Yorkshire Coast Communities to Mark VE Day 80 with Beacon Lightings

Communities along the Yorkshire Coast are preparing to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a series of ceremonial beacon lighting events this evening.

These events are part of a nationwide initiative that will see over 1,000 beacons lit across the UK at exactly 9:30 PM. The lighting of the beacons symbolises the 'light of peace' that emerged from the darkness of the Second World War.

The Danby Beacon Trust will host a special event in Danby to commemorate the anniversary. The celebration, described as part of a national effort, aims to remember the millions who made the ultimate sacrifice during six years of war and celebrate the peace that followed. 

Commemorations in Danby will begin with a service at 4 PM at St. Michael & St. George Church in Castleton. The service will be led by Revd Sally Wilson, and children from Castleton County Primary school are scheduled to sing the hymn “I Vow to Thee My Country”. This hymn will also be sung by children at several other local primary schools. 

Later in the day, at 6:30 PM, church bells are expected to ring out at various churches, including St. Michael & St. George Church Castleton and St. Hilda’s Danby. The main celebration at Danby Beacon is planned to commence at 9 PM, culminating in the lighting of the beacon at 9:30 PM. The beacon will be lit by Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire John Senior. 

The event is expected to include 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 are set to be in attendance. Piper Charles Mitchell will play “Celebratum”, a piece of music specially composed for the occasion. A tribute will be read by Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire John Senior, and a wreath will be laid by representatives from RAF Fylingdales. 

The Danby Beacon Trust has stated that everyone is welcome to both the afternoon service and the evening celebration at Danby Beacon. The Danby Beacon itself holds historical significance, having served as a lookout and notification site 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 Danby celebration can be found at https://www.danbybeacontrust.org.uk

In Hornsea, residents and visitors are invited to gather along the seafront for a beacon lighting ceremony at 9:30 PM. The event is described as promising a reflective moment of remembrance for those who served and sacrificed during the war.

Tickton will also host a community gathering at the Village Field. A beacon will be lit there as part of the local VE Day commemorations. This event aims to bring together residents in a shared act of remembrance and celebration.

In Bridlington, a beacon will be lit at the Old Ship Inn on St John Street. The pub is expected to serve as the focal point for the town’s commemorative activities.

In Driffield the beacon at All Saints Church will be lit in a ceremony starting at 8:45pm. The East Ridign pipe band will be playing before the Mayor lights the beacon at 9:30pm.

In Sleights the Parish Council have arranged for the Sleights Beacon to be lit. This will take place at 9:30 p.m. The Beacon is sited on the edge of Sleights Moor and can be accessed on foot via a path from the Blue Bank Car Parks or by a path from Fair Head Lane.

These Yorkshire Coast events are among many taking place across the country to honour the bravery, resilience, and unity shown during the Second World War. Organisers recommend arriving early to secure a good view and join neighbours in paying tribute to a pivotal moment in history.

More information about national VE Day 80th anniversary events can be found at https://www.veday80.org.uk