VE Day 80

VE Day 80 Commemoration Evening on Sizewell Beach and beacon lighting. An evening of music reminiscent of the war years and formal tribute to those who fought for our freedom in WW2.

Residents and visitors from the parish of Leiston-cum-Sizewell are invited to assemble to commemorate VE Day 80 at 6pm on 8 May.

The evening will have a programme of uplifting music to lead up to the formal proceedings and the beacon lighting ceremony at 8.30pm. There will be entertainment from DJ Sonny Cracknell and the Royal British Legion Band Leiston, who will be accompanied this time by the Sizewell C Community Choir. The Sizewell Cafe, renowned by locals and visitors alike, will provide drinks, snacks and fish and chips, which proved extremely popular last year. The organisers of VE Day 80 are delighted to announce that Mr Scott Davidson, the lone piper, will participate this year and will bring the event to a close.

A free parking and shuttle bus service, provided by two, 16-seater minibuses from Sizewell C will be available this year. Departing from Sizewell Sports and Social Club, they will run from 5.30pm for as long as they are required, dropping off kerbside at the entrance to SZA and SZB. The buses will begin return journeys at 8.45pm from the drop off location back to the Sports and Social Club.

Free parking will also be available at Sizewell Beach Car Park, with overflow parking at Sizewell A car park if needed.

This will be only the second time the beacon has been lit. This year, the Council would like to thank the teams at all three power station sites and to Sizewell Sports and Social Club. Their combined assistance and funding has enabled the organisers to provide a more manageable parking experience and much appreciated help with preparing the beacon for lighting.

Mayor of Leiston-cum-Sizewell, Councillor Lesley Hill, said, ‘We are delighted to once again be able to put on this event for our residents and visitors. Last year was a huge success and we hope we have built on that experience to stage an even better evening this year. As always, we are indebted to so many individuals whose help is invaluable. Leiston has a great community spirit which makes us very proud’. Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council extends an invitation to residents and visitors to join this exciting community-led event and looks forward to providing a warm welcome.