Celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in the Lancaster district will take place today.
The special events will be held on Thursday (May 8), to mark 80 years since the surrender of Germany during the Second World War and the end of the conflict in Europe.
Morecambe
Proceedings begin at Morecambe Town Hall at 11am with a flag-raising ceremony, organised in partnership with the Royal British Legion and Bay Veteran’s Association.
The event will begin with the official VE Day Proclamation delivered by Town Crier Michael Glen and the raising of the official VE Day 80 flag above the Town Hall. Rev. Chris Krawiez of Morecambe Parish Church will then deliver a short sermon, which will be followed by a reception for veterans and their families in Morecambe Town Hall.
Then at The Platform at 7pm, Morecambe Brass Band perform a specially curated concert programme, titled ‘And Then There Was Peace’.
A variety of military marches, music from the movies, and musical moments for reflection will take audience members on a journey through three world-defining conflicts, from Wellington’s victory at Waterloo, through the muddy fields of Flanders, to celebrations on the streets at the end of the Second World War.
The concert is free to attend, with tickets available from The Platform box office and online.
The day’s celebrations wrap up with a beacon-lighting at the bottom of the stone jetty between the Midland Hotel and the RNLI station. The specially designed beacon will be lit at 9.30pm simultaneously with hundreds of others in towns and villages throughout the country to the strains of bugle calls.
The Last Post will be sounded in its traditional military capacity at approximately 10pm to mark the end of the day’s events.
Vintage enthusiasts are encouraged to attend events throughout the day in themed attire, to lend an air of nostalgia to the day’s proceedings.
Councillor Lee Bradbury, Chair of the Festivals, Sponsorships and Events Committee at Morecambe Town Council, said: ‘’This is very much a day of celebration – celebration of the Allied victory over Nazi tyranny, of democracy over fascism, of freedom over subjugation.
‘’It's also a celebration of community - 80 years ago communities come together in an unprecedented way in a shared outpouring of joy with the end of the war in sight.
‘’That’s why we were keen to create a variety of ways for people to come together to mark the day and work with some of our invaluable community organisations such as the local Royal British Legion branch, Bay Veteran’s Association, and Morecambe Brass Band Association to deliver the day’s events.’’
Carnforth
Carnforth Town Council is inviting the whole community to join in today.
The town council is encouraging residents, local community groups, schools, and businesses to decorate their spaces with poppies, bunting, and banners in red, white, and blue.
They are hoping to transform the Carnforth War Memorial Gardens and local premises into a vibrant display of remembrance and tribute.
The schedule of events is as follows:
9am - Raising of the unique VE Day 80 Flag and a formal Proclamation by the Town Crier in the Memorial Gardens
6.30pm - Church bell ringers across the nation 'ring out for peace' in honour of this special anniversary
9pm - Carnforth Community Choir performs a selection of meaningful songs. Candles will be distributed to attendees to light in remembrance.
9.30pm - The lighting of a beacon by the town mayor, followed by the reading of the Nation’s Tribute and a short service led by the Carnforth Community Choir, concluding with the hymn 'I Vow to Thee, My Country'.
Everyone is invited to participate in the National 'Lamp Lights of Peace' initiative by lighting candles, provided by Carnforth Town Council, around the War Memorial, symbolising our collective remembrance of the sacrifices made during World War II.
Councillor Ian Laurence, Armed Forces Champion, said: “VE Day is not just a day of remembrance; it is a celebration of peace and resilience.
"As we gather to honour the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom, I encourage everyone in our community to participate in this meaningful tribute. Together, we can ensure that their legacy lives on in our hearts and actions.”
If you’re planning VE Day 80 activities in the Carnforth comunity, please email Leah at admin@carnforthtowncouncil.gov.uk with details and photographs.
Lancaster
10.45am: Flag raising ceremony in Dalton Square.
VE Day tea party at 1.30pm, Lancaster Library.
Other events today
Sandylands School VE Day Celebration, with music, dancing and afternoon tea, 3.15pm to 5pm
Stagecoach bus company is offering free travel for any veterans wearing medals or veterans badge, anyone in uniform or with proof of military ID, and cadets.
Friday May 9
Celebration of VE Day with songs from Beyond Radio's Miss Harri Deane
5.30pm, The Pier Hotel, Morecambe
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