Mid and East Antrim marks 80 years since VE Day with Borough-wide commemorations

One of the Beacons of Light burning on the coast with Carrickfergus Castle in the background.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is preparing to mark a momentous occasion with a packed programme of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, uniting communities across Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne in remembrance and celebration.

Spanning from 1 to 10 May, the VE80 commemorations will honour the sacrifices of the Second World War generation while reflecting on the enduring legacy of peace and resilience that followed the end of the conflict in Europe.

A Journey Through Wartime History

The programme opens on Thursday 1 May at Larne Museum and Arts Centre, where visitors can attend Wartime Reflections from 2pm to 4pm.

The event will include rarely seen wartime footage from Northern Ireland Screen, a reading of The Day the Yanks Dropped in to Kilwaughter — a true story by a local author — and a presentation on the vital role of Animals at War.

On Saturday 3 May, the Andrew Jackson Centre and US Rangers Museum at Bonnybefore will host VE80 Commemorations, a special event from 11am to 3pm. Guests can enjoy talks on wartime themes alongside live musical entertainment, offering a thoughtful tribute to the historical ties between Northern Ireland and the United States during the war years.

For more details or to RSVP for events on 1 and 3 May, members of the public are encouraged to contact: Members.Services@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.

Lighting the Beacons of Freedom

The centrepiece of the VE80 programme comes on Thursday 8 May, the anniversary of VE Day itself, with a trio of public celebrations and beacon lighting ceremonies taking place across the borough.

In Ballymena, the People’s Park will come alive from 7pm with performances by The Swing Gals, the Antrim and Derry Fiddlers, and Geraldine Donnelly dancers, complemented by children’s entertainment.

Carrickfergus will host its celebration starting at 6.30pm at the Town Hall and War Memorial Gardens. Festivities will include performances by Third Carrickfergus Band, Zolene and the ALS Band, and the Campbell College Pipe Band, among others. The event culminates in a commemorative parade from the Town Hall to the War Memorial Gardens, where the Beacon of Freedom will be lit at 9.30pm.

In Larne, a symbolic parade from the Harbour Front to Curran Park will begin at 7.30pm, honouring the port’s strategic wartime role. The event will feature live music from the Belfast Jazz Duo, Kellswater Flute Band and Larne Harbour Accordion Band, as well as family-friendly entertainment including storytelling, face painting and magic shows.

Children’s Tales and Historical Revelry

The commemorations conclude on Saturday 10 May with a full day of activity in Carrickfergus. From 11am to 3pm, Carrickfergus Town Hall will host the VE Day 80 Anniversary Celebration, in partnership with Carrickfergus Museum and the Carrickfergus Historical Society.

The event promises a vibrant mix of demonstrations, displays, workshops, music, games and 1940s-style dancing. Local organisations such as the Women’s Institute, St John’s Ambulance, the Boys’ Brigade and cadet forces will take part, recreating wartime life through interactive exhibits and hands-on learning.

For queries regarding this event on 10 May, contact Carrickfergus Museum on 028 9335 8241 or via email at carrickfergusmuseums@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Simultaneously, the Andrew Jackson Centre will present The Secret Elephant, a children’s storytelling event led by author and illustrator Ellan Rankin. Based on the true tale of a Belfast zookeeper who brought an elephant home nightly to protect it during the Blitz, the session will include a themed arts workshop where children can create and take home a unique bookmark.

Due to limited capacity, advance booking via the Ticketsource website is required.

Commemorative Keepsake

To mark the occasion, the Council has produced a bespoke VE80 colouring book, illustrated by local artist Louis Humphrey. The book features iconic wartime sites across the borough — including Dunaird Camp in Broughshane, Sunnylands Camp in Carrickfergus, and Larne Naval Base — and will be available free of charge at VE80 events.

These commemorations offer a poignant and celebratory opportunity to remember the bravery and sacrifice of our wartime generation. VE80 not only looks back with respect, but also brings communities together in appreciation of the peace we enjoy today.