Beacon of Light burning in Carrickfergus

Mid and East Antrim, 29 April 2025 – Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has announced a programme of commemorative events to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, running throughout early May.

The celebrations begin on Thursday 1 May at Larne Museum and Arts Centre (2pm–4pm) with a special screening and exhibition titled ‘The Day the Yanks Dropped in to Kilwaughter’, featuring wartime footage from Northern Ireland Screen and a presentation on Animals at War.

A key commemorative event follows on Saturday 3 May at the Andrew Jackson Centre and US Rangers Museum (11am–3pm), including talks on wartime themes and live musical performances.

VE80 Beacons of Freedom – Main Event

The highlight of the celebrations takes place on Thursday 8 May, with ‘VE80 Celebrations and Lighting of the Beacons of Freedom’ happening in all three towns across the borough:

• People’s Park, Ballymena – from 7pm
• Carrickfergus Town Hall and War Memorial Gardens – from 6.30pm
• Curran Park, Larne – from 7.30pm

Each location will feature live music, family entertainment, performances, and beacon-lighting ceremonies in remembrance of the end of WWII in Europe.

Final Weekend Events

The anniversary programme wraps up on Saturday 10 May with a VE80 Anniversary Event at Carrickfergus Town Hall (11am–3pm), offering workshops, demonstrations, themed talks, music, games, and dancing.

A special children’s event, ‘The Secret Elephant’, will take place at the Andrew Jackson Centre, telling the heartwarming story of a Belfast zookeeper who hid an elephant during the Blitz. Booking is required for this event.

For full event listings, times, and booking information, visit:
👉 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/VEDay2025