Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council commemorated the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a series of events that paid tribute to this pivotal historical moment and honoured those who made immense sacrifices during World War II.
A national Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving took place at St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral in Armagh on Wednesday 07 May from 7.30pm, which marked the beginning of the anniversary commemorations in the borough.
Organised by the cathedral, the service saw around 400 people in attendance, including His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for County Armagh, The Earl of Caledon; Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Kyle Savage; and local elected representatives.
The service, which was led by The Very Reverend Shane Forster, Dean of Armagh featured acts of remembrance, prayers, choir music and the lighting of the Lamp Light, symbolising the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the darkness of war.
Commemorations continued the morning of Thursday 08 May, with the raising of a VE Day flag at the council’s three civic headquarters, which provided a visual reminder of this historic occasion.
Later that evening a special celebratory event took place at the Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre, with over 200 people attending. The event featured musical entertainment from the Corcrain Flute Band and the Jenny Chambers School of Speech and Drama choir as well as a classic wartime treat of fish and chips.
Attendees also got to hear an insightful speech from local historian Richard Edgar before The Vice Lord Lieutenant, Richard Hamilton-Stubber read the special VE Day tribute.
Joined by the Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Kyle Savage and local representatives, the evening concluded with a symbolic beacon lighting ceremony at Craigavon Lakes at 9.30pm.
Reflecting on the VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations, Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Kyle Savage commented:
“As Deputy Lord Mayor, it was a profound honour to participate in our local commemorative events for the 80th anniversary of VE Day. This significant milestone allowed us to pause, reflect, and pay tribute to the immense sacrifices made by those during World War II.”
An exhibition at Armagh County Museum, which features both digital and physical archives, offering visitors a window into local life during World War II, will remain open until Saturday 05 July.
While local community groups continue to host their own VE Day celebration events across the borough, following £40,000 provided through the council’s financial assistance programme.
For more information about national VE Day 80th anniversary events, visit https://ve80.com/.
Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Kyle Savage pictured reading an extract from the VE Day Speech of His Majesty King George VI during the national Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving in Armagh.
His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for County Armagh, The Earl of Caledon, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Kyle Savage, Rt Hon Hilary Benn and The Very Reverend Shane Forster, Dean of Armagh pictured with council chief executive Roger Wilson and local elected members at the national Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving in Armagh.
VE 80th Commemerations
7 May 2025
St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com
Over 200 people attended the council’s VE Day 80th anniversary celebration event, which took place on Thursday 08 May 2025 at Craigavon Civic Centre.
Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Kyle Savage pictured with members of the Jenny Chambers School of Speech and Drama choir who performed during the council’s VE Day 80th anniversary celebration event.
The Vice Lord Lieutenant, Richard Hamilton-Stubber lights the beacon, which concluded the council’s VE Day 80th anniversary celebration event.
