and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, 'Craven at War' follows the fortunes of the men and women of Craven through every year of the War, exploring what life was like 100 years ago for those fighting abroad and those left behind, from the outbreak of conflict in 1914 through to the signing of the Armistice in 1918 and beyond.

Visitors will learn of the stories of individuals such as Rev Theodore Bayley Hardy, an army chaplain from Bentham - the most highly decorated non-combatant in the First World War and focuses on the courage of those serving in the local 6th and 10th Battalions of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment.

For more information visit cravendc.gov.uk/skipton-town-hall/exhibition-gallery/ww1-craven-at-war-exhibition/

A performance of ‘Songs of Love and War’ described as a ‘poignant reflection in homage to the centenary of WW1’ takes place at Dewsbury Town Hall as part of Kirklees Concert Season. The performance on Wednesday November 14 starts at 12.30pm and features the leader of the Orchestra of Opera North, David Greed and acclaimed pianist Ian Buckle.

For more information call 01484 225755.

Ripon Cathedral is currently showcasing Yorkshire artist, Dan Metcalfe’s unique installation ‘Fields of Mud, Seeds of Hope.’ The sculpture uses drying mud from the site of Ripon’s WW1 military hospital and the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 in Belgium to depict five battle weary silhouettes returning home from the front. As the mud dries it changes colour, gradually cracks and over a period of weeks slowly reveals the silhouettes.

There But Not There – a nationwide installation for the Fallen - is also on display at the cathedral where the names of the city’s. dead are etched in to the stone of the cathedral itself – the east wall forming the city’s war memorial.

Other significant events taking place at the cathedral are a light display at the West End organised by the city and taking place until today; Ripon Choral Society are performing Britten’s War Requiem today and tomorrow’s Service of Remembrance features Hannover Girls’ Choir.

The Royal Armouries in Leeds is giving visitors the opportunity to explore documents from the First World War including paintings and objects loaned from the Parliamentary Archives in an exhibition.

Other events running at the museum and relating to the Remembrance Day activities include gun firing at noon today (Saturday) as well as special performances and story telling.

A commemorative poppy drop takes place when the minute’s silence is observed at 11am tomorrow (Sunday). Visitors also have the opportunity to view a number of medals including Victoria Crosses awarded to Leeds men including William Boynton Butler VC, Laurence Calvert VC MM and George Sanders VC MC. These will be on display until April 28 next year. Call 0113 220 1999 or visit royalarmouries.org/event/victoria-crosses.

Visitors to the Yorkshire Air Museum in Elvington can view the “Bomber Stream” Remembrance Installation consisting of a flow of poppies from the cockpit window on the museum’s example of the four engine Halifax bomber “Friday the 13th.” For more information, or to get involved, visit yorkshireairmuseum.org.