St Ives to Light Up Island Chapel in Moving VE Day Tribute – Here’s What’s Happening

Community invited to mark 80 years of peace in Europe

St Ives will join the rest of the country in commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday 8th May 2025, marking eight decades of peace since the end of World War II in Europe.

Flag Raising at the Malakoff

To mark the national occasion, the VE Commemorative 80 flag will be raised at the Malakoff for the day, setting the tone for a day of remembrance and reflection.

Morning Ceremony at Island Chapel

At 9am, a short ceremony will take place at the Island Chapel, where Town Crier, Mace Bearer and Cornish Bard Raymond Bridgewater will read the official proclamation.

Wreath Laying at the War Memorial

At 11am, prayers will be said and wreaths laid by representatives from the St Ives Royal British Legion at the town’s War Memorial, honouring those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War.

Evening Gathering and Chapel Illumination

The community is invited to return to the Island Chapel from 9pm, bringing their lamps of peace. At 9.30pm, the chapel will be illuminated as the proclamation is read once again, followed by a united rendition of ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’ and ‘Cornwall My Home’.

This day of remembrance in St Ives forms part of a wider national observance of VE Day 80, encouraging reflection, gratitude, and community spirit.