Commemorative Events to Mark 80th Anniversary of VE Day

Ards and North Down Borough Council has announced several commemorative events and activities to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. They will take place over 8-9 May, with beacon lightings in Bangor, Newtownards and Ballyhalbert coinciding with the national commemoration, together with the raising of unique VE Day 80 flags, and a performance by the Band of the Royal Irish outside Bangor Castle.

Thursday 8 May will mark 80 years since VE Day, the official end of the Second World War in Europe. Commemorations will begin when two unique VE Day 80 flags will be raised at 9am, with one outside Bangor Castle and the other at Conway Square, Newtownards.

In the evening, at approximately 9.30pm, beacons will be lit outside Bangor Castle, at Newtownards' Conway Square and at Ballyhalbert's Burr Point. Beacons symbolise the light and hope that emerged from the darkness of war. Commemorations will conclude on Friday 9 May when the Band of the Royal Irish will hold a VE Day 80 performance outside Bangor Castle.

The Council would like to encourage community groups, voluntary groups and schools to get involved. A small grant scheme will operate with up to £1000 available for constituted community and voluntary groups. The scheme opens for applications on Monday 10 March and will close on Monday 24 March.

Non-constituted community and voluntary groups will be able to avail of celebration packs on a first come, first served basis, while North Down Museum will host several events including WWII themed Little Historians workshops (23-25 April), a VE Recollections Exhibition (6 May - 3 August), a VE Day talk (8 May), and a VE Day Living History Family Day with Valhalla Theatre Group (11 May).

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said:

"Millions of people lost their lives during the Second World War. It brought huge suffering to people across the world so it is important to commemorate this occasion. We must remember those that fought for our country and secured our freedom. They gave up so much for the benefit of society and we must thank everyone that played their part in bringing the war to an end. Without them, we may not be living in what is the largely peaceful and democratic society that we have today."

For more information, visit VE Day 80 - Ards and North Down Borough Council