Bury is preparing to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a commemorative service and a programme of local events to honour the end of the Second World War.
The service, which is part of wider borough and national commemorations, will include the ringing of church bells, a reading of the VE Day proclamation, a candle-lighting ceremony symbolising peace, and shared memories from Bury in 1945. Guests are asked to be seated by 6.15pm, and everyone is welcome to attend.
VE Day (Victory in Europe) commemorates the formal acceptance of Nazi Germany's surrender on 8 May 1945. This year also includes remembrance for VJ Day (Victory over Japan), which followed on 15 August 1945 and marked the official end of the Second World War.
Councillor Sandra Walmsley, cabinet member for communities and inclusion, said: “This year’s VE Day marks a poignant moment as we reach 80 years since the end of the Second World War. Bury has a proud military history with the Lancashire Fusiliers, who served in Europe, North Africa and the Far East. The service and sacrifice of people from our borough, both on the front lines and the home front, must never be forgotten.”
In the lead-up to the anniversary, a series of local activities are planned, including:
-
Radcliffe British Legion black tie dinner dance on Saturday 10 May at 6.45pm
-
Celebration at Broughton House care home for veterans on 10 May, 2–4pm
-
Age UK celebrations at the Jubilee Centre, Thursday 8 May
-
VE Day Bunting Workshop, Bury Art Museum, Saturday 3 May, 2–3.30pm
-
Special reading materials on VE Day available via BorrowBox
-
Archive exhibition and Second World War displays at Bury Art Museum
Residents are encouraged to share their own commemorations – from homemade bunting to local arts and crafts – on the council’s VE Day page: bury.gov.uk/local-leisure-events/ve-day-80th-anniversary-celebrations. Public activities can also be submitted to the national celebration site, Tip Top Towns.
National events will begin on Bank Holiday Monday 5 May with the Cenotaph adorned in Union flags, followed by a military procession and flypast in London. A remembrance service at Westminster Abbey and a concert are planned for 8 May, with a separate ceremony marking VJ Day in August.
Further details about VJ Day commemorations in Bury will be released later in the year.
For information or to share local events, contact: armedforces@bury.gov.uk
Bartender has alcohol license revoked due to drink driving
Radcliffe child sex offender jailed for life after abusing five children
Conservatives select Emma Lee as candidate for Tottington by election
Bowlee car boot sale returns for the 2026 season
Inside the major refurbishment transforming Tenpin Rochdale
Former Middleton pub could reopen as convenience store after closure
Councillors raise concern over Riverside Housing sale of social homes in Middleton
Heywood community raises £1799.65 as Donna Dolan shaves hair for Macmillan
Road closure in Ramsbottom
Rochdale families urged to shape national consultation on keeping children safe online
Civil war erupts as Labour activists in Gorton and Denton say party is ‘not willing to change’
Silver Street offices approved as temporary housing

Comments
Add a comment