Virtual services in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire to mark VE Day

This Friday marks the 75th anniversary of one of the most important and historic days in modern times – Victory in Europe (VE) Day – which brought an end to the Second World War in Europe and a return to peace.
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With all planned public events now cancelled across the country, both Peterborough City Council and Cambridgeshire County Council wanted to ensure everyone could still celebrate and commemorate the historic day, safely at home.

At 11am, all generations and communities can take part in a national moment of Remembrance and pause for a two-minute silence to honour the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation.

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Then at 3pm they can join in a virtual service online, paying tribute to the entire Second World War generation from British, Commonwealth and Allied Forces to evacuees and those who served on the home front.

The Very Revd. Christopher Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough Cathedral EMN-190819-205643009The Very Revd. Christopher Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough Cathedral EMN-190819-205643009
The Very Revd. Christopher Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough Cathedral EMN-190819-205643009

The virtual service, which Cambridgeshire County Council has organised in collaboration with Cambridge City Council and district partners, will be livestreamed via Cambridge 105 radio and will feature celebration music, memories and speeches to mark the occasion.

Cllr Mac McGuire, chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “We are in the midst of some of the most challenging times of recent years, but there is no doubt our communities have pulled together and shown dogged determination to help one another as best they can.

“The resilience and strength that got us through times of war is on show today and is what’s getting us all through these difficult days. Just like we have been doing for those working hard on the frontline, I invite our people to take the time to reflect and to show their appreciation for those who fought to bring a return to peace across Europe.”

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A virtual service to mark VE Day will be held by Peterborough Cathedral, led by the Dean Christopher Dalliston and Canon Ian Black, the Vicar of Peterborough.

During the service there will be a reflection from the Bishop of Peterborough, the Rt Revd Donald Allister, and the Last Post will be played by Ollie Maynard, a student at The King’s School.

Those reading at the service include Gillian Beasley, the chief executive of Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council, and Neil McKittrick, the former High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire.

The service will be broadcast as a live stream from 3pm on the cathedral’s Facebook page and also as a video via the cathedral’s website.

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Cllr Gul Nawaz, Mayor of Peterborough, said: “We are in difficult times right now but we must never forget those who fought and gave their lives in conflicts, so I would urge everyone to watch this poignant service.”

Meanwhile, Queensgate Shopping Centre is leading a campaign to get as many people as possible in Peterborough to create their own bunting using the template displayed on its website.

The template allows people to decorate and design their own bunting using crafts by hand or digitally to then display on Friday to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the entire Second World War generation.

“This year’s celebration is going to be very different, but our current situation is an ideal opportunity for families to get the kids colouring, decorating and learning about VE Day,” said marketing manager Rebecca Keefe.

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“Peterborough is steeped in history and played an important part in World War Two. It’s important for the future generations to learn about the sacrifices made while marking and celebrating the end of the war.”

To download the template, visit www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk/whats_on/ve-day-bunting-activity/. Once designed, you can share your bunting on social media and tag the centre in, or email it to [email protected].