North Ayrshire to mark Victory in Europe Day this week
Thursday 8th May 2025 will mark 80 years since the end of World War Two in Europe, when the guns fell silent and people took to the streets to celebrate peace and mourn those who would not return home.
This 80th anniversary provides us with an opportunity to join together in remembering and honouring the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
Across the UK, four days of commemorations have been organised by the government to celebrate this year’s 80th anniversary, which will run from Monday 5 May to Thursday 8 May 2025. Events include a military procession and flypast in central London and 2,500 beacons being lit across the country. Details of these events can be found at: https://ve80.com/
Quote: The Pageant Master has asked that councils and local communities consider taking part in a range of national and local events on 8 May. This is a unique opportunity to reflect upon this year’s momentous anniversary and join together as communities to pay tribute to our Second World War veterans and remember their efforts that have granted us the freedom that VE Day represents.
Quote from: Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands
In North Ayrshire, the anniversary is being marked at various council-led and community-based events, including:
- Thursday 24 April - Launch of North Ayrshire VE Day 80 Fund where community groups have been successful in securing funding to run their own events (photo round up of these to follow on social media next week)
- Monday 28 April to Wednesday 30 July - North Ayrshire Heritage Centre, Saltcoats, will host a World War II Exhibition and school's programme. For opening times please visit the NA Heritage Centre webpage
- Thursday 1 May to Saturday 31 May - North Ayrshire Libraries thematic book displays and a variety of commemorative events. Please follow the link to find your local library
- Thursday 8 May (morning) - Raising of official VE Day 80 flag and Reading of Declaration by North Ayrshire Provost, Councillor Anthea Dickson. Taking place at 9am at Cunninghame House main entrance door. All welcome to attend. The Declaration will also be shared online at 9am via North Ayrshire Council and North Ayrshire Heritage and Cultural Service’s Facebook pages*.
- Thursday 8 May (evening) - Beacon will be lit 9.30pm at Irvine Beach Park - organised by Coastwatch and attended by North Ayrshire Provost, Councillor Anthea Dickson and Lord Lieutenant Sheriff Iona Sara McDonald OBE
- Thursday 8 May (evening) - Beacon will be lit 9.30pm at Saltcoats Harbour - event organised and attended by North Ayrshire Veterans' Champion Councillor Jim Montgomerie
- Thursday 8 May (evening) - Beacon will be lit 9.30pm at The Secret Bunker, Skelmorlie (PA17 5HF) - attended by the Depute Provost John Sweeney, followed by the nation singing “I Vow to Thee, My Country”.
These are community-led events. All are welcome to attend.
A reading of the official VE Day 80 Tribute and film with soundtrack ‘I Vow to Thee, My Country’ sung by David Douglas will be shared online at 9.30pm via North Ayrshire Council and North Ayrshire Heritage and Cultural Service’s Facebook pages on the evening of Thursday 8 May.
*Updates on VE Day will be shared via the North Ayrshire Council and North Ayrshire Heritage and Cultural Services social media pages.
Published: 06 May 2025