Mid and East Antrim to honour 80th anniversary of VE Day with Borough-wide celebrations

Friday 18 April 2025

The celebrations will honour the historic significance of VE Day whilst providing entertainment for all ages, with a particular focus on educating younger generations about World War II.

The commemorations will begin on 1 May with ‘Wartime Reflections’ at Larne Museum and Arts Centre from 2pm to 4pm. The event will feature Northern Ireland Screen footage from the war years, a local author presenting the short story ‘The Day the Yanks Dropped in’ based on true events and a special presentation on ‘Animals at War’.

On 3 May, the Andrew Jackson Centre and US Rangers Museum at Boneybefore will host a day of VE80 commemorations from 11am to 4pm, featuring talks on wartime themes and musical entertainment. Among those taking part will be Larne School of Highland Dance, while the story of a local nurse – Martye Adair, who saw service in the jungles of Burma – will be retold by Rhiannon Campbell and Sharon Dickson plus Geoff Hatt will be looking at the Belfast Blitz and providing songs from the era. There will be talks on US troops in Northern Ireland, the Belgian army being raised here, and Poland, Northern Ireland and the war.

The main VE80 celebrations will take place on 8 May with spectacular ‘Beacons of Freedom’ events at three locations across the Borough:

• From 7pm, People's Park in Ballymena will feature performances by the Swing Gals, Antrim and Derry Fiddlers, Magheramorne Silver Band, Geraldine Donnelly dancers and children's entertainment.
• Carrickfergus Town Hall and War Memorial Gardens will host Third Carrickfergus Band, Zolene and the ALS Band, Campbell College Pipe Band, Sir Henry Inglesbys Fife and Drum, alongside a children's magic show, facepainting and storytelling. A parade from Carrickfergus Town Hall to the War Memorial Gardens will precede the lighting of the Beacon of Freedom at 9.30pm.
• Curran Park in Larne will welcome Kellswater Flute Band, Larne Harbour Accordion Band, Easy Jazz, storytelling, a children's magic show, facepainting and community tables. A parade from Larne Harbour front to Curran Park will begin at 7.30pm, symbolising the wartime role of the port.

The programme continues on 10 May with a special children's event at the Andrew Jackson Centre, where author and illustrator Ellan Rankin will tell ‘The Secret Elephant’ story about a Belfast zookeeper who brought an elephant home each night to protect it from bombing raids. Rankin will also lead an arts workshop where children can create their own bookmarks. Places are limited and booking is essential via the Ticketsource website.

In addition, on 10 May, Carrickfergus Museum and Carrickfergus Historical Society are putting on a VE event not to be missed! To celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe day, join everyone at Carrickfergus Town Hall for a day demonstrations, displays, workshops, talks, games, music and dancing!

For more information T: 028 9335 8241 or E: carrickfergusmuseums@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman William McCaughey said: “As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, it is important that we come together as a community to remember those who served and sacrificed for our freedom. This significant milestone provides an opportunity not only to reflect on our shared history but also to strengthen the civic bonds that unite us. I encourage citizens of all ages to participate in these commemorative events and help ensure that the lessons and legacy of World War II are preserved for future generations.”

Additionally, the Council has commissioned a bespoke VE80 colouring book featuring artwork by local artist Louis Humphrey, depicting sites across the Borough associated with the wartime period, including Dunaird Camp at Broughshane, Sunnylands camp in Carrickfergus, Larne naval base and others. Following the popularity of previous Council colouring books for NI 100, the Jubilee and the Coronation, this commemorative edition will be available at all VE80 events.

For RSVP and more information about the events on 1 and 3 May 2025, please contact Members.Services@midandeastantrim.gov.uk