VE Day service to be held at Manchetser's cenotaph
City leaders will leave a wreath and hold a two minute silence, to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War
A special service is to be held at Manchester's cenotaph in St. Peter's Square, to mark 80 years since VE Day.
City leaders are inviting people to gather before midday to join them in remembering those who gave their lives to fight fascism.
Over the course of the war tens of thousands of Mancunians had answered their country’s call, either in the armed forces or the home front, playing their part in securing a hard-fought victory.
From 11.55am the Leader of Manchester City Council, the Lord Mayor and other civic and military dignitaries will make their way to the Cenotaph ahead of the Last Post being sounded.
A maroon will be fired at midday to mark the beginning of a two minute silence, with a second maroon being fired to mark its end.
A wreath and flowers will be laid in memory of those who gave their lives during the conflict.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The 80th anniversary of VE Day is an important moment to remember and honour the immense sacrifices which previous generations made to defeat the tyranny of the Nazis in Europe.
“As the years go by and the Second World War moves further from living memory we should never forget the ultimate sacrifice and celebrate those who served out country.
“Manchester will remember them, and as a city comes together to celebrate VE Day and all that is great about our city and country.”