Hilary Benn marks VE Day 80 with WWII exhibition opening at Antrim Castle Gardens

Secretary of State with the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly, Deputy Mayor Councillor Paul Dunlop BEM, and World War II expert and tour guide Mike Gilmore.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, has marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day by opening a special Second World War exhibition at Antrim Castle Gardens.

The commemorative event, hosted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, highlighted the profound significance of VE Day — 8 May 1945 — when news of Nazi Germany’s surrender brought the Second World War in Europe to a close.

Millions across the UK and beyond celebrated the moment with street parties, dancing, and spontaneous public gatherings.

Speaking at the exhibition opening, Mr Benn reflected on the legacy of the generation who lived through the war.

“VE Day is an occasion to remember the huge sacrifice made by that great generation so that we might live in peace and freedom,” he said.

As part of a day-long series of engagements commemorating VE Day 80, Mr Benn also visited the Ulster Aviation Society. There, he met with World War II veteran Fred Jennings, whose personal experience offered a poignant reminder of the human stories behind the conflict.

VIDEO: Mr Benn speaking during a visit to the Ulster Aviation Society

Later, the Secretary of State travelled to the Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum in Belfast, a dedicated space that preserves the region’s wartime heritage and honours the contributions of its citizens during the Second World War.

Mr Benn concluded the day by attending a Service of Remembrance with Thanksgiving at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral in Armagh, where he joined others in quiet reflection and collective memory.

“VE Day 80 is our opportunity to remember and to honour the extraordinary courage of that great generation of World War Two veterans,” Mr Benn said.

“Today should remind us all that the cost of peace must never be forgotten. As we hear the stories of those who served and express our profound gratitude to them, let us remember that it was their sacrifice that enabled us to live in peace and freedom.”

The events formed part of a broader UK-wide recognition of VE Day’s 80th anniversary, aimed at ensuring future generations understand the resilience and bravery of those who endured the darkest days of the 20th century.