VE Day 80: Mid and East Antrim to Host Week-Long Commemorations

From 1st to 10th May 2025, communities across Mid and East Antrim will mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) with a packed programme of events. Exhibitions, parades, concerts, workshops, and children’s activities will take place in Larne, Carrickfergus, and Ballymena, highlighting wartime life and the role of local people and places during WWII.

Wartime Reflections – Thursday 1 May 2025

Larne Museum and Arts Centre | 2pm to 4pm
An afternoon of wartime memories featuring:

• NI Screen archival footage from the war years
• A short story based on true events: “The Day the Yanks Dropped in to Kilwaughter”
• A presentation on Animals at War

RSVP: Members.Services@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Wartime Carrickfergus Exhibition

Carrickfergus Museum | 1 May – 23 June 2025
A powerful exhibition honouring Carrickfergus residents who served during WWII, and those who remained behind on the Home Front, transforming the town’s daily life. On display until 23 June 2025.

VE80 Commemorations – Saturday 3 May 2025

Andrew Jackson Centre & US Rangers Museum, Bonnybefore | 11am to 3pm
A full day of commemorations with:

• Wartime-themed talks
• Live music and entertainment
• Community engagement

RSVP: Members.Services@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

VE80 Celebrations & Lighting of the Beacons – Wednesday 8 May 2025

Ballymena – From 7pm at The People’s Park

• Performances from the Swing Gals, Antrim and Derry Fiddlers, Geraldine Donnelly dancers
• Children’s entertainment

Carrickfergus – From 6.30pm at Town Hall & War Memorial Gardens

• Entertainment from Third Carrickfergus Band, Zolene & the ALS Band, Campbell College Pipe Band, and more
• Parade from Town Hall to the War Memorial Gardens for the lighting of the Beacon of Freedom at 9.30pm

Larne – Parade at 7.30pm from Harbour Front to Curran Park

• Featuring Kellswater Flute Band, Larne Harbour Accordion Band, Belfast Jazz Duo, and community entertainment

Children’s Event: The Secret Elephant – Saturday 10 May 2025

Andrew Jackson Centre
Join author and illustrator Ellan Rankin for a reading of The Secret Elephant – the true story of a Belfast zookeeper who brought an elephant home for safety during the Blitz. Includes a children’s arts workshop where kids can create their own bookmark.

Booking via: Ticketsource website

VE Day 80 Anniversary Celebration – Saturday 10 May 2025

Carrickfergus Town Hall | 11am to 3pm
A family-friendly celebration hosted by Carrickfergus Museum and Carrickfergus Historical Society, featuring:

• Wartime demonstrations, displays, workshops, games, music and dancing
• Contributions from St John’s Ambulance, Cadet Forces, Women’s Institute, and more
• Learn to jive, discover how to make do and mend, and get the most out of wartime rations!

Info:
📞 028 9335 8241
📧 carrickfergusmuseums@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

VE80 Colouring Book

A new VE80 Colouring Book created by local artist Louis Humphrey will be available during VE80 events. The book features illustrations from key WWII locations in the borough including:

• Dunaird Camp, Broughshane
• Sunnylands Camp, Carrickfergus
• Larne Naval Base, and more

Following the popularity of previous Council colouring books for NI100, the Jubilee, and the Coronation, this special edition is sure to be a collector’s item for local families.