Crowds turn out for Weymouth’s VE Day 80 beacon lighting
It began with a service by the Royal British Legion and ended with the VE Day 80 beacon being lit on the beach as the 80th anniversary marking the end of WWII was celebrated in Weymouth.
The event took place on Thursday 8th May, coinciding with national beacon lightings. Cllr Jon Orrell, Mayor of Weymouth, said: “We are honoured to be here with the Royal British Legion, our local community, and all those who have come together to mark this momentous day in history.
“On this day, 80 years ago, Europe celebrated the end of the Second World War. Victory in Europe marked the triumph of freedom and peace after years of hardship, sacrifice, and loss. It’s a day of remembrance for those who fought, those who died, and those who lived through the devastating effects of the war.
“VE Day wasn’t just a celebration of victory; it was also a moment when the entire nation came together in unity, and it’s that spirit of community and resilience that we honour tonight.”
He was joined by Cllr Joanna Dickenson, Weymouth Town Council’s Armed Forces Liaison, who recreated the scenes in Weymouth 80 years ago. She said: “As we gather here at the Jubilee Clock, it’s hard not to imagine what this very stretch of seafront looked like 80 years ago today.
“The following is taken from a VE Day report in the Southern Times, published on 11th May 1945 – kindly shared with us by Weymouth Museum.
“On the morning of VE Day, the Esplanade came to life. Overnight, flags and bunting appeared on buildings and lampposts. Council staff had been up early transforming the promenade with fresh flowers and colourful decorations. A dais was built outside the Gloucester Hotel for the afternoon thanksgiving service, decked with laburnum and spring blooms.
“The front was soon packed with cheerful crowds. People wore miniature Union Jacks, and girls had red, white, and blue ribbons in their hair. Sailors walked arm in arm, calling greetings to strangers, prompting cheers of “Good old Navy!” from the crowd – a cry said to have found an echo from the sea.
“There was a sense of joy, unity and hope – the kind of feeling that, if held onto, could spare us from future catastrophe.
At 3pm, a hush fell as Big Ben chimed and Churchill’s voice rang out over loudspeakers. Thousands stood silently in reflection. A service of thanksgiving followed: hymns, prayers, acts of remembrance – all against the backdrop of the bay.
“That evening, the promenade was full of music, laughter and dancing. Fireworks burst overhead. A small fishing boat passed across the bay, its red sail catching the evening light – a quiet symbol, perhaps, of the peace everyone so dearly longed for.
“Tonight, as we remember that extraordinary day, let’s hold onto its message of resilience, of gratitude and of the hope that lit up this very seafront. Thank you.”
The Mayor read out the VE Day national tribute before inviting the crowd to join the choir to sing I Vow to Thee, My Country as the beacon was lit.
The celebrations for VE Day 80 continue in Weymouth as Weymouth Town Council is putting on a free beach concert this Saturday 10th May, which starts at 1pm.
The line-up is below:
1pm – Introduction and speech from the Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Jon Orrell.
1.05pm – 1.35pm, Bovington Military Wives Choir
1.50pm – 2.35pm, The Decadettes
2.50pm – 3.20pm, Asha Zee
3.40pm – 4.10pm, Wessex Musical Theatre
4.25pm – 4.55pm, Lewis Snarey
5.15pm – 6pm, Modern Disciples
6.15pm – 7pm, Milk & Two
7.30pm – 8.15pm, That Britpop Band
8.45pm – 9.30pm, The Leggomen
A number of community events are also happening thanks to grant funding from the Town Council. For more details, visit VE Day 80 celebrations in Weymouth – Weymouth Town Council | Weymouth Town Council
Some images from last night, with Cllr Joanna Dickenson, Weymouth Town Council’s Armed Forces Liaison and Cllr Jon Orrell, Mayor of Weymouth, centre. Video clip featuring singers performing I Vow to Thee, My Country:
