VE Day 80 – Beacon Lighting at Durlston Castle

Dorset will be joining in the nation-wide commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8 May with a special beacon-lighting service.

The beacon will be one of thousands up and down the country which will be lit to mark the end of the Second World War, 80 years on from the end of WWII in 1945 when German Nazi leaders surrendered to the Allies.

Hosted by the Chair of Dorset Council, Stella Jones MBE, the service will take place at Durlston Castle in Swanage at 9.30pm.

Members of the public are invited to attend and watch the beacon being lit.

The Tribute will be read by HM Lord-Lieutenant Mr Michael Dooley LVO.  

This will be followed by speeches from Cllr Stella Jones MBE, and past Royal British Legion Dorset County Chairman, Mr Gerry Nunn.

The evening will conclude with National Anthem.

Cllr Stella Jones said: “The event will be part of a nationwide chain of beacons, illuminating the night sky across the United Kingdom honouring those who sacrificed for our freedom and inspire future generations to cherish the values of freedom and peace.

“We hope that residents of Swanage and people from other towns and villages across Dorset will join with us for this special event.”