Isle of Man marks 80th anniversary of VE Day

Find out what's going on around the Island to mark the occasion

Today marks 80 years since VE Day and a number of commemorative events are to be held around the Isle of Man.

On this day in 1945, Britain and allied forces declared victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War.

While fighting continued until August, it was a significant milestone for the Allies.

Amy Griffiths has been along to Grove Mount Residential Home in Ramsey.

Image: Manx Radio.

She's been speaking to some of its residents who joined in the celebrations on that day, eight decades ago:

What's happening and where?

At midday the Island will observe a two-minute's silence.

Earlier this morning, from 11am, an act of remembrance will be held at the Castletown War Memorial.

Image: The Royal British Legion Castletown & District Branch.

This afternoon, the Douglas Branch of the Royal British Legion is inviting members of the public and organisations to a short wreath laying commemoration at 3pm at Douglas War Memorial.

Attendees are asked to gather at the memorial from 2:45pm. 

Three o'clock has been chosen to reflect the time that Churchill chose to broadcast that the war in Europe was ending.

This evening, bells will ring out across Britain as they did 80 years ago, as part of an initiative by the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers.

Here on the Isle of Man, the bells of St George's Church in Douglas will ring at 5pm, followed by St German's Cathedral in Peel at 6.30pm. 

They will be rung by members of the local ringing bands at both churches.

Image: Isle of Man Government.

Later this evening, the Isle of Man Government has organised a community concert and Drumhead Service with local musicians, soloists, schoolchildren, clergy and the Royal British Legion.

The free, two-hour event will take place at the Villa Marina in Douglas from 7pm.

It will feature band music from the era, solo performances by Island performers Paul Costain CP, and Nicola O’Connor, and narrations by local school pupils.

Children across the Island with great grandparents have also been asked to collect and share precious memories of the day in 1945 which marked the end of the Second World War in Europe.

A Drumhead Service - a traditional military religious service held in the field, using drums as a makeshift altar - follows the concert to formally commemorate VE Day. 

It will be led by the Royal British Legion and include readings by the chief minister and His Excellency Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer. 

Afterwards, at 9:30pm, Chief Minister Alfred Cannan will light a commemorative beacon in the Villa Marina grounds.

Mr Cannan says: 'This event is an opportunity for our community to come together in remembrance and gratitude, to reflect and pay tribute to the sacrifices made, and to appreciate the peace and freedoms we enjoy in the Isle of Man today.

'The government is honoured to make available the Villa Marina for this special occasion and invites everyone to join a joyful big band experience and a moving commemoration service.'

Anyone who hasn't already booked their free tickets for the concert and Drumhead Service can do so via the Villa Marina box office online, in person, or by calling 600555.

The chief minister recently represented the Isle of Man at the Channel Islands’ Liberation Day event, which marked 80 years since VE Day.

Alfred Cannan attended the commemoration at Speaker’s House in Westminster, which was attended by MPs, Lords, ambassadors and members of the diplomatic community.

Picture credit: Isle of Man Government

Today, the chief minister will lead commemorations, laying wreaths at both Government Office and Douglas War Memorial, after which a two-minute silence will be observed alongside dignitaries and members of the public.

Deputy Chief Minister Jane Poole-Wilson is representing the Island in London at a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey and the VE Day Concert, both of which will be attended by the Royal Family.

You can listen to our interview with the Grove Mount Residential Home residents in full in the latest episode of Manx Newscast below: