On Thursday 8 May 1945, news of Germany’s surrender was announced signalling the end of WWII in Europe.
The long anticipated news resulted in spontaneous celebrations breaking out across the nation as millions of people took to the streets to celebrate. A national holiday was declared and people from all walks of life came together to mark the moment.
Marking this significant anniversary, VE Day 80 events and activity will be taking place across the country.
As it was in 1945, the heart of the VE Day celebrations across the UK will be focused on commemorating in communities with the 5th of May being dedicated to nationwide community celebrations.
Four days of celebrations will then mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe in May.
On VE Day (Thursday 8th May 2025), Penrith along with many other communities have been invited to participate by HM The Kings Pageantmaster to take part in commemorating VE Day 80.
At 9.00am, Penrith Town Council in collaboration with Westmorland and Furness Council and the Penrith Branch of the Royal British Legion will deliver the Proclamation read out at the Town Hall by Councillor Scott Jackson as the representative of the Mayor as the VE Day flag is raised.
Followed by refreshments in Penrith Parish Rooms for veterans and those from the Armed Forces Community.
Councillor Doug Lawson, Mayor of Penrith, said: “It is an important milestone marking 80 years since VE Day — a moment that signified the end of the Second World War in Europe.”
“It is a time to remember and honour all those who gave their lives, but it is also important that we recognise those who kept the country running on the Home Front and the many children who were evacuated to safety.”
Linda Jones, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Chief Legal and Monitoring Officer and Lead Officer for the Armed Forces, said: “It is important that we remember the sacrifices that our armed forces and their families have made. It is an opportunity for the nation to come together to honour and pay tribute to the second world war generation from across the UK and Commonwealth.”
Kerryanne Wilde as the Ministry of Defence Relationship Manager for Cumbria and Chairman for the Penrith Branch of the Royal British Legion said: “As we face some of the most challenging times since the Second World War, now more than ever it is important to unite in recognition of the service of those who served in our Armed Forces and also those who lost their lives, and the wider community who were keeping the home fires burning and our industries and services moving forward and meeting the demand for supplies at home during this time, just as communities did 80 years ago.”
The Town Council will be lighting a gas beacon in St Andrews’ Churchyard later in the day in line with the timetable set by the Pageantmaster as beacons across the UK and commonwealth light up. At 9.00pm, Lakeland Larks will perform some songs of the period prior to the gas beacon being lit at 9.30pm and the International Tribute being read out.
The gas beacon will be lit by veteran Brain Donaghy who served in the RASC Glencorse Lowland Brigade, and the International Tribute will be read by Kerryanne Wilde who served in the Women’s Royal Army Corps before transferring to the Intelligence Corps.
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