Beacons, beach party and flag raising: Events to commemorate VE Day
IT'S the 80-year anniversary of VE Day and Dorset communities have a lot planned to mark the occasion.
Victory in Europe Day, known as VE Day, is celebrated on May 8 each year to mark the day the Allies formally accepted Germany's surrender in 1945 - and for 2025 it's a landmark anniversary.
There are many events happening across Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester tomorrow and for the next few days.
We have complied a list of the range of VE Day events happening across the three communities.
Weymouth events
Thursday, May 8
A VE day flag will be flown next to the Weymouth war memorial all day.
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At 9pm, the Royal British Legion will hold a short service at the Jubilee Clock followed by a beacon lighting ceremony organised by Weymouth Town Council.
The special VE 80 beacon being lit at 9.30pm.
Beacon lighting (Image: Dorchester Town Council)Saturday, May 10
From 1pm until 9.45pm, a line-up of local bands will perform on Weymouth Beach. The live music will follow an introduction speech from mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Jon Orrell.
On the run up to the day, Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Jon Orrell, said: 'We are proud to be supporting a range of events to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day across Weymouth.
'Members of the public are invited to join us on the 8th May for the beacon lighting, and we are encouraging people to create a relaxed, festival-style atmosphere at the beach concert on Saturday 10th May, so bring a picnic, blankets, and sit back enjoy the performances.
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'We've also funded a range of community events to complement our programme, so join together and be part of this significant occasion.'
Other events in Weymouth include:
The Nothe Fort: A new audio drama by ScreenPLAY about homefront life during World War II, featuring students from St Marys's Puddletown School from 11am until 12pm on May 8.
VE day ScreenPLAY at the Nothe (Image: ScreenPLAY) RAFA Afternoon Tea: Free afternoon tea for all veterans, serving military and club members from 3pm on May 8.
Mission Hall Sutton Poyntz: Fish and chips, quiz, beacon lighting on May 8. Tickets: Hillyd54@gmail.com
Portraits on Parade: Portraits of WW2 veterans on parade on the promenade at Weymouth seafront on May 8 and 9.
The Veterans Hub memorial mural: Created in the garden of the Veterans Hub in collaboration with local artists. The garden is used by veterans, friends and family members as a quiet reflection space.
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Weymouth Blind Club: Cream teas and music for members of Weymouth Blind Club.
Open Air Concert: Refreshments and live music available to the community in the St Laurence Church car park in Upwey from 12pm until 4pm on May 10.
MV Freedom: Veterans are invited to take a trip on the MV Freedom catamaran on May 10. Contact peteryork970@binternet.com to arrange.
Portland events
Thursday, May 8
At 9am, a flag raising ceremony will be held at Victoria Square roundabout followed by the proclamation at the American Memorial.
At 3pm, an Honouring our Heroes free event will run at Easton Lane Market Ground with music and stalls.
At 4pm, a service will be held at the Portland Cenotaph.
At 6pm, the bells will ring at St George's, All Saints and St John's church.
At 9pm, a beacon lighting ceremony will be held at the New Ground with a performance from Weymouth Concert Brass.
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Weymouth Concert Brass (Image: Archive)Dorchester events
Thursday, May 8
At 9am, a VE tribute will be held at the town pump at Cornhill before a flag is raised at town hall along with a town crier tribute.
From 8.15pm until 9.30pm, a beacon lighting ceremony will take place on Salisbury Field accompanied by music from the Decadettes, as well as a reading of local memories from As One Theatre.
The town crier will also re-read his tribute before Joe Ansell performs the Last Post as the beacon is lit.
The Decadettes (Image: Dorchester Town Council)Saturday, May 10
At 12.15pm, a free concert from Casterbridge Male Voice Choir will take place at the Corn Exchange- performing a range of music from the 1940s.
Celebrations in Dorchester will conclude on May 11 with a free concert in Borough Gardens from 1pm until 4pm with music from the Decadettes and Durnovaria Silver Band.
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