Newark Town Council to celebrate VE Day 80th anniversary with special beacon lighting ceremony in Newark Market Place, with music from

As the country prepares to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8, Newark will be hosting a special event to mark the occasion.

VE Day marks the date on which victory was declared in Europe towards the end of the second world war, following the surrender of Nazi Germany on May 8, 1945.

Celebrations took place up and down the country, with street parties lining the roads of bombed out streets, and news footage showing thousands of Londoners filling Trafalgar Square spread around the world.

To mark the 80th anniversary of this momentous day in history, an open air music concert and beacon lighting ceremony will take place in Newark Market Place, organised by Newark Town Council.

Starting at 7pm, live music will be performed by Newark and Sherwood Concert Band, Newark Town Band, and 1940's singer Jonny Victory.

The concert will be followed by a formal civic ceremony and a beacon lighting service after the sun has set, from 9pm.

To coincide with other similar ceremonies being held in towns and villages across the UK, the beacon will be lit at 9.30pm.

More beacon lighting ceremonies will be taking place in towns and villages across the Advertiser area, on May 8.

Bingham Town Council will also be hosting a beacon lighting ceremony of their own, from 8:30pm to 9:30pm in Bingham’s Market Square.

In Farnsfield, the bells of St Mary’s Church will ring out at 6pm followed by a VE Day Concert at 7pm. The lighting of the beacon will take place at Farnsfield Cricket Club between 9pm and 9.30pm.

Leadeneham will be hosting a free BBQ event at Leadenham Village Hall, with family games and activities from 6pm, with church bells at 6.30pm. The beacon lighting will again take place at 9.30pm.

Thorseby Park will also holding several VE Day related events, starting with the launch of the ‘Victory Nottinghamshire’ exhibition on VE Day itself, which will then tour the county and pop up at different venues.

The exhibition will showcase the war effort made by those on the home front and frontlines, telling the story of the people of Nottinghamshire who helped the Allies achieve victory.

Also on Thursday, Norwood Park will mark the occasion by hosting a charity afternoon tea to raise funds for the British Red Cross, which provided care for wounded soldiers as Norwood Hall during the war.

A display of wartime memorabilia, historic photographs, as well as live performances from the Mansfield Male Voice Choir will entertain guests from 2pm to 6pm, while afternoon tea will be served at 3pm.

Tickets are priced at £15 per adult, or £5 for children, with all profits donated to the British Red Cross.

Ahead of VE Day, on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5, Friends of Sconce and Devon Park will be hosting a VE Day celebration with children’s activities, live entertainment and a best 1940s dressed competition, with times to be confirmed.

That weekend, on May 10 and 11, Thorseby Park will also be hosting the Spirit of Wartime Sherwood 1940s event, where visitors will be able to enjoy a nostalgic day filled with the sights and sounds of the 1940s.

At Southwell Minster, a special evensong service for VE Day will take place at 3.30pm on the Sunday afternoon, and the Minster will also play host to the ‘Victory Nottinghamshire’ exhibition throughout the day.

How are you celebrating VE Day? Will you be holding a street party or event? Let us know by emailing: news@newarkadvertiser.co.uk