Events in Driffield to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day this Thursday

The Driffield & District branch of the Royal British Legion is celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day with free tea, coffee and biscuits at the Butcher’s Dog.

This Thursday (8th May) marks 80 years since VE (Victory in Europe) Day when the Second World War came to an end in Europe.

To mark the historic event, members of the Royal British Legion are welcoming residents from 9am until 1pm to the Market Place pub in Driffield for refreshments. Everyone is welcome to attend.

To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a day of commemoration has been organised by Driffield Town Council and the Driffield & District branch of the Royal British Legion.

At 9am on 8th May, Driffield Town Crier Bill Strath will read a proclamation on Market Place under the town clock.

Red, white and blue bunting will adorn Driffield’s Market Place where the weekly Thursday Market will include an RBL gazebo which will feature war time memorabilia.

Later in the day, the church bells will ring out at 8pm before residents are invited to gather in the churchyard at the rear of All Saints’ Church on Middle Street North from 8.45pm until 9.30pm for a community commemoration.

The East Riding Pipe Band will play as people arrive at the churchyard ahead of a prayer by Rev Stuart Grant at 9.10pm.

Luke Gledhill will play The Last Post and standard bearers will be present.

The commemorations will culminate at 9.30pm by the lighting of the beacon by Driffield town mayor. The lighting of the beacon celebrates the ‘light of peace’ that emerged out of the darkness of war.

This will be followed by the lighting of the peace lamp and the reading of the VE Day poem by representatives from Driffield Scouts and Guides and the singing of ‘I Vow to Thee my Country’.