The VE Day 80th anniversary events being held in North Wales
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Servicemen and women past and present, dignitaries and others will mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe - VE Day - today. Events will be held across Wales to remember the celebrations and reflection which engulfed the nation on May 8, 1945 - the day after the Allies accepted the unconditional surrender of the Nazis.
Millions fought and made sacrifices to secure peace and freedom during the 1939-1945 war. Today from sunrise to nightfall, the country will echo with the sound of church bells, town criers, and bagpipes, with flags flying high and symbolic lights illuminating the night sky.
Here are some examples of events in our region. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
Anglesey
Today (May 8) Isle of Anglesey County County Council will be holding a joint commemoration event with RAF Valley outside the County Offices, Llangefni, at 12.30pm.
It will be a short flag raising ceremony to show respect. The Council's Chairman and Chief Executive will be saying a few words along with an officer from the RAF.
Today there will also be an act of commemoration at Holyhead Cenotaph at 11am. Afterwards everyone is invited to enjoy tea, cakes and music at Holyhead Town Hall between 12pm and 2pm.
Also today May 8 there will also be a commemoration at Parys Mountain Car park near Amlwch at 9pm.
Bangor
In Bangor, a tribute will take place at 9pm at the War Memorial near Glanrafon Car Park, culminating in the lighting of a beacon at 9.30pm, part of a UK-wide network of more than a thousand Beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace.
The ceremony will be led by Bangor City Council in collaboration with the Right Reverend David Morris, Bishop of Bardsey and Assistant Bishop of Bangor. And, in a poignant visual tribute, the names of all local people who lost their lives during World War II will be projected onto the walls of the Pontio building, in a beautiful and poignant display, ensuring their legacy will continue to shine.
Dr Martin Hanks, Bangor City Director, said: 'It is both humbling and a great honour for Bangor to be part of this significant national tribute. The lighting of the Beacon and Lamp Lights of Peace symbolises the enduring legacy of those who gave everything for our freedom.
'As we commemorate eighty years since VE Day, we do so with deep gratitude and solemn reflection, remembering not only those from our own communities, but the brave souls from all nations who stood together in the face of darkness. These lights are a reminder of the peace they forged, and a promise that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.'
The Bangor VE Day event will start at 9pm at the War Memorial, Glanrafon Car Park, and is expected to last around 40 minutes, with the lighting of the beacon taking place at 9.30pm.
Llandudno
In Llandudno there will be a VE Day celebration and beacon lighting at the Bandstand on North Shore today (May 8) between 8.30pm and 9.30pm. A period costume exhibition at St John's Methodist Church, Mostyn Street, Llandudno, runs until May 16 between 10am and 4pm.
On Saturday, May 10 there will be a Royal British Legion parade and service on the promenade at 10.30am.
On Sunday, May 11 there will be a service of thanksgiving at Holy Trinity Church on Mostyn Street at 10.30am.
On Thursday, May 15 there will be a VE Day concert at Holy Trinity Church on Mostyn Street at 7.30pm.
(Image: UGC)
Rhyl
Today (May 8) there will be a concert to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day at St Thomas' Church, Rhyl starting at 7pm.
The event will bring together music and readings for an evening of reflection and remembrance, say Denbighshire County Council. This concert will pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom.
A line up of artists from local choirs, bands and individuals will be taking part playing music from that era. In addition to the music, there will also be inspiring readings. The concert aims to not only celebrate the victories of the past but also serve as a reminder of the values of unity and peace.
Councillor Peter Scott, Chairman of Denbighshire County Council, said: 'We are pleased to invite everyone to join us for this very special evening. It is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and celebrate the enduring spirit of hope and resilience that continues to shape our world today.'
The concert is free but during the evening, a collection will be made towards various Armed Forces charities.
Mold
On Sunday, May 11, Mold's 80th Anniversary of VE Day will be held on Daniel Owen Square, Mold (CH7 1AB) from 12 noon until 3.30pm.
Mold Town Council says during the day there will be free entertainment, with Mold Town Concert Band playing first. Next on stage will see the return of a Mold favourite, Sharon Wallace, who will be singing lots of war time songs, also joining the line up is band CanCan, CanCan specialise in cafe style music from France, Europe and Latin America from Swing to Bossa Nova and beyond.
There will also be a display of military vehicles on Meadow Place car park and information boards from Rhydymwyn Valley History Society with photos and memorabilia from the former Ministry of Supply's Valley Works in the Alyn Valley.
Visitors can also enjoy a free cuppa and biscuits served free of charge from the Daniel Owen Centre throughout the day (or as long as stocks last). There will be a best dressed competition - you are encouraged to get into the 1940s spirit and dress up in forties/war time themed outfit.
Prize will be awarded for the best 1940s dressed adult and child, as chosen by the town's mayor. Please note that the Meadow Place car park (Daniel Owen car park) will be closed to public parking from 8am through to 6pm on the event day.
Wrexham
Wrexham will be holding various events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Today (May 8) a drumhead service will be held at St Giles' Church in the city centre from 12.30pm, led by the Royal Welch Fusiliers, Corps of Drums Association. Following the service, at 1.15pm the parade will make its way through the city centre to the cenotaph at Bodhyfryd, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony with support from the Wrexham Salvation Army band.
A number of events are also taking place across the wider county borough. These include one in Cefn Mawr where Cefn Community Council will be holding an event at the George Edwards Hall on May 8.
Fifty or 60 residents will enjoy afternoon tea, choirs from Ysgol Cefn Mawr and Ysgol Acrefair. Cefn Mawr Museum staff are attending with lots of memorabilia from that era.
In Overton on May 8 at 11am there will be a wreath laying and tribute at the Overton War Memorial, this will be followed by a short service in St. Mary's Church, Overton led by Father Jeremy Dussek. On May 9 at 7.30pm there will be a Big Band Concert in St Mary's Church featuring music from the 1940s onwards, by the Wrexham Big Band. Tickets are available at £10 each from The Corner Shop Overton.
In Isycoed residents will be marking VE Day 80 at the Village Hall. All residents are invited for refreshments served from the Village Hall with fish and chip suppers available.
The Beacon will be lit in the evening on land next to the Village Hall and Church Bells rung to celebrate. Local school children will be taking part as well in singing 'I vow to thee my country'.
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