Marking VE Day 80 in Falmouth
As the country prepares to mark 80 years since Germany’s unconditional surrender brought the war in Europe to an end, Falmouth’s community will come together once more to capture the spirit of reflection and celebration that defines VE Day 80.
News of the war’s end was announced via national radio broadcast on 7th May 1945, sparking spontaneous celebrations across Britain. Colourful fireworks lit up the skies, and millions flooded the streets in joyous relief. In response, a national holiday was declared for the following day, allowing the country to come together and commemorate this momentous turning point in history.
80 years on, VE Day continues to hold deep national significance, bringing people together in a spirit of remembrance for those who sacrificed so much, and in celebration of the peace they helped secure.
In Falmouth, VE Day 80 will begin at 9am on Thursday 8th May 2025 on The Moor with the raising of the official flag. As the nation comes together to raise this unique commemorative flag, we unite in remembering the millions who sacrificed their lives during WWII.
This solemn occasion will be followed by a small commemorative service, which will take place at 11am in Kimberley Park. Guests are asked to arrive at the Memorial Garden for 10:45am in time for the service, which will be led by Father Bakulumpagi, Royal Navy Chaplain of RNAS Culdrose.
Wreaths will then be laid to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the war. There will be five wreaths at the service, representing those in the military, the civilian population and veterans.
The National Maritime Museum will be marking VE Day with free entry for the day. They will also have a special workshop open day and a film screening available to all visitors.
Opening their workshop publicly for the day, the museum invites visitors to come along and see their work in progress on a very special project. Join the team and find out about their effort to recreate one of the boats behind the Special Operations Executive (SOE) mission, which bravely carried supplies for the French resistance from the Helford River to the hostile and dangerous conditions of the enemy occupied coastline in France.
There will also be a special film showing throughout the day. Visit the Sunley Lecture Theatre to watch the silent movie about the first and last daylight mission of the 15th Motor Gunboat Floatilla, the most decorated unit of the war.
With a wide range of family-friendly activities, games and refreshments for the day, Pendennis Castle will also be offering free admission to celebrate VE Day 80.
A lively programme of educational workshops, games, child-friendly activities, and themed stalls will fill the day with excitement. Visitors can also explore historic photography archives and enjoy guided tours. Blending a vibrant atmosphere of celebration with a touch of nostalgia, the event captures the true spirit of VE Day: honouring the past while bringing the community together in joyful remembrance.
Beacon Lighting and ‘I vow to thee my country’
To end the day, Pendennis Castle will also be hosting the closing ceremony. At 9:30pm, the nation will once again come together to light the beacons, a symbol of the ‘light of peace’ that emerged after the darkness of war.
Live performances in the castle grounds will entertain guests in the lead-up to the lighting of the beacon, with a variety of local artists, including Rachel Best, Will Keating and Culdrose Military Wives Choir lined up to perform.
The evening will conclude with a poignant performance led by Will Keating, as the audience is invited to join in singing the anthem ‘I Vow to Thee, My Country’. This moving moment of unity, leading up to the lighting of the beacon, will be mirrored across the UK, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man—an enduring symbol of the shared spirit and togetherness that VE Day represents.
Discover more about Falmouth’s VE Day celebrations here: VE Day 80 – Falmouth Official.
