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.
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.
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.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. Event will run from 9pm to 10pm (approx).
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.
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 reopen for applications on Thursday 10th April 2025 at 9am and close on Thursday 24th April 2025 at 12 noon. Full details will be available at Grants - Ards and North Down Borough Council
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
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.
VE Day Recollections Exhibition | Community Gallery | 7 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 'Air Raids, Wardens and Whistles' | 8 May | 7pm
To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we are delighted to be joined by defence heritage expert, Dr James O'Neill to discuss the valuable contribution of the ARP to the war effort.
The rise of airpower introduced a new threat during the Second World War as aerial attacks became the most significant danger to the civilian population. As a result, the government established Air Raid Precautions, or ARP for short, a civilian organisation tasked with responding to the threat at home.
This talk will examine their role, how the public received them, and where traces of their vital contributions can still be found.
Admission £2: BOOK HERE
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. Re-enacted by members of Valhalla Street Theatre, children and adults of all ages will enjoy interacting with living history characters throughout the museums. Free admission.
Read more about national events taking place to commemorate this important occasion at VE Day 80
Share this page
