Beacons, beach party and flag raising: Events to commemorate VE Day
Round-up of events across Dorset for VE Day (Image: Dorchester Town Council)
IT'S the 80-year anniversary of VE Day and Dorset communities have a lot planned to mark the occasion.
Victory in Europe Day, known as VE Day, is celebrated on May 8 each year to mark the day the Allies formally accepted Germany's surrender in 1945 - and for 2025 it's a landmark anniversary.
There are many events happening across Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester tomorrow and for the next few days.
We have complied a list of the range of VE Day events happening across the three communities.
Weymouth events
Thursday, May 8
A VE day flag will be flown next to the Weymouth war memorial all day.
ADVERTISEMENT
At 9pm, the Royal British Legion will hold a short service at the Jubilee Clock followed by a beacon lighting ceremony organised by Weymouth Town Council.
The special VE 80 beacon being lit at 9.30pm.
Beacon lighting (Image: Dorchester Town Council)Saturday, May 10
From 1pm until 9.45pm, a line-up of local bands will perform on Weymouth Beach. The live music will follow an introduction speech from mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Jon Orrell.
On the run up to the day, Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Jon Orrell, said: 'We are proud to be supporting a range of events to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day across Weymouth.
'Members of the public are invited to join us on the 8th May for the beacon lighting, and we are encouraging people to create a relaxed, festival-style atmosphere at the beach concert on Saturday 10th May, so bring a picnic, blankets, and sit back enjoy the performances.
ADVERTISEMENT
'We've also funded a range of community events to complement our programme, so join together and be part of this significant occasion.'
Other events in Weymouth include:
The Nothe Fort: A new audio drama by ScreenPLAY about homefront life during World War II, featuring students from St Marys's Puddletown School from 11am until 12pm on May 8.
VE day ScreenPLAY at the Nothe (Image: ScreenPLAY) RAFA Afternoon Tea: Free afternoon tea for all veterans, serving military and club members from 3pm on May 8.
Mission Hall Sutton Poyntz: Fish and chips, quiz, beacon lighting on May 8. Tickets: Hillyd54@gmail.com
Portraits on Parade: Portraits of WW2 veterans on parade on the promenade at Weymouth seafront on May 8 and 9.
The Veterans Hub memorial mural: Created in the garden of the Veterans Hub in collaboration with local artists. The garden is used by veterans, friends and family members as a quiet reflection space.
ADVERTISEMENT
Weymouth Blind Club: Cream teas and music for members of Weymouth Blind Club.
Open Air Concert: Refreshments and live music available to the community in the St Laurence Church car park in Upwey from 12pm until 4pm on May 10.
MV Freedom: Veterans are invited to take a trip on the MV Freedom catamaran on May 10. Contact peteryork970@binternet.com to arrange.
Portland events
Thursday, May 8
At 9am, a flag raising ceremony will be held at Victoria Square roundabout followed by the proclamation at the American Memorial.
At 3pm, an Honouring our Heroes free event will run at Easton Lane Market Ground with music and stalls.
At 4pm, a service will be held at the Portland Cenotaph.
At 6pm, the bells will ring at St George's, All Saints and St John's church.
At 9pm, a beacon lighting ceremony will be held at the New Ground with a performance from Weymouth Concert Brass.
ADVERTISEMENT
Weymouth Concert Brass (Image: Archive)Dorchester events
Thursday, May 8
At 9am, a VE tribute will be held at the town pump at Cornhill before a flag is raised at town hall along with a town crier tribute.
From 8.15pm until 9.30pm, a beacon lighting ceremony will take place on Salisbury Field accompanied by music from the Decadettes, as well as a reading of local memories from As One Theatre.
The town crier will also re-read his tribute before Joe Ansell performs the Last Post as the beacon is lit.
The Decadettes (Image: Dorchester Town Council)Saturday, May 10
At 12.15pm, a free concert from Casterbridge Male Voice Choir will take place at the Corn Exchange- performing a range of music from the 1940s.
Celebrations in Dorchester will conclude on May 11 with a free concert in Borough Gardens from 1pm until 4pm with music from the Decadettes and Durnovaria Silver Band.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Duchess Sophie Subtly Took a Side in William & Harry's Feud Amid Reports He Caused ‘Irreparable Harm' to the Royals
The drama in the British royal family has everyone taking sides. How could it not be so, considering King Charles is very sick, succession plans are reportedly underway, and Prince Harry is feuding with his father and his brother, Prince William, at the same time. Recently, reports surfaced that some royals might be looking to fix the rift between the brothers, among them Kate Middleton, but things remain frosty as of now. Prince Harry recently gave an interview in which he spoke openly about wanting to put the rift with his family behind him. 'I would love reconciliation with my family. There's no point continuing to fight any more, life is precious,' Harry said, explaining that the issue of security has 'always been the sticking point' in his recent family troubles. The Prince also said that while 'there have been so many disagreements between myself and some of my family,' he's now 'forgiven' them. More from StyleCaster Charles' Funeral Could Be the Last Time Harry & William Ever See Each Other Again Amid Claims There's 'No Turning Back' in Their Feud Harry & Meghan Accused Charles of Taking a Swipe at Their Kids Amid Reports He 'Didn't Want' Archie & Lili to Have This Royal Perk Related: Did William really cheat on Kate? But whether the rest of the family feels the same remains to be seen. The Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, stepped out with Prince William for a joint engagement on June 6th, seemingly sending a message about where she stands, as she and her nephew smiled and looked to get along great during the joint appearance. The Duchess and the Prince attended the Royal Cornwall Show in Wadebridge, Cornwall, together. Prince William is patron of the association, while his aunt Sophie is the vice president. The two are not often paired for royal outings, which made it all the more remarkable that they attended together. Usually, if William is doing joint outings, it's with his wife Kate Middleton, and the same goes for Duchess Sophie with her husband, Prince Edward. Other royals have seemingly come in support of King Charles, and by extension, Prince William, recently. A few days after Prince Harry's interview, King Charles, Princess Ann,e and other members of the British royal family—including Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—were photographed watching the VE Day commemorations from their balcony at Buckingham Palace. Princess Anne's appearance with the family has also been interpreted as a sign of support. This comes as reports indicate William and Harry's relationship is irrevocably broken, and Prince William will look to take harsh action against his brother when he takes the throne. 'It's no secret William wants Harry more harshly dealt with. He thinks he has betrayed the family from top to bottom, which is the ultimate Windsor crime. It wouldn't take much to provoke him to flex his muscles when he is king,' a palace insider told The Daily Beast. Royal expert Hilary Fordwich also told Fox News that Harry's behavior has had quite an impact on the royal family and his reputation in the U.K. 'He is oblivious to the fact that his privileged upbringing was a blessing compared with most,' Fordwich said. 'His behavior is causing irreparable harm nationally, as he was once much loved and second in popularity only to his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.' She continued, 'He doesn't serve his country, he only serves himself. That is abhorrent to all the British and British values.' For now, it seems like the royals are sticking together. Well, all but Prince Harry, his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two kids. Best of StyleCaster The 26 Best Romantic Comedies to Watch if You Want to Know What Love Feels Like These 'Bachelor' Secrets & Rules Prove What Happens Behind the Scenes Is So Much Juicier BTS's 7 Members Were Discovered in the Most Unconventional Ways
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
The Internet Can't Handle These Striking New Photos of Prince William
When it comes to the royal fam, we can always count on a top tier recap. Whether it's commemorating VE Day, hosting tea parties or showing up in style to just about anything, we're basically guaranteed to get a photo dump (with major glam). And right on cue, Prince William's latest appearance totally delivered. The Prince of Wales stepped out on June 4 to visit the Army Air Corps and, yes, Kensington Palace came through with the photos. Like, really came through. The lead image on Instagram shows William looking laser-focused on a computer screen—and he is looking good. His skin is practically glowing, the fan-favorite scruffy beard is on full display. It's serving quiet confidence in the best way. Also worth noting: the man is in full military uniform. We're talking camo top to bottom, complete with a blue beret that seriously makes his eyes pop. Then there's the shot of him laughing with some kids, just being his full-on dad self. Wholesome and charming? Check and check. And can we talk about that profile pic? The lighting is working overtime—he's giving 'future king with a halo' energy. Arthur Edwards -And royal fans agree. They were quick to flood the comments with praise. 'Always a good day when William is in uniform!' Another added, 'That beard is fulfilling its responsibility.' Someone else chimed in with, 'The social media manager knows EXACTLY what they're doing.' While a fourth added, 'Wait, Prince William is hot again? I say this with the utmost respect.' Arthur Edwards -Beyond the aesthetics, this outing actually marked a pretty significant milestone for William. It was his first official visit as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps—a role passed down to him by King Charles in May 2024. "Proud to visit the Army Air Corps as its Colonel-in-Chief. Great to spend time with the soldiers and their families here at Wattisham Air Base," read the caption of the Instagram post recapping the event. Arthur Edwards -"Thank you for the warm welcome and heartening to see the strength of the regiment's community," the caption continued. "Very impressed by the relentless commitment, physical capability and mental acuity on display at the combat PT session. An excellent reflection of the Army Air Corps' readiness and professionalism!" "A huge thank you to the soldiers and families of the AAC for the warm welcome — and for everything you do," the post concluded. And a huge thank you to that royal photographer, too. Want all the latest entertainment news sent right to your inbox? Click here. Prince William Gets Candid in Emotional New Statement About Grief
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Post Box Museum hosts Bank Holiday display of knitted art
The Isle of Wight Post Box Museum offered a special Bank Holiday treat. The museum opened its doors to the public, while members of the Isle of Wight Women's Institute (WI) were treated to an exclusive preview, as these photos show. Organised by Pauline Rippon from Gurnard WI, the event showcased nearly 100 handmade post-box toppers. These were knitted and crocheted by women from across the Island. WI guests enjoy ice cream beside handcrafted post box toppers (Image: IOW WI) The toppers, featuring designs such as an Isle of Wight cyclist, Noah's Ark, an escaped convict, a mad hatter's tea party, The Beatles, and several commemorating the armed forces and VE Day, were praised for their creativity. Pauline also contributed a topper representing the Alzheimer Cafe, with the slogan 'all in the same boat'. She arranged a raffle for the day. The event, which included an ice cream van, was deemed a success by all who attended. The museum was open to the public for the Bank Holiday weekend.
