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VE Day 80th Anniversary Celebrations
This year, the nation celebrates the 80th Anniversary of ‘Victory in Europe Day’ (VE Day), which marked the end of the war in Europe on May 8th 1945.
In honour of this day, we are holding a special programme of services and events at Canterbury Cathedral.
Special events and services
† Live streamed on our YouTube Channel.
The Canterbury Book of Remembrance
On display throughout May, in the North Quire Aisle
This fine hand-written volume records the names of the 121 civilians who died in Canterbury during World War II.
Choral Evensong to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day †
Thurs 8 May, 17:30
This service will feature the lighting of the VE Day 80 Lamp Light of Peace, and the singing of “I vow to thee my country”, which is to be sung across the nation on this day, to mark this very special commemoration.
Ringing Out in Celebration of Peace
Thurs 8 May, 18:30
As church bells ring out across the nation to mark VE Day, the Cathedral bells will join in the peal.
FREE* WWII-themed Mini Talks
Thurs 8 May - Between 10:00-16:00, various intervals
Join us for a series of special themed 15-minute bite-sized talks, delivered by our knowledgeable team, telling stories of bravery and sacrifice from WWII.
Subject to availability on the day. Ask at our Visitor Centre.
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).
SPECIAL THEMED TOUR
‘The Cathedral in WWII’ Tours
Join us on a special tour telling the story of how Canterbury Cathedral fared in WWII; from the preservation of precious stained glass, to the work of the brave firewatchers, perched on the roof, who saved the Cathedral from the worst of the Blitz.
Dates:
- Mon 5 & Tues 6 May, 11:15-12:30
- Thurs 8 May, 12:30-13:45 & 14:30-15:45
- Fri 9 May, 12:30-13:45 & Sat 10 May, 11:15-12:30
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
Book at our Visitor Centre on the day of your visit, or email [email protected] to reserve your space.
Enjoy Fish and Chips in the Lodge Lounge
Mon 5 - Fri 9 May, during café opening hours
During your visit to the Cathedral, pop in to our onsite Lounge café in The Lodge and enjoy traditional fish and chips - Britain’s favourite dish - to celebrate VE Day.
Why Fish and Chips? To pay tribute to the brave fishermen who fished the seas and the farmers and land girls who toiled in the fields.
See menu on the day for prices. No need to book.
Search ‘VE Day 80’ to find celebrations near you!
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