Council Unveils Plans For 80th Anniversary Of VE Day Commemoration

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has unveiled plans for a large-scale commemorative event to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8 May 2025.

The event, which aims to balance remembrance with celebration, will include a military parade, a wartime exhibition, live performances, and a beacon lighting ceremony.

At a recent meeting of the council’s Commemoration and Celebration Sub-Committee, members reviewed a draft programme of events that will take place across the borough. The day’s proceedings will feature military bands, cadet groups, and veterans' associations alongside community-driven activities such as a school’ competition and a public exhibition at Coleraine Town Hall.

The council’s £40,000 budget allocation for the event reflects its commitment to commemorating the sacrifices made during the Second World War while bringing communities together.

Among the key events planned for the day are:

- A military parade from Coleraine Leisure Centre to The Diamond
- An afternoon tea dance for veterans and members of the public
- A military village display showcasing wartime vehicles and artefacts
- Live performances featuring local choirs and dance groups
- A flypast (subject to confirmation)
- A beacon lighting ceremony at 9:30 pm, led by the Lord Lieutenant for County Londonderry

Additionally, local churches will be contacted to ring their bells at 6:30 pm, in keeping with a nationwide initiative, and a VE Day 80 flag will be flown at Coleraine Town Hall.

The event will coincide with race day at the North West 200, one of Northern Ireland’s biggest motorsport events, which could pose logistical challenges. The council is working to ensure that planned road closures do not significantly impact the commemorations.

Pageantmaster Bruno Peek CVO OBE OPR, who is leading the UK-wide commemorations, has urged councils to participate in a national beacon lighting initiative, with lamps lit at 9:30 pm to mark the historic moment.

Councillors on the Commemoration and Celebration Sub-Committee next week will hear how work will continue by Officers on the draft Programme for VE Day 2025 to provide the agreed activities and methods of delivery

Draft Programme of Events
Wartime Exhibition – Hosted in Coleraine Town Hall, showcasing historical artefacts and memorabilia.

Schools’ Competition – Winning piece to be displayed at the Wartime Exhibition.

Afternoon Tea Dance – Venue to be confirmed.

Evening Events
6:00 pm – Military Village – Set up on Queen Street, featuring wartime vehicles and artefacts.

6:30 pm – Church Bells – Ringing as part of a nationwide initiative.

6:35 pm – Programme of Entertainment Begins (outside Coleraine Town Hall):

Leading Ladies

Victoria Lagan Dance and Drama

Stage performances

MC hosting

Picnic tables and bunting to create a wartime atmosphere

8:00 pm – Parade Departs from Coleraine Leisure Centre.

8:30 pm – Parade Arrives at The Diamond.

8:30 pm – Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial.

8:45 pm – Entertainment Resumes outside Coleraine Town Hall.

??? – Flypast (To be confirmed).

9:15 pm – Choir Performance at the War Memorial.

9:30 pm – Beacon Lighting Ceremony – Led by the Lord Lieutenant for County Londonderry.

9:45 pm – Event Concludes.