The Danby Beacon Trust will host a special event on Thursday 8th May 2025 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
The celebration, part of a national effort, will remember the millions who made the ultimate sacrifice during six years of war and celebrate the peace that followed.
Throughout the day, the nation will mark the occasion in various ways. From sunrise to sunset, church bells will ring, special flags will be flown, and town criers will proclaim the victory. The sound of bagpipes will also be heard across the country. As evening approaches, beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace will be lit as a symbol of the light that emerged from the darkness of war.
In Danby, the commemorations will begin with a service at 4pm at St. Michael & St. George Church in Castleton. The service will be led by Revd Sally Wilson, and children from Castleton County Primary school will sing the hymn “I Vow to Thee My Country”. This same hymn will be sung by children at several other local primary schools.
Later in the day, at 6.30pm, church bells will ring out at various churches, including St. Michael & St. George Church Castleton and St. Hilda’s Danby.
The main celebration at Danby Beacon will commence at 9pm, culminating in the lighting of the beacon at 9.30pm by Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire John Senior. The event will be joined by the band of the Scarborough Sea Cadets and Ampleforth RAF cadets. Members of Castleton Ladies Singing for Pleasure and individual members of other local choirs will perform “I Vow to Thee My Country”.
Royal British Legion standard bearers will be in attendance, and piper Charles Mitchell will play “Celebratum”, a piece of music specially composed for the occasion. According to the press release, Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire John Senior will read a tribute, and a wreath will be laid by representatives from RAF Fylingdales.
The Danby Beacon Trust highlights that everyone is welcome to both the afternoon service and the evening celebration at Danby Beacon.
Danby Beacon holds historical significance, having served as a lookout against enemy invasion and a notification site using various technologies throughout history. During World War II, a radar station, RAF Danby Beacon, was built at its summit and played a crucial role in providing early warnings of incoming enemy aircraft.
Further information about the VE Day 80 celebration can be found at https://www.danbybeacontrust.org.uk and https://www.veday80.org.uk
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