This Friday, 8th May, a number of events will take place in the city centre to mark the start of celebrations across the country, remembering the day, 70 years ago when the war in Europe officially ended.

The day will begin with the Lord Mayor attending a service of Thanksgiving at Liverpool Parish Church, Our Lady and St Nicholas, which has been organised by the Merseyside Lieutenancy on behalf of The Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside Dame Lorna Muirhead.

Following on from this at 3pm there will be a two minutes silence at Exchange Flags to coincide with a national silence.

Lord Mayor of Liverpool Councillor Erica Kemp CBE said:

“Although VE Day is a day of celebration it is also an opportunity for us to remember the sacrifices made by those during the Second World War, who gave their lives, selflessly and heroically so that we may know the freedoms we often take for granted today.

“I hope that while we celebrate today we spare a thought for those whose loved ones never returned from this and subsequent wars and that we take a moment to honour these courageous men and women.

“I would encourage young and old to join together over this commemorative weekend and give thanks to all our military personnel.”

On Friday evening the Lord Mayor will host a beacon lighting celebration on the Town Hall back balcony at which the public are invited to watch from Exchange Flags. The short ceremony will begin at 9.24pm (in order to ensure the beacon will be lit at the exact time as more than 100 other beacons across the UK).

A fanfare from a Sea Cadets bugler will signal the start of the ceremony followed by a short speech from the Lord Mayor and prayers led by Reverend Crispin Pailing Rector of Liverpool. The Lord Mayor will then light the beacon, accompanied by Mezzo Soprano Danielle Thomas who will sing Land of Hope and Glory.

The service will be broadcast through loudspeakers to ensure anyone listening from Exchange Flags can hear the short ceremony.

In addition to these civic events, members of the public are actively encouraged to hold their own street parties and picnics capturing the spirit of VE day to mark the anniversary.

Guidelines, further information and application forms can be found by following this link: https://www.liverpool.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-events/events/street-parties/

Anyone wanting to hold a street party must apply beforehand, using the above link, no later than Monday 4 May 2015.