VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations in Chorley
As we mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) there are some special events taking place:
Flying the VE Day Union Flag
On 8 May (and for a while after) a special anniversary VE Day Union Flag will be flying at Chorley Town Hall and at the Civic Offices on Union Street.
Lighting up Chorley Town Hall (clockface and bell tower)
The clockface and bell tower on Chorley Town Hall will be illuminated with red, white and blue on 8 May (and over that weekend).
VE Day 80 Proclamation
Thursday 8 May 2025, 9am, Chorley Town Hall
At 9am the VE Day 80 proclamation will be read by the Town Crier outside Chorley Town Hall (St Thomas’ Square).
Empire Cinema Screening of 'A Matter of Life and Death' - Commemorating VE Day
Thursday 8 May 2025, 7pm, Chorley Theatre
Join Empire Community Cinema (Chorley Theatre) for the screening of the classic film 'A Matter of Life and Death', plus sandwiches and cake. The screening is timed to finish in plenty of time before the Beacon Lighting in Astley Park.
Tickets are required for this event. Please see the Chorley Theatre website for further details and to book tickets.
St Laurence's VE Day Church service
Thursday 8 May, 8pm, St Laurence's Church
On Thursday, 8 May, there will be a commemorative VE Day service at St Laurence's Church, Chorley to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe.
The service will begin at 8pm prompt, giving worshippers the opportunity to also attend the Beacon Lighting at the War Memorial in Astley Park, which will begin at 9pm (see below).
Beacon lighting
Thursday 8 May 2025, from 9pm, Astley Park war memorial
Join us for a beacon lighting tribute at the war memorial in Astley Park from 9pm, with the beacon being lit at 9.30pm
The event will include a VE Day Tribute to be read by the Mayor of Chorley, Councillor Gordon France, and music by Rivington and Adlington Brass Band including ‘I vow to thee, my country’ that will be played at all beacon lighting events.
Lighting up Rivington Pike
Thursday 8 May 2025, from 9.30pm
One of Chorley’s iconic landmarks, Rivington Pike, will be illuminated with light projections to mark the occasion.
Chorley in Bloom Garden
To commemorate VE Day, the Chorley in Bloom group have created a fabulous VE Day themed garden in Chorley town centre.
The garden, which is located between ShopMobility and Calico Lounge and will be officially opened on the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Thursday 8 May, at 11am
As part of the opening, Chorley in Bloom will be joined by guests including the Mayor of Chorley, Councillor Gordon France and some local school children, and the community is welcome to attend.
Picnic in the Park
Sunday 11 May 2025, 12 noon to 4pm, Astley Park
This year’s popular Picnic in the Park event will be a VE day themed afternoon of free family fun, activities and entertainment.
Find our more: checkoutchorley.com/picnicinthepark
Street Party Information and Application Form
If you’re planning to mark the VE Day 80th anniversary by having a street party where you live, please take a look at our Street Party Information and Application Form document