Chance to light the beacon to mark 80 years since VE Day
Published: Tue 11th March, 2025
A competition is being held to find a local resident to light the beacon in Queen’s Park in Loughborough, to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Charnwood Borough Council is searching for a resident with either a military background or personal connection to VE Day to join the Mayor of Charnwood Cllr Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE in lighting the beacon at an event on Thursday, 8 May 2025 – exactly 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe on 8 May 1945.
This will be one of many beacon lighting events to take place across the country to mark the anniversary and pay respects to those that served and lost their lives in the Second World War.
Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE, said: “The lighting of the beacon is a fantastic opportunity for a Charnwood resident to play an important role in marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.
“Charnwood has a strong connection with the Armed Forces community, so I know that we will receive a number of entries. I look forward to reading them all.
“This anniversary is so important to mark, we will pay tribute to those who selflessly lost their lives during the Second World War. Queen’s Park is the perfect place to hold such a poignant and memorable event, and I know that residents from across the borough will come down and pay their respects.”
The Council would like to hear from applicants about why they would want to be considered for this very special task, and what it would mean from them to be chosen to light the beacon as part of the 80th anniversary of VE Day commemorations.
Applications can be made by filling out this survey. The deadline to apply to light the beacon is Friday, 28 March 2025.
The winner will be contacted the week commencing Monday, 31 March 2025.
Details including the terms and conditions for the competition can be found on the Council’s dedicated webpage.
The last beacon lighting to take place in Queen’s Park was in June 2024 to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.