On the evening of Thursday, 8 May 2025, the Council of the Isles of Scilly and the Duchy of Cornwall will be lighting a beacon to celebrate 80 years since Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) and commemorate the end of the Second World War.
A small lighting ceremony to honour veterans will take place in the Garden Battery, outside Hugh House at the Garrison, on St Mary’s from 9.15pm, and all members of the public are welcome to attend.
The beacon will be lit at 9.30pm and will remain alight for 1 hour. The Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service will be in attendance.
Local choir, the Scilly Sirens, will be performing the piece of music “I Vow to Thee’ to accompany the beacon lighting.
If you choose to attend the lighting ceremony, we ask that you do so on foot, as space and access will be limited. You may also wish to bring a torch, as lighting will be kept to a minimum in order to allow the beacon to shine to its full effect.
If accessibility is an issue for you or someone you know, please email bethany.thomas@scilly.gov.uk or call 0300 1234 105 (option 7) for assistance with organising transport to and from the event.
Further information about national “VE Day 80”events
Further information about televised broadcasts of national “VE DAY 80” events being held to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, can be found on the on the gov.uk website and on the designated VE/VJ Day website. The 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) takes place on Friday 15 August 2025.