Civic dignitaries, veterans and councillors are set to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
A two-minute silence will take place to commemorate the sacrifice and bravery of the men and women, soldier and civilians alike, who gave everything to secure victory against fascism.
80 years ago, millions of Britons took to the streets in joy as news broke that the Axis powers in Europe had finally surrendered. This marked the end of nearly six years of fighting in the European and African theatres.
The war in Asia would finally end a few months later on August 15, 1945 – VJ Day.
Over the course of the war tens of thousands of Mancunians had answered their country’s call, either in the armed forces or the home front, playing their part in securing a hard-fought victory.
People will be invited to congregate around the Cenotaph in St Peter’s Square in advance of 12 noon, on Thursday, May 8.
From 11.55am the Leader of Manchester City Council, the Lord Mayor and other civic and military dignitaries will make their way to the Cenotaph ahead of the Last Post being sounded. A maroon will be fired at midday to mark the beginning of a two minute silence, with a second maroon being fired to mark its end.
A wreath and flowers will be laid in memory of those who gave their lives during the conflict.
The public are welcome to join this moment in St Peter’s Square to pay their own respects, and to observe the two-minute silence.
There are services and commemorative events across Greater Manchester
There will be services at the following locations:-
Rochdale Cenotaph, 10.45am. The service will include
speeches, wreath laying, hymns and the playing of the Last Post. Following the service, a peal of bells will ring out, signifying the moment, 80 years ago, that peace broke out across Europe.
Middleton Memorial Gardens, 1pm. The commemoration service will include speeches, the playing of the Last Post and the opportunity to reflect and remember.
In Salford there is a commemorative, community celebration in the Sunken Gardens at Salford Civic Centre tomorrow from 9pm
In Oldham there are Live performances by Abbi-Kaye (Viva la Vintage) at Tommyfield Market at 10:00am, 12:00pm and 2:00pm. Sing along to vintage hits and relive the spirit of 1945!
A commemorative message card at Spindles (outside Next), where people can sign and share their thoughts, which will be displayed for everyone to read.
Bunting decorating Tommyfield Market and Yorkshire Street, transforming the town into a vibrant celebration of VE Day.
