🗓️ Thursday 8th May 2025
Swanage will be joining in the nation-wide commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day today with a special beacon-lighting service.
Hosted by the chair of Dorset Council, Councillor Stella Jones MBE, the service will take place at Durlston Castle.
- Beacon-lighting: 9.30pm
Members of the public are invited to gather to watch the beacon being lit, with the Tribute being read out just before this.
There will then be speeches by the chair of Dorset Council and RBL past county chairman.
These will be followed by the National Anthem, which will end the evening.
Earlier in the day there will also be a community commemoration at Swanage bandstand at 11am.
VE Day celebrations are expected to start on the preceding Bank Holiday, Monday 5th May, and Dorset Council is encouraging communities, schools and businesses to get together to host a street party, picnic or barbecue to mark the event in the spirit of the 1945 celebrations.
“The 80th anniversaries of VE Day give us a chance to come together and honour the sacrifices made by many during the war.
“Whether by attending a local event, hosting a street party, or sharing stories from the past, we encourage everyone in Dorset to take part in commemorations and celebrations.”
CLLR RYAN HOPE – Portfolio-holder for Customer, Culture & Community Engagement, Dorset Council
Host a Street Party
If you want to host a street party, you can apply for a road closure online: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/street-party-on-the-highway
It’s free to apply and applications must be submitted by Friday 11th April.
And if you need some inspiration or materials for your celebrations, such as quiz sheets, bunting, posters or branding there’s a handy, downloadable toolkit on the official VE Day website to help you get the party started: https://ve-vjday80.gov.uk/toolkit/
