UK’s largest power station lights up for poppy appeal

A giant symbol of remembrance will shine across Yorkshire from one of the cooling towers at Drax Power Station as part of a poignant display to mark Remembrance Sunday.

The projection at the UK’s largest single site renewable power generator should be visible from miles around to commemorate those involved in the two world wars and other conflicts.

Bruce Heppenstall, Plant Director at Drax, said: “Drax has a proud history of supporting the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. By projecting the symbol of remembrance on to one of our cooling towers we are aiming to show armed forces personnel throughout the generations the gratitude we feel for the sacrifices they’ve made.

“This year we’re pleased to be able to gather in person with our colleagues who have served in the military, to pay our respects and support the Royal British Legion, which provides lifelong support to our armed forces community.”

Drax Power Station, near Selby in North Yorkshire, will project the image onto one of the power station’s 114m tall cooling towers between 5pm and 12am from Armistice Day, Friday November 11 to Remembrance Sunday, November 13.

This is the third year that Drax has marked the occasion with a projection. Members of the public are welcome to view the projection safely from the Drax Sports and Social Club car park opposite the power station where they will also have the opportunity to donate to the Poppy Appeal via QR code.

Gavin Kirk is a Technical Training Co-ordinator at Drax and an ex-Army Warrant Officer who served with both the Parachute Regiment and Royal Army Physical Training Corps (RAPTC) and completed 22 Years’ service finishing his Military career in 2018.

Gavin helped to organise the Poppy Appeal at the power station this year. He said: “I’m proud to work for an organisation that supports the Royal British Legion having witnessed first-hand their support to some of my Military Comrades post serving in the Military. There are at least 20 ex-Armed Forces personnel working at Drax, as well as several Army Reserves. The help the Legion provides for veterans like me is fantastic, with many of us relying on this support to help transition to civilian lives.”

As well as the projection, Drax is also donating £3,000 to the Poppy Appeal and will be laying wreaths at war memorials local to its operations across the UK.

Drax is committed to supporting the communities local to its operations through various initiatives including fundraising for local charities and supporting education and skills.