Beverley Town Council is proud to announce a community concert to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day), taking place at 7pm on Friday 15th August at St Mary’s Church. This event will honour the end of World War II and those who served in the Far East, including many who never returned home, whilst also encompassing community unity.
The concert will feature performances from Beverley Church Lads and Girls Brigade, Beverley Male Voice Choir, and will include readings of wartime memories and moments of reflection.
Councillor Alison Healy, Mayor of Beverley, said:
“This is a deeply important milestone for our country. VJ Day marked the end of a devastating global conflict, and this concert is a way for us to come together as a community to honour those who served, those who suffered, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
“On behalf of Beverley Town Council, I warmly invite residents to be part of this commemoration - whether by attending the concert or by sharing family stories that connect us to this important history. Our collective memories are part of Beverley’s story.”
The Town Council is inviting residents to submit personal or family stories related to VJ Day or experiences of the war in the Far East. Selected stories will be read during the concert, and others will be shared on the Town Council website.
VJ Day, on 15th August 1945, marked the official end of the Second World War, when Japan surrendered to the Allied Forces. For the UK, it followed the earlier surrender of Germany (VE Day in May), and signified final victory after six years of global conflict. It is a day of solemn remembrance, particularly for those who fought in the Far East and those held as prisoners of war.
The concert will be free to attend, and any donations on the evening will be gratefully received in support of Beverley Church Lads and Girls Brigade (the Mayor’s Charity of the Year) and St Mary’s Church.
Councillor Healy added:
"This will be an upbeat event, but also with respectful reflection - one that honours the past while bringing people together in a spirit of hope and community. It’s important that we remember what was experienced and the impact it had."
Family memories can be emailed to clerk@beverley.gov.uk or posted to Beverley Town Council, 12 Well Lane, Beverley, East Yorkshire, HU17 9BL.
Please send these by 10th August.
More details will be shared in the coming weeks via the Beverley Town Council
website and social media.
