Cambridge will honour the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day this Thursday with a poignant beacon lighting ceremony on Castle Mound, paying tribute to those who served during World War Two.
The event, free and open to all, will begin in the evening and culminate with the lighting of a beacon at 21:30 BST — echoing the celebrations that swept across the UK in May 1945. Organised by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Armed Forces Covenant Partnership in collaboration with Cambridgeshire County Council and Cambridge City Council, the ceremony is part of a nationwide act of remembrance.
VE Day marks the formal end of World War Two in Europe, a moment that brought relief, joy, and deep reflection after years of conflict. Cambridge’s ceremony promises to capture that spirit, with music and a speech from Deputy Lieutenant Christopher Walkinshaw planned before the beacon is lit.
“This is an opportunity for us all to come together to pause, reflect, and remember the generation that changed the course of history,” said Tommy Kelly from the Armed Forces Covenant Partnership, speaking to the BBC. “Lighting the beacon symbolises the unity and sacrifice that shaped our freedoms today.”
The event will take place on Castle Mound, a historic site offering panoramic views over the city — a fitting stage for such a significant tribute. Organisers hope the public will turn out in numbers to mark the occasion and show gratitude to the men and women who played vital roles in the war effort.
No booking is required for the event, which is part of a wider series of commemorations across the UK and Commonwealth. Additional information about both VE Day and VJ Day (Victory over Japan) is available via the county council’s website.
