VE Day 80 Anniversary, 8 May 1945 to 2025

Come to Lisburn to commemorate VE Day 80 

On Thursday, 8th May, Lisburn will host a day of celebratory events to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, commemorating the end of World War II in Europe. Join us as we honour and remember those who sacrificed so much for peace and freedom eight decades ago.

Programme of events

Please note this is a provisional calendar and further dates and details will be made available closer to the time.

VE Day 80 Small Grant Fund

The small grants fund is now closed and successful applicants will be informed soon. 

For more information please click here

Tuesday 29 April, 7pm
Historical talk
Golden Shamrocks: Raising a Belgian Army in Ulster

Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum

While the Ulster memory of the Belgian soldiers somewhat faded over the decades, Scott Edgar will reveal that there is more that links the two nations that you may think.

Book your tickets here

Thursday 1 May, 9am
Exhibition: VE Day 80

Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum

The museum’s new exhibition marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day recognising the liberation of Europe from the deadliest conflict in history.

Come and discover how it was celebrated locally and learn about wartime life in Lisburn.

Tuesday 6 May, 7pm
Historical talk
The Saved and the Spurned: Northern Ireland, Vienna and the Holocaust

Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum

In this talk, Noel Russell will explore how the Northern Ireland government responded to Jewish appeals for help on the eve of the Holocaust.

Book your tickets here 

Thursday 8 May, 9am
Town Crier proclamation and flag raising ceremony

Lagan Valley Island 

The Town Crier will deliver the official VE Day 80 Proclamation.

The Mayor and Deputy Lord Lieutenant will raise the unique VE Day 80 flag in remembrance.

Thursday 8 May, 2pm to 4pm
VE Day Themed Tea Dance

Market Square
Everyone is welcome as Market Square will be filled with music and dancing from the 1940s at a VE Day themed tea dance.

Thursday 8 May, 6.30pm to 9.30pm
VE Day 80 Beacon Lighting Ceremony

Castle Gardens
Mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in Lisburn with a parade through the city and a beating retreat in Castle Gardens.

At 9:30pm, join us as beacons are lit in unison with the national program, honouring the sacrifices made for peace and freedom.

Tuesday 13 May, 7pm
Historical talk
Northern Ireland, the United States and the Second World War

Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum

In this talk, Dr Simon Topping will examine the political and social impact of the ‘friendly invasion’ of 300,000 US servicemen into the province during the WWII.

Book your tickets here

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Bespoke flowerbeds

A series of specially designed flowerbeds to celebrate VE Day 80 will be planted up across the Lisburn and Castlereagh area.

City centre screening

A screening of original footage by British Pathé of VE Day will be shown in the city centre.