Isle of Man VE Day 80 celebrations to continue
People are being invited to take part in further events to mark 80 years since VE Day across the island this weekend.The occasion commemorates victory in Europe and the end of nearly six years of war on 8 May 1945, when Nazi Germany's forces surrendered to the allies in World War Two.A 1940s-themed celebration is set to take place in Douglas on Saturday, while a street party with Spam sandwiches on the menu - harking back to the days of rationing - will be hosted in Ramsey on Sunday.On the main anniversary on Thursday, church bells rang, a beacon was lit and services of remembrance took place across the island.
The 1940s-themed event will feature music from the era from the Southern Belles with tea and cake at the Manx Legion Club on Market Hill in Douglas.The free ticketed event, organised by the Joint Services Social Club (JSSC) in conjunction with the club, is open to all.JSSC Vice President and RAF veteran Aimee Teare said: "We all live very busy lives but a lot of people gave an awful lot for us to have freedom we have today."We just need to reflect upon that sometimes and be the grateful for their sacrifices."The event, which runs from 14:00 to 17:00 BST on Saturday would be a "celebration of those efforts", she said.
In Ramsey, a long table decked out with jam sandwiches is set to be reminiscent of the joyful scenes seen after it was announced the war in Europe was ending.Taking place between 10:00 and 18:00 on Sunday outside the old courthouse, now known as the Ramsey Community Hub on Parliament Street, organiser Alby Oldham said people could also try a "Spam buttie".Amid the rationing experienced during the conflict, the canned meat became a staple as it had a long shelf life.Encouraging all ages to attend, he hoped the free family event would "bring people together " to mark the occasion."Hopefully it will take people back and they will take the time to remember those involved", he added. The last big celebration of VE Day took place on the 75th anniversary during the pandemic in 2020, with social distancing regulations in place.
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