Lord Mayor of Chester marks 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day
Several events will take place on Thursday, 8 May 2025.
The Lord Mayor of Chester is hosting several events to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE day on Thursday, 8 May 2025.
There is a service of thanksgiving to mark the significant anniversary at 5.30pm in Chester Cathedral. The one hour service will commemorate all members of the armed forces, those who fought valiantly on the battle fronts, those who stayed behind to keep the country going, those who lost their lives, the families and communities who lost loved ones, and those who returned home with a sense of hope for the future. The service will provide everyone with the opportunity to come together to say thank you.
A one hour VE/VJ day concert will also take place in Chester Town Hall Square at 8.45pm on Thursday, 8 May, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Chester, along with the popular local composer and musical director Matt Baker and his local choirs.
The event will feature local choirs, a bagpipe performance, Chester’s Town Crier and personal stories of local people.
During the evening, the Lord Mayor will light Chester’s Beacon of Peace, at the same time other Beacons will be lit across the country and this will provide an opportunity for everyone to come together to show their hopes for a peaceful future.
Victory in Europe Day, is known as VE Day, and it marks the surrender of the German armed forces on 8 May 1945 after many years of fighting in Europe.
After VE Day, fighting continued in the Far East for a further three months until the Japanese forces surrendered on 15 August 1945, which then marked the end of the Second World War.
The Lord Mayor, said: “The second World War was the most devasting war in human history, which was fought to defend the freedoms we all enjoy today. The 80th Anniversary of VE Day is an important opportunity for people to come together to pay tribute to those who served and lived through the Second World War.
“It is fitting that as a city, we mark this special day and reflect on the many sacrifices which were made during World War II, and also to commemorate the resilience shown from those who came together afterwards to rebuild their towns and cities.”
To join the Lord Mayor at the special civic service at Chester Cathedral, please email: chestercivic@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or telephone: 01244 977701 by 30 April for tickets.
The VE/VJ Day 80th Concert and Beacon lighting is taking place at 8.45pm on 8 May 2025, Chester Town Hall Square, Northgate Street, Chester, CH1 2HJQ. All are welcome to join.
Visit the Council’s website for details of other VE/VJ Day events planned across the borough.