Powys company donates beacon for VE Day 80th anniversary
As the Powys town marks 80 years since VE Day with a series of celebrations and events, one company based in Llanfyllin has contributed with a special beacon.
The beacon will be lit in Cae Bodfach field on May 8 at 9pm, having been donated to the town after it was built by metal pressing company Marrill Ltd, with employees Colin Astley, Dale Hotchkiss, Simon Bedford and Georgi Ambarski making up the team constructing it.
The beacon lighting will be the finale of the town's VE Day celebrations, having also held a traditional street party on May 5 in the town square between 12pm and 3pm, featuring live entertainment, a community singalong and a 1940s themed fancy dress competition for children, as well as bell ringing at St Myllin's Church from 6pm, as well as a wreath laying ceremony at the town's war memorial at 8.30pm on May 8.
Llanfyllin mayor Cllr Peter Lewis visited the Marrill factory to inspect the beacon, and said: 'On behalf of Llanfyllin Town Council and all the community I would like to thank Marrill Ltd for donating the beacon to the Town and especially the talented four members of staff who designed and built the beacon for the town.
On the street party that kicked off a week of VE Day celebrations, Cllr Lewis added: 'A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for today's VE Day celebrations in Llanfyllin.
'What a brilliant afternoon on the town square – full of smiles, music, and community spirit as we marked 80 years since VE Day.
'Great turnout and brilliant atmosphere today on the town square, with everyone coming together to share in the celebration of 80 years since VE Day.'
The town council also gave special thanks to Sblat Food Trucks, Ceri's Crepes, The Royal British Legion, Shropshire Inflatable Hire and The Cain Valley Hotel as well as volunteers who helped put the event together.
On the full rostra of events, Cllr Andrew Griffin of Llanfyllin Town Council added: 'We are thrilled to invite everyone to join us in these VE Day celebrations. It's an opportunity to remember the past, celebrate peace, and bring our community together for an enjoyable and meaningful event.'
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