Salford's VE Day 80 celebrations

On the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, Salford came together for a commemorative, community celebration to mark 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe.

Council representatives and members of our armed forces community were joined by residents in remembering the sacrifice of those who fought and gave their lives for peace and freedom

The council also joined the national observation of a two-minute national silence at 12pm on Thursday 8 May to mark the anniversary and in keeping with national commemorations, the council flew the VE Day 80 flag at full-mast.

Hundreds of residents attended the event which featured a specially commissioned fire and light installation from Walk the Plank lasting for 80 minutes.

The special display was accompanied by an original soundtrack of spoken voices created especially for the event by a local artist, Vicky Clarke, that captured people's thoughts and hopes for peace. In addition to voices from Salford Veterans and St Philip's Primary School there were also contributions from European companions based in Croatia, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Portugal via the Creative Embassies network.

City leaders and members of the Armed Forces community also delivered special speeches and tributes to mark the anniversary as Salford remembers VE Day.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “On this significant 80th anniversary of VE Day, we come together as a nation to honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom. Their courage and resilience remind us of the immense sacrifices made - by those on the front lines, those who gave their lives, and those who supported the war effort at home.

This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on their legacy, to learn from the stories of the VE Day generation, and to ensure their contributions are never forgotten. I am proud to stand alongside our Armed Forces community and residents of our great city, joining with the rest of the country in remembrance and gratitude."

The Ceremonial Mayor of the City of Salford, Councillor Tanya Burch added: “This is a very special anniversary and is both a moment of commemoration and celebration - a time for us to come together as a city to honour those who fought and gave their lives for our freedom.

Salford’s VE Day 80 celebration is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of our Armed Forces personnel and their families, recognising their strength and dedication. We must never forget the heroes who stood against tyranny in the pursuit of peace. May the Lord strengthen and keep safe current military personnel who keep us at peace in these troubled times."