By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
There will be a series of events in Gloucester next week to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE).
VE Day celebrates the formal acceptance by the Allies of Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, May 8, 1945 during of World War Two.
This marked the official surrender of all German military operations. However, the war in the East did not end until August 15 1945, when Japan surrendered.
The day was celebrated across the world as ‘Victory over Japan’ (VJ Day). Gloucester will be celebrating the 80th anniversary starting with an official proclamation by town crier Alan Myatt at the Cross at 9am.
There will be a history huddle at Llanthony Secunda Priory from 6pm where people will be gathering to share stories, memories and photographs of Gloucester and Llanthony during WW2.
And at 7.30pm there will be celebration at the priory and Sula Lightship where people are encouraged to dress in their best 1940s gear and bring their own picnic.
People will be able to get a drink from the bar and enjoy the vintage vibes. At Sula Lightship the Cathedral Youth Choir singing the official VE Day 80 hymn ‘I Vow to Thee my Country’ from the upper deck of Sula as the light is lit as a celebration of VE Day and the return of the light after many years of darkness.
And at 9pm the Mayor, Sheriff, their consorts and the Town Crier will be in attend athe VE Day 80 ceremony on the summit of Robinswood Hill.
As the sun sets on 8th May, the official tribute will be read and the Mayor will join others around the UK in lighting a Beacon of Hope commemorating Victory in Europe in World War.
More information about each of the events is set out below.
9:00 The Official Proclamation
The Official Proclamation is provided by Pageantmaster of VE Day 80, Bruno Peek. The proclamation will be read by Town Criers around the United Kingdom at 9am on May 8.
Gloucester Town Crier, Alan Myatt, will be reading the proclamation on Gloucester Cross at 9am.
18:00 Llanthony History Huddle: VE Day 80th Anniversary Special
Llanthony Secunda Priory – Henry Dene Hall
Join us for a special edition of our Llanthony History Huddle as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. We’ll be gathering to share stories, memories, and photographs of Gloucester and Llanthony during WWII.
Expect a relaxed and welcoming evening of conversation, interactive displays, and special contributions from guest speakers. Free admission, donations welcome.
19:30 Llanthony Priory and the Sula Lightship, a VE Day 80 celebration.
Gloster Swing Dance will be hosting an evening of entertainment in the grounds of LLanthony Priory. Dress in your best 1940s gear and bring your picnic blanket. Get a drink from the bar and enjoy the vintage vibes.
The grand finale of the evening, at the Sula Lightship, will see the Cathedral Youth Choir singing the official VE Day 80 hymn ‘I Vow to Thee my Country’ from the Upper Deck of Sula as the light is lit as a celebration of VE Day and the return of the light after many years of darkness.
Visitors are welcome to bring picnics but not alcohol. There will be a bar on site in the Henry Dene Hall. The event will be on Llanthony
Priory land within the Priory grounds and on the canalside
21:00 Robinswood Hill
The Mayor, Sheriff, their consorts and the Town Crier will be in attendance at the VE Day 80th ceremony on the summit of Robinswood Hill.
As the sun sets on May 8, the official tribute will be read and the Mayor will join others around the UK in lighting a Beacon of Hope commemorating Victory in Europe in World War II.
Robinswood Hill is very slippery in wet weather. The event may have to be cancelled in the event of wet weather on or before the day. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and bring a torch as they will be descending the hill after sunset.