Home   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Beacons to be lit across Cambridgeshire to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day




Cambridgeshire will join communities across the country to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a special beacon lighting ceremony.

Thursday, 8 May marks 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day, when the Second World War came to an end in Europe.

Beacons will be lit across the country to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day
Beacons will be lit across the country to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day

The lighting of the beacon will take place on Castle Mound, Cambridge, and will symbolise the coming together of community and the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the darkness of war.

Following music and a speech from deputy lieutenant for Cambridgeshire, Christopher Walkinshaw, the beacon will be lit at 9.30pm alongside others across the UK, Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.

The ceremony has been organised by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Armed Forces Covenant Partnership, in collaboration with Cambridgeshire County Council and Cambridge City Council.

Tommy Kelly, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Armed Forces Covenant Partnership coordinator said: “VE Day is a historic event for the country and communities across Cambridgeshire.

“Lighting the beacon is an opportunity for us all to come together to pause, reflect, and remember the generation that changed the course of history in Europe to secure the freedoms we enjoy today.

“The ceremony is free to attend and no booking is required. We hope as many people can join where possible to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.”

Other beacon ceremonies have also been organised for Thursday with Visit Ely, The City of Ely Council, Ely Cathedral and the Royal British Legion Ely Branch hosting an entire programme of events including services of thanksgiving and celebration and a beacon lighting.

Events begin at 9am with Ely’s town crier making a speech from Session’s House steps in Lynn Road and conclude with the beacon lighting at 9.30pm on St Mary’s Green. For more, visit elycathedral.org.

There will also be a beacon lighting event in Willingham Road, Over, where a wartime sing-a-long will kick off proceedings from 8.30pm.

Community singing will also feature at the Fulbourn beacon lighting in Home End. Organised by the Fulbourn and Teversham Royal British Legion branch, there will be readings and poetry from Fulbourn Scouts and the 104 Air Cadets and community singing led by Fulbourn Community Choir followed by the beacon lighting.

Beacons will also be lit in Toft, Bottisham and at the Eversdens Area Recreation Ground in Little Eversden.

A VE street party will be held in the car park of The Side Quest in High Street, Little Shelford, on Monday, 5 May.

For more information on the 80th anniversary of VE Day, visit Cambridgeshire County Council’s website.

Are you or someone in your area hosting a VE Day event? Let us know in the comments below or email newsdesk@iliffemedia.co.uk.



Comments | 0
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More