Thursday 8 May 2025 will mark 80 years since the end of World War Two in Europe, when the guns fell silent and people took to the streets to celebrate peace and mourn those who would not return home.
This 80th anniversary provides us with an opportunity to join together in remembering and honouring the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
Across the UK, four days of commemorations have been organised by the government to celebrate this year’s 80th anniversary, which will run from Monday 5 May to Thursday 8 May 2025.
Events include a military procession and flypast in central London and 2,500 beacons being lit across the country. Details of these events can be found on the VE Day website.
In North Ayrshire, the anniversary will also be marked with various council-led and community-based events, including:
- Thursday 24 April – Launch of North Ayrshire VE Day 80 Fund
- Monday 28 April to Wednesday 30 July – North Ayrshire Heritage Centre, Saltcoats, will host a World War II Exhibition and school’s programme. For opening times please visit the NA Heritage Centre webpage
- Thursday 1 May to Saturday 31 May – North Ayrshire Libraries thematic book displays and a variety of commemorative events. Please find your local library online
- Thursday 8 May (morning) – Raising of official VE Day 80 flag and Reading of Declaration by North Ayrshire Provost, Councillor Anthea Dickson. Taking place at 9am at Cunninghame House main entrance door. All welcome to attend. The Declaration will also be shared online at 9am via North Ayrshire Council and North Ayrshire Heritage and Cultural Service’s Facebook pages*.
- Thursday 8 May (evening) – Beacons will be lit at Irvine Beach Park, Saltcoats Harbour and The Secret Bunker, Skelmorlie (PA17 5HF), followed by the nation singing “I Vow to Thee, My Country”. These are community-led events. All are welcome to attend.
- Thursday 8 May (evening) – Reading of the official VE Day 80 Tribute and film with soundtrack ‘I Vow to Thee, My Country’ sung by David Douglas will be shared online via the North Ayrshire Council and North Ayrshire Heritage and Cultural Services social media pages.
Communities encouraged to apply for funding now
From organising themed lunches and teas to musical performances, the council’s Information and Culture team is encouraging local groups to host their own commemorative events with the help of council funding. With awards of £200, £500 or £1,000 available per group, community groups and non-profit organisations planning their own local event or activity in North Ayrshire are invited to apply online.
Funding applications can be made directly online or by visiting the North Ayrshire Heritage webpage. Paper copies are also available in Largs, Saltcoats and Irvine Libraries.
All applications must be received before the deadline of noon on Thursday 1 May. Applications will be reviewed promptly, and groups will receive a decision by close of business on Friday 2 May.
*Updates on VE Day will be shared via the North Ayrshire Council and North Ayrshire Heritage and Cultural Services social media pages.