Commemorative Events to Mark Next Week's 80th Anniversary of VE Day

Ards and North Down Borough Council will host several events and activities to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day 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 Regiment 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, beacons will be lit outside Bangor Castle, at Newtownards' Conway Square and at Ballyhalbert's Burr Point. Community choirs will perform at each location from 9pm before the beacons are lit at 9.30pm. 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 Regiment will hold a VE Day 80 performance outside Bangor Castle at 7pm.

Following the recent WWII themed Little Historians workshops at North Down Museum, the Museum will continue to host several events over the coming weeks. They include 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:

The Second World War brought huge suffering to people across the world so it is important to commemorate this occasion. Members of the public are most welcome to attend any of the events where we will remember those who fought for our country and secured our freedom."

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