COMMUNITIES across the country gathered to celebrate 80 years since VE Day, including residents from across Somerset.
VE DAY 2025 celebrates 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.
Below are some of the events that took place across Somerset on Thursday, May 8, 2025, to commemorate this historic occasion.
READ MORE: VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations in South Somerset 2025
VE80 in Taunton
VE Day in Taunton started with the raising of the flag at County Hall.
Those present for the flag raising were guests of the new Mayor of Taunton, Councillor Martin Straus and Admiral Angus Essenhigh, national hydrographer and Armed Forces representative.
In the evening, the representatives of the armed forces and veterans’ organisations laid wreaths during a remembrance ceremony at the town war memorial.
This was then followed by the “highlight of the day”, which was an evening service of celebration and thanksgiving at Taunton Minster. This included contributions from young cadets and scouts, who read their own poetry.
Next, Richard Toomey alongside Brigadier Neville Holmes, County Colonel of The Rifles, unveiled a new Second World War memorial at Maidenbrook Country Park.
Finally, the group enjoyed entertainment, and the day culminated with the lighting of the beacon which blazed on during a firework display.
Glastonbury VE Day
Glastonbury went all out for this year’s VE Day anniversary, with Glastonbury tour completely lit up to highlight the importance of the day.
A procession including George Bayntun, the Bearer of the Unity Candle, the Mayor, Town Crier, bard, various druids, the local Catholic Priest and a bagpiper made their way up to the Tor.
George said: “We ascended the Tor in some sort of order, stopping to watch the sun set and were greeted by a good crowd.”
Once there, there were several readings and reflections shared covering topics such as silence, light, the fate of animals in warfare, our debt to past generation and a request for remembrance and thanksgiving.
The Mayor then lit the beacon at 9.30pm, the group then finished the night by singing Jerusalem, Observed the Last Post and Blessed the King.
George added: “Getting down in the dark was quite an adventure.”
Cheddar Valley Festival of Remembrance
Organised by the Royal British Legion and supported by the Wedmore Festival, Cheddar Valley's Festival of Remembrance was held on the evening of VE Day at St Mary’s Church.
The Lord-Lieutenant attended accompanied by the High Sheriff and Vice-Lord Lieutenant Ted Allen DL attended the “moving tribute” of those who served.
The evening featured a wide selection of contemporary and traditional music performed by the HMS heron Royal Navy Volunteer Band, alongside the Cheddar Male Choir.
According to residents, a highlight of the event was a Drumhead Service, conducted by the Royal British Legion Chaplain.
This traditional military act of worship – where drums are stacked to form a makeshift alter and draped with the Union Jack and RBL standard – recreated the improvised chapels of battlefield worship and provided a “powerful” moment of reflection and gratitude.
The programme guided the audience through key moments of the Second World War with dramatic readings of speeches by Neville Chamberlain, Winston Churchill and General Eisenhower, interwoven with music and song.
Community singing of wartime saw young and old brought together in a community celebration of peace and remembrance according to an attending spokesperson.
Yeovil VE Day
The celebrations in Yeovil for VE Day’s 80th anniversary, involved a presentation at St John’s church, showcasing Yeovil during the war.
This presentation concluded with a video made by local students on VE day celebrations in 1945 across the country.
Afterwards, Yeovil residents saw live performances by: Soprano singer Teresa de Roberto, with all the old war time classics; The HMS Heron Royal Navy Volunteer Band; and the Octagon choir.
One of the Deputy Lieutenants of Somerset, Nigel Beacom was then invited to read out Winston Churchill’s speech declaring that the war in Europe was coming to an end.
Finally, at 9.30pm the beacon was lit by the base warrant officer from RNAS Yeovilton, WO1 Walker.
Nigel Beacom said: “I had the chance to meet the recently appointed Mayor Cllr Tony Lock and the Yeovil MP Adam Dance as well as a range of Armed Forces Cadets and local people who had turned up.
“It was a splendid evening and a very fitting tribute to that incredible generation who endured so much.”
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