Sunday May 10: Open Air Service, War Memorial, Old Steine, Brighton, 3pm
An open air service will be held at the Old Steine War Memorial in Brighton on Sunday May 10 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) and the forthcoming anniversary of VJ Day (Victory in Japan), which marked the end of the Second World War.
The service will start at 3pm and include a wreath laying ceremony and two minute silence. It is open to all.
Among those attending will be the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Col. David Stevens, the Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Councillor Brian Fitch, members of the Royal British Legion, and representatives of veterans' organisations, including the Java Far East Prisoners of War Club, cadets and emergency services.
The event is being co-ordinated by Brighton & Hove City Council, the Royal British Legion and other partners.
The Java Far East Prisoners of War Club is also planning a VJ Day anniversary event In August, see below.
Friday May 8: VE Day Anniversary Concert, Royal Pavilion, Brighton, 8pm
A concert to mark the anniversary of VE Day is being held in the Music Room of the Royal Pavilion in Brighton on Friday May 8 at 8pm.The concert will feature pianist Martin James Bartlett, BBC Young Musician of the Year 2014, and include music by Mozart and Tchaikovsky.
The event is being organised by MOOT – music of our time - for more details and tickets:
http://boxoffice.brightonfringe.org/music/9058/a-concert-for-ve-day-martin-james-bartlett-plays-mozart 01273 917272
Friday May 8: VE Day Beacon Lighting Ceremony, Blind Veterans UK, Greenways , Ovingdean, Brighton BH2 7BS. Arrive from 8.30pm, for lighting ceremony starting at 9.15pm.
A beacon will be lit in the grounds of Blind Veterans UK in Ovingdean at 9.32pm on May 8. It will form part of a chain of VE Day beacons being lit across the country as the sun goes down.
The beacon lighting ceremony is open to all - people can arrive at the reception of Blind Veterans UK (formerly St Dunstan's) from 8.30pm, before gathering outside in the east side of the grounds at 9.15pm for the lighting ceremony. A local blind veteran supported by the charity will read out an official tribute as part of the ceremony.
Blind Veterans UK will also be cutting a large ' VE' into the grass before the event to mark the anniversary.
Blind Veterans UK www.blindveterans.org.uk
Sunday August 16: VJ Day Service of Remembrance, Easthill Park War Memorial, Manor Road, Portslade, 2.30pm for 2.45pm
A service to mark VJ Day is being held at Easthill Park War Memorial in Portslade on Sunday August 16. The service is being organised by the Java Far East Prisoners of War Club and Portslade Royal British Legion, people are asked to assemble in the park at 2.30pm for the service at 2.45pm.
Further information:
Brighton & Hove City Council press office 01273 291035/293033
press@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Blind Veterans UK (Beacon lighting ceremony)
Mark Wheeler PR Officer
020 7616 7980 Mark.Wheeler@blindveterans.org.uk