Here’s what’s happening to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in BCP

Beacon lighting ceremonies, exhibitions, community gatherings and street parties are just some of the events organised for VE day next week.

Residents are being encouraged to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

As part of the national celebrations, Councillor Lesley Dedman, Chairman of BCP Council will be hosting a beacon lighting event in the front of the BCP Council Civic Centre in Bournemouth on Thursday 8 May, with His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Mr Michael Dooley in attendance.

The event will include speeches and music courtesy of Poole Borough Band from 9pm, followed by the lighting of the beacon at 9.30pm. All residents of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are welcome to attend.

Other events taking place across the area include:

In Poole:

Saturday 3 May at 2pm the Mayor of Poole will be attending the month long ‘Poole at Dunkirk’ exhibition at the Lighthouse, Poole. The free exhibition includes a newly commissioned video as well as photographs, memorabilia and stories of the Poole people and vessels that contributed to the decisive Operation Dynamo.

Throughout May in the Dolphin Centre, highlights the contribution made by local women who bravely carried out their work and duties during sometimes extreme conditions.

Thursday 8 May from 10.45am till 4pm, Poole Veterans Hub will be meeting in Poole Park by the War Memorial to celebrate this very important date.

Saturday 10 May at 11am the Deputy Mayor of Poole will be attending a Saturday Friends VE Celebration at St Paul’s Church and Hall, Canford Heath. There will also be a talk by the Royal British Legion and maybe some Spam sandwiches. All are welcome from 10am.

In Christchurch:

Thursday 8 May from 6pm to 10pm, join in the A Shared Moment of Celebration at Christchurch Quay organised by Christchurch Town Council including beacon lighting at 9.30pm.

The celebrations will feature an exciting programme, including live music, historical displays, family entertainment and free face painting as well as funfair rides, food stalls and engaging activities for all ages.

In Bournemouth:

Tuesday 6 May from 2pm to 4pm at Townsend Community Association, Jewell Road have invited residents to an afternoon tea. There will be singing and dancing to evoke the spirit of the wartime era and the euphoria of Victory in Europe.

On Thursday 8 May, Kinson Community Centre will be brightly decorated for their cream tea event from 10am to 2pm. Listen to 40s music and take part in the raffle..

Bournemouth Coastal BID is organising a community VE Day celebration on Landseer Road Westbourne from 12pm to 5.30pm. It will be a fun day out for all the family, filled with free food and drink, singing and dancing.

Sunday 11 May at 1pm, the Mayor of Bournemouth is attending a celebration event at Fisherman’s Walk in Southbourne.

Events will be held at local libraries. Updates on these will be shared on the BCP Council Libraries Facebook page.

Councillor Andy Martin, BCP Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Customer and Communications and said: “I am very pleased to see the events that are planned across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole for the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. The further away we get from the Second World War, the more important it becomes to remember.

“As well as events, it’s great to see residents will be organising street parties as a way for the community to celebrate and come together to reflect and remember. Some 30 applications have been received for street parties to be held on Monday 5 May across the conurbation, and the council has ensured these are not costing anyone a penny.

“I hope that everyone has a chance to come together with family, friends and neighbours to celebrate and commemorate this momentous day.

There will also be a number of road closures for street parties – details of which can be found below: