On Friday 8 May Bournemouth will join in the nation’s commemoration of the 70th anniversary of VE Day by lighting a special beacon on the cliff top at Fisherman’s Walk.
The 70th anniversary of VE Day will see beacons lit throughout the UK. From the going down of the sun on 8 May a chain of over 100 beacons will be lit across the nation.
The lighting of the beacon in Bournemouth will be preceded by a welcome from The Mayor of Bournemouth Councillor Chris Mayne, a trumpet call by The Salvation Army Boscombe Band, and a spoken tribute. The beacon will be lit at 9.32pm by The Mayor accompanied by veterans and Cadet representatives. The Deputy Lieutenant Dr Alan Frost will commemorate all those who fought and lived through WWII. James Manlow, the Poet Laureate for Bournemouth, will read a poem written especially for the occasion, followed by songs performed by members of the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus.
The Mayor said: “We are honoured to play our part in helping the nation mark 70 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe. The lighting of the beacon will celebrate the lives of those who fought in the war and give us time to reflect and remember the sacrifices that were made abroad and at home. Local people are invited to the ceremony to mark this historic moment.”
He added: ‘I’d like to thank local volunteers for giving their time to assist the Council in hosting this event.”
Members of the public should arrive at Fisherman’s Walk by 9.10pm to join the ceremony. The area is accessible for wheelchairs and there will be seats for people unable to stand. Nearby cafe and toilet facilities will be open for the evening.
In addition to this ceremony, a national two minute’s silence will take place earlier in the day at 3pm.
The Mayor will also be leading commemorations in Bournemouth at a wreath-laying ceremony which is being held at 11am at the War Memorial in the Central Gardens on VE Day.
