Thursday 8 May 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe at the end of the Second World War and civic events will take place in Ipswich to commemorate and celebrate this occasion.
A service will be held at the Cenotaph in Christchurch Park at 11am, led by the Royal British Legion. The Mayor of Ipswich and the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk will both be attending, together with local councillors, and members of the public are welcome to attend to pay their respects.
Ipswich Borough Council invites residents and visitors to gather in Ipswich town centre at 7.30pm for celebrations taking place on the Cornhill. The Council has arranged musical entertainment from 1940s singer Stacy ‘Kitty’ Collins and from the Wattisham Military Wives Choir. A bar will be provided on site offering soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and snacks. Union Jack bunting will run from the Town Hall balcony to posts on the Cornhill to add to the setting and atmosphere.
At 9.15pm, the entertainment will come to a close with speeches by civic dignitaries to be made from the Town Hall steps and the lighting of a ceremonial beacon at 9.30pm.
VE Day Commemoration flags will also be flown from both the Town Hall and the Council’s Grafton House headquarters on 8 May.
The Mayor of Ipswich Councillor Elango Elavalakan says:
“Commemorations are taking place across the country for this significant anniversary on 8 May and Ipswich invites our community to join in. We’ll come together at the Cenotaph in the morning to honour and pay tribute to the Second World War generation from across the UK and Commonwealth.
“On 8 May 1945, the long anticipated news of Victory in Europe resulted in great rejoicing across the nation and people from all walks of life came together to mark the momentous occasion. Our evening event on the Cornhill aims to reflect those celebrations, with lots of entertainment to enjoy and a chance to see Ipswich’s beacon being lit in the heart of town.”