Join us as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on Thursday, 8th May 2025, honoring those who served and sacrificed for our freedom.
Below, you will find a list of events taking place in Ringwood on and around 8th May 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. Join us in remembering and honoring this historic occasion.
A ceremonial VE Day 80 flag will be raised at 9am on Thursday 8th May in Ringwood Gateway Square by the Town Mayor, Cllr Rae Frederick.
As part of the national tribute, Ringwood Town Council will be lighting a beacon at 9:30 PM in the War Memorial Gardens to mark this historic occasion. The beacon symbolizes the light of peace that emerged from the darkness of war and will be one of many shining across the UK. The Ringwood Town Beacon was specially made for VE Day 2024 and has now been permanently located in the War Memorial Gardens as a lasting tribute.
The evening will start at 9pm with music from Ringwood and Burley Band. The beacon will be lit at 9:30pm when the Global Tribute will be read by the Mayor of Ringwood. Following the lighting we wil join the nation in singing "I Vow to Thee My Country".
We are proud to be working in partnership with Greyfriars Community Centre and the Veterans Hub to ensure a meaningful and respectful commemoration.
The images above are from D-Day 80 in 2024. We look forward to the community coming together once again to honor the past, reflect on history, and celebrate peace. We encourage residents to take part in this national commemoration.
Just as they did on 8th May 1945 to celebrate the end of the war, on Thursday, 8th May 2025, the bells of St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Ringwood will ring out at 6:30 pm as part of the nationwide ‘Together We Chime’ initiative. This special event marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, honoring those who sacrificed for our freedom.
We invite the community to pause, listen, and remember, as we recreate this historic moment together.
A ceremony for the 81st Anniversary of D-Day will be held at the Normandy Veterans Memorial in the Parish Church Grounds on Friday 6th June 2025 at 11am. All are welcome.
The 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan) takes place on Friday 15 August 2025, commemorating the end of the Second World War. Ringwood Town Council are looking to mark this anniversary with a service at the War Memorial Gardens at 10:45am for a silence at 11am.
May
The Council has honoured the Ringwood & Poulner Toad Patrol with an Award for Outstanding Community Service in recognition of their tireless volunteer work protecting amphibians during migration season.
May
The Council has made the difficult decision to suspend cricket bookings at Carvers Recreation Ground from the end of the current season. This decision follows a comprehensive review of the facility’s usage, associated costs, and the overall benefit to the local community.
May
At our meeting on 30 April 2025, the Town Mayor presented grant aid certificates to four local organisations, recognising a total of £2,300 in support. A new round of grant applications opens in September.
