Belfast is joining in the ‘virtual’ celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day tomorrow (8 May) with events taking place as part of a weekend of remembrance, celebration and thanksgiving.
VE Day represents the day 75 years ago, when peace was declared, and World War Two was officially ended after almost six years.
Belfast City Hall will be illuminated in red from dusk until dawn to mark the anniversary, as it was lit up 75 years ago, albeit this time it will be with different technology.
While a number of commemorative events had been planned to take place in the city – including an afternoon tea for veterans at City Hall, as well as tea dances - the celebrations have moved online with people marking the occasion in their own homes.
In Belfast, 100-year-old WW2 veteran Teddy Dixon pre-recorded a short video, in which he gave a reading of the Nation’s Toast and introduced a recording of a piper playing ‘When the Battle’s O’er’.
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The video will be broadcast on Belfast City Council’s Facebook and Twitter channels at 3pm on Friday.
The Lord-Lieutenant for the County Borough of Belfast, Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle has also recorded a special VE Day message to be shared on Belfast City Council’s Twitter.
Many residents across Belfast will partake in a nationwide sing-a-long of the Vera Lynn song, ‘We’ll Meet ‘ from their windows and on their doorsteps, following an address by the Queen at 9pm on Friday.
Belfast City Council said it wishes to recognise the service of veterans in the Second World War, “particularly those who hailed from Belfast, and all those who contributed to the efforts in bringing about peace.”
This year’s early May Day bank holiday has been moved for only the second time ever. It was also moved to mark the 50th anniversary of VE Day in 1995.
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Source: Written from press release
