Bournemouth, Christchurch, Culture, Events & Entertainment, Ferndown, Poole, Ringwood, Wimborne | Posted on May 8th, 2025 | return to news
VE Day celebrations and traditions marked across the region
Communities across the country are commemorating the 80th anniversary of the ending of the Second World War in Europe today. Here’s a round-up of events.
Communities across the country are commemorating Victory in Europe (VE) Day today, which marks the 80th anniversary of the ending of the Second World War in Europe.
Church bells will ring, special flags will be flown, town criers will proclaim the victory, and Beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace will be lit.
Here are some of the events happening in the local area.
Bournemouth
Kinson Community Centre will be brightly decorated today for a cream tea event from 10am to 2pm. Listen to 1940s music and take part in the raffle.
Bournemouth Coastal BID is organising a community VE Day celebration on Landseer Road, Westbourne from 12pm to 5.30pm. It will be a fun day out for all the family, filled with free food and drink, singing and dancing.
Cllr Lesley Dedman, chairman of BCP Council, will be hosting a beacon lighting event in the front of the BCP Council Civic Centre, with His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Michael Dooley in attendance.
The event will include speeches and music courtesy of Poole Borough Band from 9pm, followed by the lighting of the beacon at 9.30pm.
Christchurch
Christchurch Town Council has organised a free community event taking place on Christchurch Quay from 6pm to 10pm. There will be historical displays, family entertainment, face painting, funfair rides, food stalls, and activities for all ages.
There will also be live music including performances by The Fifinellas and Lisa Locarno, and the council is encouraging attendees to dress up in the style of the 1940s for the event.
The event will include the Lighting of the Beacon at 9.30pm.
Ferndown
12.30pm: Seniors’ Afternoon Tea at The Barrington Centre for Ferndown residents.
6.30pm: National Peal of Bells at The Barrington Centre and Hampreston Church.
7.30pm: Performance by Evelyn Walsh at The Barrington Centre. Free, non-ticketed event.
8pm: Bournemouth Youth Marching Band play in concert at The Barrington Centre. Free, non-ticketed event.
9.15pm: Twilight Parade in Pennys Walk.
9.25pm: Lighting of the Lamp of Peace and readings outside The Barrington Centre, followed by the Beacon Lighting and a 1940s sing-along.
Poole
Until 4pm today, Poole Veterans Hub will be meeting in Poole Park by the War Memorial to celebrate this very important date.
Ringwood
6.30pm: National Peal of Bells at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Ringwood.
9pm: Music from the Ringwood and Burley Band in the War Memorial Gardens, followed by the Beacon Lighting at 9.30pm, when the global tribute will be read by the mayor.
Wimborne Minster
2pm: A local ukelele group will play in the garden of the Museum of East Dorset.
3.45pm: Winning entries from a children’s poetry competition will be announced on the Minster Green.
4.15pm: The Land Girls will perform on the Minster Green.
5pm: The bells of Wimborne Minster Church will ring out.
6pm: A special service will take place at Wimborne Minster Church, featuring a blessing for peace and a reflection on the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom.
6.45pm: Wreath laying ceremony at the Wimborne Minster War Memorial.
8.30pm: Led by the Quarterjacks of Wimborne marching band, the town will come together in a procession to the Wimborne Cemetery, where a special tribute will be held for the fallen heroes of the war.
9pm: The graves of 31 fallen soldiers will be illuminated,
9.30pm: Beacon Lighting.
9.35pm: The day will end with a traditional discharge of muskets or cannon, performed by the Wimborne Militia.
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