VE80 Commemoration Event at the Peace Statue

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The moving evening ceremony will bring together the city’s cadet forces, uniformed services, veterans and members of the public for a short service and the lighting of a beacon, in alignment with the nationwide beacon-lighting initiative.

Join us for a special free public event in the evening commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day at the Peace Statue and surrounding lawns. As darkness falls, our new beacon brazier will be lit at 9:30 PM, joining hundreds of beacons across the UK in a national moment of remembrance and hope.

Bring your own lantern—electric or traditional—to light for peace and to honour the animals that served alongside our forces. Everyone will have the opportunity to light their lantern from our peace candle, creating a beautiful display of remembrance to take home.

A band will lead us in singing “I Vow to Thee My Country” as communities nationwide join together in harmony. Watch with pride as our local cadet groups march in tribute to our veterans who sacrificed so much for our freedom.

This free event welcomes everyone. A limited number of seats will be available for those requiring additional support, but we encourage attendees to bring their own seating for the lawn areas.

Please join us to show your support, mark this significant anniversary, and honour the service of both people and animals who contributed to peace. Let’s gather as a community to remember the past while lighting the way toward a peaceful future.

The ceremony is being supported by the Royal British Legion, Brighton & Hove Buses, Sussex Police and Downs Junior School.

Rev. David Hazell from St Helen’s Church, Hangleton will be giving a short service.