Blackburn with Darwen set to commemorate VE Day

Events in Blackburn and Darwen are set to commemorate VE Day as residents come together to mark the 70^th Anniversary that the Second World War in Europe ended.

Taking place on Friday, 8 May Outside both Blackburn and Darwen Town Halls, ceremonies will take place which include the observing of a two minutes silence at 3pm.

Maroons, a special type of firework which sound like the firing of a cannon, will be used to mark the start of the silence at Blackburn and Darwen.

With residents encouraged to attend, the event will be marked by the Royal British Legion and other organisations.

The two minutes silence will also be observed at the local election count, is taking place at King Georges Hall.

Two official parties for veterans and close family in both Blackburn and Darwen are also set to be held, with the council making a £300 donation to each event.

In Blackburn, the Royal British Legion are hosting an Indoor Street Party from 8pm at St Stephens Club on Saturday, 9 May, also for veterans and their families.

The Darwen event is set to be a Garden Party for Veterans and their families at the Anchor Pub, Darwen on Saturday 9 May at 2pm.

If any businesses or community groups within the borough are planning to mark the event, they can send us details and we will publish them.

Councillor Alan Cottam, Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, who is leading the ceremony in Blackburn town hall, said:

This is an opportunity to commemorate all those who lost their lives in the Second World War and indeed in other conflicts.

The sacrifice that was made by their generation is something that must never be forgotten. The opportunity to observe a two minutes silence gives us time to reflect and remember this dark time in our history, and the relief that must have been felt across the country when victory in Europe was declared following years of war, which took so many lives.