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Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Isle of Man events mark 80th anniversary of VE Day
Services of remembrance and a big band concert have taken place across the Isle of Man to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Ceremonies were held at war memorials in Ramsey, Douglas, Onchan, Port St Mary and Castletown to acknowledge the end of World War Two in Europe. Church bells rang out across the island and a beacon was lit the island's Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer, joining a network of others being illuminated across the British Isles. Commemorations also featured a free two-hour concert and military service was also held at the Villa Marina in the Manx capital. The Manx public was also invited to fall silent at midday to commemorate the anniversary and remember those who fought during the war. At a ceremony in front of a memorial commemorating VE Day and VJ Day in Hilary Park in the island's capital, Douglas Mayor Natalie Byron-Teare laid a wreath. "The legacy of those who we honour continues to guide us forward," she said. "As we look back to 1945 let us also look forward with hope, with unity, and with a renewed commitment to peace. "The world has changed but the lessons of the past remain as vital as ever." Ceremonies organised by the Royal British Legion (RBL) took place at the same time at the Onchan War Memorial and in the Port St Mary garden of remembrance. An act of remembrance was also held at the Castletown War Memorial, where there were readings and the laying of wreaths. After the national two-minute silence at noon, a similar service commenced in Ramsey. The Douglas branch of the RBL hosted a wreath laying commemoration, including a reading of Sir Winston Churchill's famous radio broadcast from the day at 15:00 BST, reflecting the time the wartime prime minister announced the conflict had had come to an end in Europe in 1945. Residents heard the sounds of church bells ring out at 17:00 at St George's Church in Douglas, followed by a peal at Cathedral Isle of Man in Peel at 18:30. The commemorations continued with a big band concert of music from the wartime era at the Villa Marina. It included solo performances by local singers Paul Costain and Nicola O'Connor, alongside narrations by school pupils. Led by the Royal British Legion, a traditional drumhead service then followed. The military religious service, which uses drums as a makeshift altar, saw readings by Chief Minister Alfred Cannan and the island's Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer. At about 21:30 a commemorative beacon was lit by Sir Lorimer in the grounds of the venue, which saw hundreds of people attend to pay their respects. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X. Two-minute silence to mark VE Day 80th anniversary Stamp set marks 80th anniversary of VE Day Isle of Man VE Day concert and service announced Villa Gaiety - VE Day 80th Anniversary Concert
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Two-minute silence to mark VE Day 80th anniversary
A national two-minute silence is set to take place on the Isle of Man to mark 80 years since the end of World War Two. The public has been invited to fall silent at midday on Thursday to commemorate the anniversary of VE Day and commemorate those who fought during the war. It marks the day when fighting against Nazi Germany in Europe came to an end in 1945. A Manx government spokesman said the silence will be held to "remember and thank those who fought for our freedom". A free two-hour big band concert and military service will also be held on Thursday at the Royal Hall in the Villa Marina at 19:00 BST as part of the commemorations. Organisers have said the ticketed event will feature music from the era, solo performances and narrations by local school pupils. A traditional drumhead service led by the Royal British Legion will also be held, alongside readings by Chief Minister Alfred Cannan and the Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer. The service will end with the lighting of a commemorative beacon in the grounds of the Villa Marina at 21:30 BST. The Manx government has asked that Manx flags fly at full mast to mark the island's involvement in the First and Second World Wars this week. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X. More on this story Related internet links
