VE Day: Stoke-on-Trent marks 80 years since the end of WWII in Europe

Members of the public are invited to attend the service to honour those who gave their lives in battle. 

Germany officially surrendered to the Allies on 8 May 1945, and the news was greeted with celebrations across the UK and world. 

The service will be led by Reverend Alison Thomas and start at 7pm on Thursday 8 May. Stoke Minster’s bells will ring from 6pm to 6.45pm. Tickets are not required. There is no reserved seating 

Later that evening, the city will join over one thousand locations as beacons are lit across the country at 9.30pm. The beacon at Park Hall Country Park will be lit by the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Cllr Lyn Sharpe – representing the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the darkness of war. 

Councillor Lyn Sharpe, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, said: “This is an opportunity for people to come together and reflect on what the brave men and women from that generation did to secure the freedoms we have today. 

“It’s an honour to be lighting Stoke-on-Trent's beacon as the nation comes together to honour the sacrifices that secured our freedom.” 

Stoke Minster is on Glebe St, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1LP.