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
Man charged in relation to Heywood incident
Town centre crackdown uncovers illegal trading and unsafe properties in Rochdale
Oldham man says cancer charity support helped rebuild his life alongside NHS care
Local election candidate fuming over his name being spelt wrong
The town with a solution to their traffic problem
Local Elections 2026: What every party in Rochdale has to offer ahead of local elections
Family secures £16200 key worker support to move into new home in Bury
Four men charged after incident at Rochdale AFC match against York City
KYP Easter programme brings creative activities and healthy meals to Rochdale children
Middleton widow appeals for answers after husband dies from asbestos related cancer
Man in his 20s fighting for life after Royton crash as police urge witnesses to come forward
Fun five-days in Spain boosted the confidence of high school students ahead of their Spanish exams
Comments
Add a comment