Cenotaph beacon to celebrate VE day

Blackpool will join more than 200 locations around the country in lighting a special beacon to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day on the evening of Friday 8 May.

A special gas fuelled burner will be lit at 9.32pm on Friday in front of the town’s famous cenotaph, while The Blackpool Tower will also shine red, white and blue with a beacon flame effect from 9pm.

Across the country, over 200 beacons will be lit at 9.32pm, following the lighting of the Principal Beacon outside Windsor Castle by Her Majesty The Queen.

In Blackpool, the beacon will be lit by Mayor of Blackpool, Cllr Val Haynes, to mark the start of a week of celebrations for all those who took part in the Second World War in Europe, both on the home front and overseas.

Victory in Europe Day marks the official end of hostilities in Europe for the Second World War on 8 May 1945, following the formal unconditional surrender of German Forces. It was an occasion of national celebration, yet also one of sombre reflection for those who would not return. This anniversary will celebrate the achievements of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the allies in their victory overseas and on the Home Front, but will also pay tribute to the 580,406 UK and Commonwealth Forces and 67,073 UK civilians who lost their lives during six long years of conflict.

Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR, Pageantmaster of the VE Day 70th Anniversary Beacons said: “VE Day on the 8 May represents a further important milestone in the history of our country. It was on this day, 70 years ago, that peace brought an end to nearly six years of war across Europe. We must not let this day pass without reflecting on the sacrifice, courage and determination of the people who saw us through this dark period.

“It therefore fitting that we should celebrate with the veterans and their families and commemorate this historic anniversary once more through the lighting of beacons on Friday 8 May this year.

“Her Majesty The Queen has graciously agreed to light the Principal and first Beacon outside Windsor Castle. This will be followed by two further Beacons being lit along the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park, just before the lighting of the other two hundred plus Beacons throughout the United Kingdom.”

Beacons large and small, either specially built gas-fuelled structures or simple bonfires, will be lit across the country to mark VE Day 70 this year, and individuals are being asked to attend a beacon-lighting event in their area, hosted by their local authority, to which veterans of the Second World War will be invited.

To find out where a beacon is being lit in your area, along with a variety of other events taking place across the UK over 8-10 May, you can visit the VE Day 70 events map. Here you will find details on events such as street parties and picnics, special concerts and celebratory bell-ringing from your local cathedral or church.