A ceremonial VE Day 80 flag was 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 lit 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 was 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 started at 9pm with music from Ringwood and Burley Band. The beacon was lit at 9:30pm when the Global Tribute was read by the Mayor of Ringwood. Following the lighting all present joined the nation in singing "I Vow to Thee My Country".
We were proud to be working in partnership with Greyfriars Community Centre and the Veterans Hub to ensure a meaningful and respectful 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 rang out at 6:30 pm as part of the nationwide ‘Together We Chime’ initiative. This special event marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, honoring those who sacrificed for our freedom.
A ceremony for the 81st Anniversary of D-Day was held at the Normandy Veterans Memorial in the Parish Church Grounds on Friday 6th June 2025 at 11am.
The 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan) took place on Friday 15 August 2025, commemorating the end of the Second World War. Ringwood Town Council marked this anniversary with a service at the War Memorial Gardens at 11am.
Feb
The Council’s grant aid scheme is open for applications - deadline for submission is 4 March 2026.
Jan
As celebrations are planned to mark this historic anniversary, local groups and organisations are invited to get in touch with the Town Council to take part.
Jan
Our latest newsletter includes information on the extension of Ringwood Cemetery; new tree planting in some of our public open spaces; and a report on the successful Winter Wanderland event. Click on the image above to read it.
