Beverley Town Council is planning a community event in Coronation Gardens on Thursday 8th May 2025 to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.
VE Day celebrations bring communities together, and Beverley is no different. Unity and remembrance through events, parades, and educational activities along with SSAFA’s involvement, ensures that veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve, highlighting the ongoing need for welfare services.
Michael Menzies Baird Chair of SSAFA commented, "It is hoped that we will be able to mark this historic occasion, by turning Beverley into a town of red, white and blue, in conjunction with The Beverley Town Council and the local Beverley Chamber of Trade encouraging shops and businesses to fly the flag. It is time to not only to pay tribute to the past but also reaffirm our commitment to supporting those who have
served, ensuring their sacrifices continue to be honored for future generations".
Shaun Dart Chair of BCoT said, "It is important during these current times that we all pull together to celebrate and remember those who have given us our today, the flying of flags and the red, white and blue decorations would provide a great backdrop to the celebrations".
Beverley Town Council will start at 6pm with the VE Day 80 Proclamation, followed by a prayer and words of thanksgiving.
The beacon (purchased for the Queen's Jubilee) will then be lit and the public asked to turn on their tealights, and the official VE Day Words of Celebration will be recited. This will be followed by the singing of "I Vow to Thee, My Country", accompanied by a local band or choir. A programme will be distributed so those gathered have access to the lyrics.
As members of the public enter the garden, they will be presented with an electronic tealight. These are to represent the lamplights of peace and will also be a keepsake of the event. Each electronic candle will be branded with the Beverley VE VJ Day 80 emblem to acknowledge the anniversary.
Although the above is happening nationally at 9:30pm, Beverley Town Council wants the event to be accessible to all and family-friendly, so will hold this at 6pm, but then repeat the whole ceremony again at 9:30pm alongside the rest of the nation. People are invited to bring their own picnics.
From 6:30pm families and friends can relax in Coronation Garden and listen to the National Bell Ring from both St Mary's Church and Beverley Minster.
Between 7pm and 9:30pm, local choirs and music groups will be scheduled to perform uplifting and
appropriate music in the garden, leading to the repeat of the ceremony at 9:30pm.
Families and friends are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the May evening in good company and community spirit.
The Mayor of Beverley, Councillor David Boynton commented, "As I conclude my year as Mayor, it has been an honour to have served our Town as Mayor, I look forward to everyone getting involved in remembrance of the historic day, celebrate the occasion in true, traditional fashion wearing red, white and blue and flying the flag with pride".
Deputy Mayor Alison Healy commented, "We are all looking forward to the VE Day celebrations and
remembrance services, marking such an historic occasion".
To add to the ambience, to create a wonderful celebration and remembrance atmosphere, VE Day 80 commemorative flags will be given to local churches to fly and Beverley Town Council will also display union flags throughout the town centre from early May to late August to encompass both VE and VJ Days.
You can do your bit and display your decorations as well. A Beverley of red, white and blue to make it a Summer to remember in more ways.
Whilst plans are still to be finalised in Coronation Garden, The Beverley Male Voice Choir, She Productions and the Church Lads and Church Girls Brigade along with other groups will be organising events, such as ERYC, holding an official wreath laying at 11am in Hengate Memorial Garden.
Beverley Town Council encourages other community groups to let them know what they are planning, so they can help promote their activities as part of our town's collective way of marking this important historical event. SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, plays a vital role in supporting veterans, service personnel, and their families. Celebrating VE Day is important as it honours the sacrifices made by those who served during World War II and recognises the enduring contributions of the Armed Forces.
It is a moment to reflect on the courage and resilience of those who fought for freedom, ensuring their legacy is never forgotten.
On Thursday 8th May 2025 across the country there will be the lighting of Beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace at 9.30pm, the raising of a unique VE Day flag at 9am along with parties of celebration throughout the day in the streets, gardens at home, churches, villages, town halls, pubs, clubs, hotels.
Join in the nationwide VE Day community celebrations! 2025 will mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. As it was in 1945, the heart of the VE Day 80 commemorations and celebrations will be in our communities.
Beverley Town Council have been successful in gaining a £500 grant from ERYC for this event, which helps towards creating such a fantastic event.
