Killyleagh getting ready for VE Day commemoration

Killyleagh getting ready for VE Day commemoration

7 May 2025

THE scenes that greeted the end of the Second World War 80 years ago will be replicated as darkness falls in Killyleagh tomorrow night.

A beacon is to be lit at 9.30pm recalling events in May 1945 when a bonfire, topped with an effigy of Hitler, was set ablaze in front of the town’s historic castle.

It will be lit by the chairman of Killyleagh Community Association and the chairperson of Shrigley Community Group.

They will be using a light from a lantern of peace that has been carried forward by schoolchildren from the two primary schools in the town, St Mary’s and Killyleagh Integrated.

The beacon ceremony will be the climax of a night of cross community celebration in the Castle Square, based on what happened on VE night in 1945 when townspeople gathered to celebrate.

Events will begin one mile away in Shrigley at 6.30pm when a lantern is carried to Killyleagh, for eventual use in lighting the town beacon as darkness descends. It will be set on its way by the Shrigley Community group.

“It would be wonderful to see as many people as possible join this walk which will take about 15 minutes to complete. Schoolchildren going to the street party can also join,” explained one of the organisers.

“Obviously it will still be light when the walkers set off but we hope people appreciate the symbolism behind it – that 80 years after the end of war we can give thanks for the peace we have.”

It is hoped that the chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down Council, Pete Byrne, will greet the walkers as they arrive at the Castle Square.

A street party for children from St Mary’s and Killyleagh Integrated follows at 7pm.

One of the highlights of VE night will be the appearance of the Swingtime Starlets, recalling the wartime music of Vera Lynn, war time songs and dance hall music that the American GIs would have jived to when they arrived in Killyleagh and Shrigley in 1942. 

They will perform in the open air from 7.45pm and the advice to anyone attending is to bring your own seat.

A special marching display by the Cadets from Ballygowan will be followed by a short, 15 minute-long act of remembrance recalling the end of the war.

A special invitation to take part has been extended to the families of the English, Scottish and Welsh soldiers who were not born in Killyleagh but returned to Killyleagh after the war, stayed and made their mark. Their family representatives will take part in the community ceremony.

The commemoration on the night will also involve an act of remembrance for the 21 men who died, and for all those from Killyleagh and Shrigley who served in the army, navy or RAF.

The organisers are grateful for the support they have received from the Killyleagh Community Shop in Catherine Street.

The celebrations continue over the weekend.

Killyleagh Library will host a powerful talk by former BBC producer, historian and author Noel Russell on Friday from 1pm to 2pm.

Entitled The Saved and the Spurned: Northern Ireland, Vienna and the Holocaust, the talk will explore the legacy of the Holocaust and Northern Ireland’s connection to it, including the story of the Jewish families who came to Shrigley.

On Saturday night at the Hans Sloane Centre there will be a first showing of a short film which tells Killyleagh’s story in the Second World War. It focuses on the remarkable life story of Martin `Tina’ Charters, who, in his last interview before his death, recalled serving in the RAF’s Bomber Command.

Two free Second World War history walks will take place. Guided by Chris Hagan, they will start at the Castle Square tomorrow and on Sunday at 2pm.

Among the questions that will be answered are: 

What did the people of Killyleagh do during and after the Belfast Blitz?

Where did the American GIs stay in Killyleagh and what happened when they encountered Mosey’s Arch?

Why are two Welsh soldiers buried in Killyleagh?

The celebration concludes on Sunday night with an interdenominational religious service and Tribute to the Millions event  in St John’s Church of Ireland Church.