VE Day 80 celebrations in Weymouth

Thank you to everyone who took part in the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of VE Day in Weymouth. From the beacon lighting to the beach concert, and all the grant-funded community events in between, it certainly has been an amazing few days reflecting on this momentous historical day.

Here’s a reminder of what happened:

Thursday 8th May

To commemorate this historic occasion, we hosted the following events:

The VE Day flag was flown at the flagpole next to Weymouth War Memorial for all to observe.

At the Jubilee Clock:

9pm: The Royal British Legion, Weymouth Branch, held a short service.

9.20pm: Weymouth Town Council hosted a brief beacon lighting ceremony.

9.30pm: The VE Day 80 temporary beacon was lit to mark the anniversary.

View the service sheet

Saturday 10th May

A live music concert took place on Weymouth Seafront, by our Beach Office. Full line-up 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 

Grants awarded for community events

A total of £3,500 was made available for community and voluntary groups to put on VE Day 80-themed events. All the details below:

K*TCHEN – Monday 5^th May. VE Day Circus, a performance takes place at The Nothe Fort, 1pm to 1.30pm and is described as a hilarious and heartfelt tribute to the overworked women of the era.

All Saints Church celebrations and beacon lighting –Thursday 8^th May from 6pm. Tickets £10 (u16s £5) from www.parishofwykeregis.org.uk/events

Mission Hall Sutton Poyntz celebrations – Thursday 8^th May. With fish and chips, a quiz, and a glass of fizz for the beacon lighting offered to ticket holders. Tickets from hillyd54@gmail.com.

RAFA Afternoon Tea – Thursday 8^th May from 3pm. Free afternoon tea for all veterans, serving military and club members at the Weymouth RAFA Club.

Portraits on Parade – Thursday 8^th and Friday 9^th May. Portraits of WWII veterans on parade on the promenade on Weymouth seafront.

MV Freedom –Veterans are invited to take a trip on the MV Freedom catamaran on Saturday 10^th May. Contact peteryork970@binternet.com to arrange.

Community Afternoon Tea – Free afternoon tea with sing-along musical entertainment between 2.30pm and 4.30pm on Saturday 10^th May at St Nicholas Church, Broadwey.

Holy Trinity Church Afternoon Tea –Refreshments and cream teas available for the community from 3pm on Saturday 10^th May.

The Veterans Hub memorial mural – Created in the garden of the Veterans Hub in Wyke Regis in collaboration with local artists. The garden is used by veterans, friends and family members as a quiet reflection space. The mural, created to memorialise the VE Day anniversary, will be long-lasting and is due to be completed this month.

Weymouth Blind Club – Cream teas and music for members of Weymouth Blind Club.

Open Air Concert – Saturday 10^th May in the St Laurence Church car park, Upwey. 12pm to 4pm. Refreshments and live music available to the community in a picnic-style setting.