An exciting line up in Enniskillen as the local community celebrate VE Day 80

On 8 May 2025, we will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, marking an extraordinary milestone since the end of the Second World War in Europe.

A special programme of events is planned in Enniskillen, highlighting the significance of the anniversary and bringing communities together in gratitude and remembrance.

People of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds can reflect on this pivotal moment in history and celebrate the peace and freedoms that were se-cured in 1945.
The 75th anniversary took place under Covid-19 restrictions, but now neighbours and communities can celebrate safely together with food and music, just like they did 80 years ago!

Victory in Europe Day 80 spotlights the achievements of a unique generation of people who gave so much for our freedom. Millions died at war and millions more families around the world suffered unimaginable physical and mental pain.

The anniversary is a time to reflect on that remarkable collective sacrifice and to learn from the strength and resilience of the communities who united in a com-mon cause.

The planned events mark VE Day 80 whilst strengthening community bonds, thoughtfully and joyfully, and paying tribute to the sacrifice made by many during the tumultuous years of the Second World War.
Enniskillen’s programme of events – the most westerly location for the VE Day 80 Commemorations in the UK – balances remembrance with celebration, including a VE Day 80 Commemorative Church Service, Beacon Lighting Ceremony, Pip-ers Tribute, Beating Retreat and Concert by the Band, Bugles, Pipes & Drums of The Royal Irish Regiment.
Thursday 8th May
9.00am – VE Day 80 Proclamation
Gary Wilson will join Town Criers and Toastmasters throughout the County to read the VE Day 80 Proclamation at The Watergate, outside Enniskillen Castle, marking the official start of the day’s commemorations.
6.30pm – St Macartin’s Cathedral Bells
As part of the nationwide celebrations, the bells of St Macartin’s Cathedral will ring at 6.30pm, in a symbolic act of remembrance and unity.

7.30pm – VE Day 80 Commemorative Service, Pipers Tribute & National Beacon Lighting
The Inniskillings Museum and four churches on the island of Enniskillen will come
together to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a special Service of
Peace. Enniskillen’s Service of Peace will reflect our shared journey towards
reconciliation and hope for future generations.
The Service of Peace will take place across two churches, commencing at 7.30pm in St Macartin’s Cathedral. The congregation will move across to St Mi-chael’s Church to continue the service at approximately 7.50pm.
A spectacular parade of 80 pipers and drummers from local areas, co-ordinated by Cecil Jones, will form a community-massed band to support the event. The band will parade through the town, arriving at Church Street by 8.45pm. An invita-tion is open to all pipers and drummers who wish to participate in the parade.
In essence, this echoes the service that was held in November 2018 to mark the
centenary of the end of the First World War, which included the presentation of lanterns of peace to Enniskillen’s churches and a memorable tribute by 100 local pipers and drummers. A significant element of the commemorative service will feature the return of the lanterns of peace. These lanterns, in line with the official VE Day 80 promotion of “Lamping Lights of Peace”, will light the way from St Mi-chael’s Church back to St Macartin’s Cathedral for the lighting of the ceremonial beacon by Viscount Brookeborough, Lord Lieutenant for County Fermanagh, at 9pm. The beacon will serve as a symbol of hope, representing the light that emerged from the darkness of war.
Enniskillen’s Service of Peace is open to all, and we welcome our community members and visitors to join us in marking this historic occasion.

9.30pm – Illumination of Council Buildings
Enniskillen Castle and the Strule Arts Centre will be illuminated blue, a symbolic
colour of peace and unity, by Fermanagh & Omagh District Council. This action
serves as a mark of respect for the sacrifices made during the Second World War,
as well as our community’s ongoing commitment to peace.

Saturday 10th May

10.00am to 5.00pm – World War Two Exhibitions
Lisbellaw & South Fermanagh World Wars Society will host a display of World War Two artefacts and uniforms in St Macartin’s Cathedral Hall with a particular focus on our local district. This will complement a World War Two exhibition in Enniskillen Library during the month of May (Free Admission).

3.00pm – ‘Beating Retreat’
The Band, Bugles, Pipes & Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment will perform a ‘Beating Retreat’ at the Cathedral Hall Car Park. It will include a special performance by The Erne Highland Dancers. This event is free, with an invitation extended to everyone and no tickets or pre-booking is required.

7.00pm – VE Day 80 Commemorative Concert
The Band, Bugles, Pipes & Drums of The Royal Irish Regiment will perform a special concert in St Macartin’s Cathedral hosted by The Royal Air Forces Asso-ciation (Fermanagh Branch). It will be compered by Gary Wilson with guest solo-ists Lauren Kells and Clara Wilson. The Erne Highland Dancers will perform a special tribute. This event is free, with an invitation extended to everyone and no tickets or pre-booking is required.

Thursday 8th – Saturday 10th May ‘Lights of Hope’

9.00pm to Midnight
Two beams of light will once again project over Enniskillen’s night sky, similar to how VE Day and the end of World War Two in Europe, was celebrated in 1945. The ‘Lights of Hope’ will remind us to value peace for future generations.

Monday 5th– Saturday 10th May – Visit the Inniskillings Museum’s Galleries
Visit the Inniskillings Museum to discover personal stories and artefacts from the Second World War.
Galleries open 10am-5pm. Normal admission rates apply.
www.inniskillingsmuseum.com

Editorial

For Further Information Contact

Maeve Cadden – Inniskillings Regimental Museum
[email protected]
Tel. (028) 6632 3142
www.inniskillingsmuseum.com
www.royal-irish.com

Selwyn Johnston – Royal Air Forces Association (Fermanagh Branch)
[email protected]
Tel. 07792378687

Cecil Jones – Co-Ordinator of the Community Massed-Band
[email protected]
Tel. 07533979404

An outline of the VE Day 80 national events can be found at www.ve80.com