Community concert and Drumhead service to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day

Local musicians, soloists, schoolchildren, clergy and the Royal British Legion are coming together to honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday 8 May.

People across the Island are invited to attend a free, two-hour big band concert and Drumhead Service at the Villa Marina. Afterwards the Chief Minister, Hon. Alfred Cannan MHK, will light a commemorative beacon in the Villa Marina grounds.

The Chief Minister said: “This event is an opportunity for our community to come together in remembrance and gratitude, to reflect and pay tribute to the sacrifices made, and to appreciate the peace and freedoms we enjoy in the Isle of Man today.

“The government is honoured to make available the Villa Marina for this special occasion and invites everyone to join a joyful big band experience and a moving commemoration service.”

The concert will feature band music from the era, solo performances by Island performers Paul Costain CP, and Nicola O’Connor, and narrations by local school pupils. Children across the Island with great grandparents have been asked to collect and share precious memories of the day in 1945 which marked the end of the Second World War in Europe.

A Drumhead Service follows the concert to formally commemorate VE Day. It will be led by the Royal British Legion and include readings by the Chief Minister and HE Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer. A Drumhead Service is a traditional military religious service held in the field, using drums as a makeshift altar.

Please book free tickets for the concert and Drumhead Service through the Villa Marina box office online, in person, or call 600555.

At 9.30pm the Chief Minister will light a commemorative beacon in the grounds of the Villa Marina.

Everyone is invited to attend.