Cowes Town Council is hosting a special event to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday, 8 May 2025.The celebrations will begin with a parade of local cadets through the town, led by the Vectis Corps of Drums marching band.
The parade will set off from Shooters Hill at 7pm and will proceed through the town to The Parade, where local veterans will be invited to a tea party with entertainment on The Bandstand from Vectis Corps of Drums and singing duo Double Take. Veterans will be served with the official Women’s Institute VE Day 2025 Orange and Ginger Cake, made by Cowes WI.
At 9.30pm, the town will be part of a global initiative when over one thousand beacons will be lit across the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories to signify the light that emerged from the darkness of war. The Cowes Beacon lighting will be part of the celebrations on The Parade.
Deputy Lord-Lieutenant, Colonel Snagge OBE, will light the beacon of peace on The Parade, before reading the Nation’s Tribute. All those present will then be invited to join in and sing ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’.