White cliffs of dover mural unveiled in Middleton to mark VE Day 80th anniversary

Thursday, 8 May 2025 20:00

By David Murphy

A striking new mural featuring the White Cliffs of Dover was unveiled in Veterans Walk, Middleton, on Thursday evening, 8 May, as part of the town’s commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

The artwork, completed by community group Middleton in Bloom, was revealed at 6pm and attracted local residents and community groups. The mural, which includes a Spitfire and a trail of poppies soaring above the white cliffs with blue sea waves below, replaces an earlier version that featured a wooden panel. The updated design is a more vivid and enduring tribute.

The mural forms part of the wider Middleton Paint Jam project, during which several new artworks were created around the town centre in recent weeks.

Among those present at the unveiling were local Otters, Wolf Cubs and Scouts from Middleton, showing their support and learning about the importance of remembering those who served. Evan Barlow, the local artist who painted the mural, also attended the event and posed for photos alongside his work.

Earlier in the day, a service of commemoration had taken place at Middleton Memorial Gardens at 1pm. The event featured speeches, the playing of the Last Post, and reflections on the end of the Second World War in Europe in 1945. Veterans, local councillors and residents gathered to honour the sacrifices made and celebrate the hard-won peace.

The mural is now expected to be a permanent visual focal point in the town’s remembrance efforts, drawing visitors and encouraging reflection on the legacy of VE Day, which you can see whilst walking towards Tesco Middleton's car park.