Rushmoor Borough Council is inviting residents to a free open-air community event, which has been organised to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
All are invited to the event, which gets under way at 8.45pm on Thursday, 8 May, in Manor Park, Aldershot, and culminates in the lighting of the borough’s new beacon at 9.30pm - along with hundreds of others across the UK. The beacons symbolise the "light of peace" that emerged from the darkness of war.
In the lead up to the beacon lighting, there will be music from Cove Brass, a short talk from local historian Paul Vickers, other readings, and music from a piper.
The event has been organised by the council with support from the Military Events Enhancement Group, a group that includes representatives from the local community and organisations such as the Royal British Legion, the Shots Foundation and the Garrison Community Team. The aim of the group is to increase collaboration and community participation in military-themed community events, and to support community integration.
Visitors are encouraged to bring torches, as it will be dark by the time the event ends.
Rushmoor Borough Council’s Cabinet Champion for the Armed Forces & Families, Councillor Nadia Martin, said: “This will be a lovely community event when people come together to give thanks for the sacrifices made by the second world war generation, as part of the nationwide commemorations. It’s an important anniversary marking when people in the UK and Europe were finally able to celebrate peace.
“It’s also the first time we’ll have lit the beacon, which is an important new symbol of unity and connection for the local community, as well as acknowledging Aldershot and Farnborough's military and aviation heritage, and will serve as a focus for residents to come together on special occasions for many years to come."
For more information on the event, please see our web page.
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