VE Day 80

The Council has received correspondence from Bruno Peek, Pageantmaster, to participate in VE Day 80 on 8 May 2025 in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe and WWII as a whole.

Local communities are encouraged to take part in this important occasion, remembering those who gave so much to ensure the freedom we all share today.

The proposed Civic programme for Ards and North Down is detailed below: details subject to confirmation.

VE Day Flag

The Council has been asked to raise the unique VE Day 80 flag on Thursday, 8 May at 9am to unite the nation and remember the sacrifice made by so many. The flag will be flown at The Castle, Bangor and Conway Square, Newtownards.

Beacon Lighting

The Council has been invited to participate in the beacon lighting initiative. The beacons will symbolise the light of hope that emerged from the darkness of war. It is proposed that beacons will be lit at 9.30pm on Thursday, 8 May at The Castle, Bangor, Conway Square, Newtownards and Burr Point, Ballyhalbert for the International Tribute.

VE Day 80 Musical Performance

The Council will host a musical performance in Castle Park, Bangor on Friday, 9 May 2025 featuring the Band of the Royal Irish Regiment. More details to follow.

Local Community Grant Scheme

A grant scheme for constituted community and voluntary groups will be available, for small grants of up to £1000.

Small local community events that mark the commemoration of VE Day must take place between Saturday 3rd May - Monday 12th May 2025.

This scheme will open for applications on Monday 10 March and close on Monday 24 March. Full details will be available at Grants - Ards and North Down Borough Council

Celebration Packs

Packs will be made available to non-constituted community and voluntary groups on a first come first served basis. Please contact cdadmin@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

VE Day at North Down Museum

WW2 themed 'Little Historians' workshops | Wednesday 23 - Friday 25 April 2025 | 10am-2pm

Delve into our past and learn about how people in our local area lived during wartime. Enjoy lots of fun activities, games, dress-up, and arts and craft sessions whilst learning about our past. This is a 3-day workshop. Admission is £30 per child. Booking will be via Ticketsource (Booking not yet open).

VE Recollections Exhibition | Community Gallery | 6 May-3 August 2025

An exhibition created with our local community exploring what life was like in the aftermath of the World War II.

VE Day Talk (Title TBC) | 8 May 7pm

Join us for a special talk to mark VE Day, given by Dr James O'Neill, who has worked to promote and preserve the archaeology and heritage of Northern Ireland for over thirty years and specialises in all aspects of conflict archaeology, including defence heritage and battlefield survey.

Admission £2. Booking will be via Ticketsource (Booking not yet open).

VE Day Living History Family Day with Valhalla Theatre Group | 11 May 12-4pm

To mark the 80th anniversary of VE day we invite you to come and meet some characters from the past to learn about life in WW2. Free admission

Read more about national events taking place to commemorate this important occasion at VE Day 80