On Thursday, the 8th May it will be 80 years since WWII in Europe ended.
To remember and celebrate the occasion the following events will be held locally:
09.00 hrs – Public proclamation at the Clock Tower Epsom Marketplace
09.45 hrs – Flag raising at Memorial Green Banstead
11.00 hrs – Church service at All Saints Church Banstead High Street
18.30 hrs – All Saints Church bells will ring
19.00 hrs – Entertainment and exhibition at The Queens Stand Epsom Racecourse
21.30 hrs – Beacon lighting on Epsom Downs
The exhibition will show scenes of Epsom during WWII and VE Day from Bourne Hall Museum’s collection. Entertainment will be provided by Epsom Silver Band, the Show Choir, Laine Theatre Arts Choir and Nescot FE College.
Epsom Silver Band performing at the D-day ceremony
Refreshments and Fish and Chips will be on sale.
The Epsom Downs Beacon lighting will be led by the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell and feature Standard Bearers from the Royal British Legion and 135 Squadron Air Training Corps.
The Beacon lighting for the D-Day celebrations on Epsom Downs – June 2024
Nationally, on Bank Holiday Monday 5th May, there will be a procession from Parliament Square to Buckingham Palace starting at 12 Noon. It will feature over 1,300 members of the armed forces and finish with a flypast by The Red Arrows and 23 current and historic aircraft.
On the 6th May an installation of ceramic poppies at The Tower of London will mark the anniversary and historic landmarks across the country will be lit up.
On the 7th May there will be a concert held in Westminster Hall at the Palace of Westminster.
On the 8th May a service will be held in Westminster Abbey and a concert in Horse Guards Parade. A star-studded cast will be presented by Zoe Ball, and will be on BBC1 from 8.00 to 10.00 pm.
VE Celebrations 1945