Virtual VE Day 2020
Northampton is set mark VE Day 2020 in a unique way this year, with a virtual programme of events taking place on the 8 May, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the end of war in Europe.
VE Day 75 timetable of events
All performances will be broadcast on the Mayor of Northampton's Facebook page on Friday 8 May, and throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.
Please note that ALL performances are virtual and observe social distancing
All performers involved have given their time, efforts and equipment ,completely free of charge to mark this very special day. We will meet again!
A national two minutes' silence will be observed at 11am.
11:00 Sermon read by Father Oliver Coss BSc MA FRSA SSC, Rector of All Saints’ Church
11:05 A selection of themed choral hymns performed by the All Saints’ Church Choir, led by Jem Lowther, All Saints’ Director of Music
11:20 ‘In Memoriam’ poem written by local poet James McInerney - read by Councillor Anna King, Northampton Borough Council’s Cabinet member for community engagement and safety
12:00 Mayor of Northampton, Councillor Nazim Choudary, addresses the citizens of the Borough
13:00 ‘Tribute to the millions’ poem read by Deputy Mayor Councillor Brian W. Sargeant
14:15 Mrs Neelam Aggarwal-Singh, MBE, JP, Deputy-Lieutenant, speaking on behalf of the Northamptonshire Indian Hindu welfare organisation about community values – we are stronger together!
14:30 Lieutenant Colonel Jane Chappell, Northamptonshire Royal Signals Chairman, Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, addresses the citizens of Northampton with a VE Day 75 speech
14:55 Playing of the ‘Last Post’ by Peter May, former HM Services Bugler
15:00 Playing of ‘Battle’s O’er’ and ’VE 75 Years’ by the Northamptonshire Pipe Band, led by Nick Tysoe
15:00 National Toast to the Heroes of WW2 led by the Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, James Saunders-Watson
18:30 ‘On the Home Front’ - an exciting ‘virtual’ mystery tour - performed by talented local actors from Northampton's Looking Glass Theatre
18:55 Town Crier calls out for peace around the world – performed by the Looking Glass Theatre
19:00 The bells of All Saints’ Church will ring out for peace 75 times – Father Oliver Coss is ringing the bells
19:30 ‘Virtual VE Day 75’ Live Jive Dance Zoom Party - performed by Step by Step Dance School
21:00 Illumination of The National Lift Tower and sing-along to Vera Lynn’s wartime favourite, ‘We Will Meet Again’ (illuminations provided by MLE Pyrotechnics Limited)