VJ DAY 80 Concert of Commemoration from 7pm, Friday 15th August 2025

Vj 80 Day Friday 15th August

St Mary's Church and Beverley Town Council welcome everyone to be part of the commemorative concert marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day - a moment to reflect on the end of the Second World War and to honour all those who served in the Far East, many of whom never returned home.


VJ Day in 1945 brought both relief and reflection at the end of six long years of war, of loss and uncertainty, and the beginning of a long road to recovery. It was a time of solemn remembrance as well as quiet celebration.

Everyone is invited to St Marys Church to embrace in the power of music to unite and uplift. The Concert of Commermoration  will have evening performances by the St Mary’s Beverley Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade and the Beverley Male Voice Choir offering a heartfelt tribute to the courage and sacrifice of that generation.

The event is organised in partnership between St Mary’s Church and Beverley Town Council. The Deputy Lieutenant, High Sherrif and Vice Chair of ERYC will be in attendance.

 Programme Running Order ;-

Host: Mayor of Beverley Councillor Alison Healy

Presiding: Lay Minister John Edmond


1 Welcome and Introduction: The Mayor of Beverley

2 Greeting and Prayer: John Edmond

3 Candle of Remembrance

4 Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer – we stand to sing together

5 St Mary’s Beverley Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade
• A Bridge Too Far
• Medley: Roll out the Barrel and Run Rabbit Run

6 VJ Day Reflection: Cllr Paul Coe

7 St Mary’s Beverley Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade
• The Great Escape
• Band of Brothers

8 VJ Day Reflection: Cllr Linda Johnson

9 St Mary’s Beverley Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade
• Colonel Bogey
• WW2 Sing-a-Long Medley
­ Kiss Me Goodnight, Sergeant Major
­ We’ll Meet Again
­ Wish Me Luck as You Wave Me Goodbye
 There’ll Always be an England

Comfort Break – please retake your seats when the trumpet sounds

10 VJ Day Reflections: Cllr Eliza Whitaker and Cllr Denis Healy

11 Beverley Male Voice Choir:
• Morte Christe
• Bring Him Home
• Only Remembered
• Tears in Heaven
• Tell my Father
• You’ll Never Walk Alone
• American Trilogy

12 I Vow to Thee, My Country – we stand to sing together

13 Ceremony of Commemoration:
• Moment of Reflection
• Audience to light their candles
• Poem: The Captive’s Hymn by Margaret Dryburgh
• Please stand: The Last Post - Minute Silence - Reveille
• Prayers and Blessing including the Lord’s Prayer

14 The National Anthem – we stand to sing together

15 Acknowledgements and Closing Remarks

When you leave St Mary’s Church buckets will be available for donations.
All donations will be split equally between the Beverley Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade and St Mary’s Church.

Just Beverley