Events & Entertainment, Hampshire, Ringwood | Posted on April 9th, 2025 | return to news
Ringwood to Mark VE Day 80 with beacon lighting
The town, along with others across the country, will mark VE Day 80 with a programme of events including beacon lighting.
Residents of Ringwood are invited to a special evening ceremony on Thursday 8 May, as part of a nationwide tribute to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
The event will take place at the War Memorial Gardens, and the programme for the evening includes:
9 pm – Live music by the Ringwood & Burley Band.
9.30pm – Lighting of the commemorative beacon and reading of the “Global Tribute” by the mayor of Ringwood.
This will be followed by a shared national moment as attendees join in singing ‘A Song of Peace’.
Cllr Rae Frederick, mayor of Ringwood, said: “This is a moment for Ringwood to stand together — to reflect, give thanks, and honour those who gave so much. Our town is proud to play its part in this nationwide tribute.”
In 2024, Ringwood Town Council commissioned a beacon, which was first lit for D-Day 80 and has now been installed permanently in the War Memorial Gardens. It will be lit again for VE Day 80 as a lasting symbol of the town’s commitment to remembering its history and those who served.
Ringwood Town Council is proud to be working closely with Greyfriars Community Centre and The Veterans Hub to ensure the event is inclusive and meaningful for everyone.
Greyfriars will be running a minibus to help veterans attend the ceremony, and those gathering at the centre will be invited to enjoy a fish and chip supper together while watching the beacon lighting — a chance to reflect and connect as a community.
This is a free community event, and everyone is warmly welcome to attend.
For further details, visit www.ringwood.gov.uk/events/ve-day-80.
Please share post:
LATEST NEWS:
CHARITY OF THE YEAR 2025
Subscribe to the online magazine news letter
