Wimborne to remember the fallen at VE Day: Schedule of events

Tait ap EllisMarch 26, 20250 Comment0

WIMBORNE is set for a day full of events to mark VE Day this year.

VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) takes place each year on May 8 to mark the day when fighting against Nazi Germany in Europe in the Second World War came to an end.

Wimborne is joining in with the 80th anniversary celebrations this year, with events around the town from 9am to 9.35pm.

A spokesperson for Wimborne Town Council said: “On Thursday, May 8 the nation will come together to remember the millions that paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting and securing the freedom we all enjoy today.

“From early morning when the sun rises to evening as night descends, church bells will ring out, special flags will be flown, town criers will proclaim the victory, the haunting sound of bagpipes will fill the air and, in a final gesture of homage, beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace will be lit to signify the light that emerged from the darkness of war.”

Schedule of events:

• 9am town crier proclamation – The day will begin with a special proclamation by the town crier, delivered in the Wimborne Minster Town Square. The proclamation will set the tone for the day’s events, as the town gathers to reflect on the significance of VE Day.

• 2pm A local Ukelele group – Playing in the garden of the Museum of East Dorset.

• 4pm The Quarterjacks marching band will take to the Minster Green.

• 4:30pm – School Poetry competition – the winning entries from the Schools Poetry Competition will be announced on the Minster Green. The young poets will have their entries read aloud, celebrating the poignant thoughts and reflections of the next generation on the significance of VE Day.

• 5pm – Bells of Peace A moving tribute, the bells of Wimborne Minster Church will ring out in a symbolic gesture, echoing the joy and relief of VE Day and marking the long-awaited peace.

• 6pm Minster Service and Blessing – A special Minster Service will take place at Wimborne Minster Church, featuring a blessing for peace and a

reflection on the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom. This poignant service will be a central part of the town’s commemoration.

• 6:45pm Wreath Laying Ceremony – A wreath laying ceremony will be held at the Wimborne Minster War Memorial, where community members, veterans,

and local dignitaries will gather to honour those who gave their lives in the service of their country.

• 8:30pm Procession to the Cemetery – Led by the Quarterjacks marching band. The town will come together in a solemn procession to the Wimborne

Cemetery, where a special tribute will be held for the fallen heroes of the war.

• 9pm Illuminating War Graves at Wimborne Cemetery – In a poignant tribute, the graves of 31 fallen soldiers will be illuminated, ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten and casting a light on the courage and bravery of those who fought in the war.

• 9:30pm Lighting of the Beacon (An International Tribute) – The evening will culminate with the Lighting of the Beacon, a symbolic tribute to the resilience and unity shared by nations at the end of the war. This beacon lighting will connect Wimborne Minster with other communities across the country, paying tribute to the international nature of the peace that was achieved.

• 9:35pm – Discharge of Muskets or Cannon by the Wimborne Militia.

The day will end with a traditional discharge of muskets or cannon, performed by the Wimborne Militia, offering a dramatic and historic closing to the commemorations.