Dorchester Town Council has told KeeP 106 they are proud to announce a series of events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, marking the end of the war in Europe.
A number of events will take place across the town between the 8th May and 11th May as follows:
Thursday 8th May –
- Flag raising and Tribute. At 9.00am on Thursday 8th May, the Town Crier, Mr Anthony Harrison, will perform the VE Day Tribute at the Town Pump at Cornhill just as the special VE Day 80th flag is raised over the Town Hall. The Town Crier will be joined by the Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr Robin Potter.
- Veterans Lunch. At midday on 8th May the Dorchester branch of the Royal Navy Association is holding a commemorative lunch at The Junction pub which is open to any WW2 veterans or civilians who took an active role in helping the war effort. If you’d like to attend, then please contact Roy Dean by Friday 2 May on 07788 892908 – they will need to know the names of anyone planning to attend and whether they will be accompanied by a partner or carer.
- Beacon lighting event. Celebrations on VE Day 8th May will culminate with a celebratory beacon lighting event on Salisbury Field in Dorchester starting at 8.15pm with 1940s music from the Decadettes and reading of local memories of that special day in 1945 performed by the As One Theatre Company. Just before 9.30pm, Dorchester’s Town Crier, Anthony Harrison, will again read the VE Day Tribute at the same time as the Tribute is read out in communities across the United Kingdom. Then young local bugler, Joe Ansell, performs the Last Post just as the town’s Beacon is lit.
Saturday 10th May
- Free concert from the Casterbridge Male Voice Choir at 12.15pm in the Corn Exchange. The Choir will celebrating the 80th anniversary of D-Day with a performance of a range of 1940s music. The Choir has a history dating back to 1941.
Sunday 11th May
- VE Day 80th Concert. Celebrations in Dorchester will conclude with a free concert in Borough Gardens from 1.00pm until 4.00pm with music with the Decadettes and the Durnovaria Silver Band. Come along with a picnic or enjoy a range of refreshments from the Borough Gardens catering kiosk and listen to a range of patriotic and 1940s music.
- Dorchester Town Council invites everyone to join in these commemorative events to honour the legacy of VE Day and celebrate the community’s history and resilience.
For more information, please contact Tony Hurley, Assistant Town Clerk (Corporate), Dorchester Town Council 01305 249091 or TonyHurley@dorchester-tc.gov.uk
The Decadettes
Dorchester Beacon lighting ceremony marking 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Photo by Finnbarr Webster