VE Day 80
Come to Lisburn to commemorate VE Day 80
On Thursday, 8th May, Lisburn will host a day of celebratory events to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, commemorating the end of World War II in Europe. Join us as we honour and remember those who sacrificed so much for peace and freedom eight decades ago.
Programme of events
VE Day 80 Small Grant Fund
The Small Grants Fund has provided support to 85 individual community groups, enabling them to host their own commemorative events. These initiatives will complement the council-led programme of events, fostering widespread community engagement and intergenerational learning about the significance of VE-Day.
For more information please click here
Tuesday 29 April, 7pm
Historical talk
Golden Shamrocks: Raising a Belgian Army in Ulster
While the Ulster memory of the Belgian soldiers somewhat faded over the decades, Scott Edgar will reveal that there is more that links the two nations that you may think.
Book your tickets here
Thursday 1 May, 9am
Exhibition: VE Day 80
The museum’s new exhibition marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day recognising the liberation of Europe from the deadliest conflict in history.
Come and discover how it was celebrated locally and learn about wartime life in Lisburn.
Tuesday 6 May, 7pm
Historical talk
The Saved and the Spurned: Northern Ireland, Vienna and the Holocaust
In this talk, Noel Russell will explore how the Northern Ireland government responded to Jewish appeals for help on the eve of the Holocaust.
Book your tickets here
Thursday 8 May, 9am
Town Crier proclamation and flag raising ceremony
The Town Crier will deliver the official VE Day 80 Proclamation.
The Mayor and Deputy Lord Lieutenant will raise the unique VE Day 80 flag in remembrance.
Thursday 8 May, 10am
Royal British Legion wreath laying ceremony
The Royal British Legion is hosting a wreath laying service at Lisburn War Memorial to commemorate VE-Day 80.
Thursday 8 May, 2pm to 4pm
VE Day Themed Tea Dance
Thursday 8 May, 8.15pm to 9.30pm
VE Day 80 Beacon Lighting Ceremony
Mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in Lisburn with a parade through the city and a beating retreat in Castle Gardens.
The parade will leave Market Square at 8.15pm and make its way to Castle Gardens via Castle Street, arriving at approx. 8.30pm. The Band of the Royal Irish Regiment will lead a beating retreat from 8.45pm to 9.15pm. At 9:30pm, our VE Day 80 beacon will be lit in unison with the national program, honouring the sacrifices made for peace and freedom.
Tuesday 13 May, 7pm
Historical talk
Northern Ireland, the United States and the Second World War
In this talk, Dr Simon Topping will examine the political and social impact of the ‘friendly invasion’ of 300,000 US servicemen into the province during the WWII.
Book your tickets here
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