VARIOUS plans are underway for Lymm residents to enjoy a programme of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe, VE Day, thanks to Lymm Parish Council and a successful National Lottery grant.
With VE Day 80 next Thursday, May 8th a village centre event will include:
• Bel Canto, a female vocal trio, singing wartime songs including Don’t Mean a Thing and
Long Way to Tipperary
• An official beacon lighting ceremony
• A parade of lanterns for peace (weather permitting)
• A piper playing Celebratum, especially written for the 80th anniversary
• An official cry from Lymm’s Town Crier – AJ Powell (grandson of former Crier, Peter Powell)
• A reading of the official tribute from Lymm’s branch of the Royal British Legion
• An official prayer reading from Reverend Jameson from St Mary’s Parish Church
• A sneak peak (well, listen) of a new, 1 hour radio programme, created by MIX56, of Lymm
residents’ memories of VE Day in 1945
• Competition winners announced for the school colouring and poetry competitions, and the
best dressed shop window
There will also be a fish and chip van in the village to complement Lymm’s eateries, serving the national dish which was of great importance during the war. The ingredients were unrationed and
kept the nation fed and keeping the war effort strong. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options will be available.
On Saturday 10th May 2025 – 2-6pm
Lymm’s history and heritage, with afternoon tea in the village hall.
The hall we be dressed in red, white and blue to host visitors to watch a new 25-minute screening from The Heritage Centre as well as displays from The History Society and Lymm Library. There will be activities for children, limited places for afternoon tea, supplied by The Sanctuary Café, requiring booking in advance, as well as some other surprises. See the Parish Council website for more details and how to book.
Sunday 11th May 2025 – 1pm
Lymm Residents remember VE Day 1945
MIX56 will air the brand-new, hour-long feature sharing Lymm residents’ memories of VE Day, including an interview with Lymm’s very own Gladys Taylor who turned 103 this year.
Saturday 26th April and Friday May 3rd 2025
Lantern making workshops
Lymm Parish Council will be running family friendly willow and tissue lantern making workshops in the village hall on the run up to VE Day on the 8th May. The lanterns will be paraded into the village and decorate the railings at the lower dam. Spaces are free but limited so booking is essential. See the website and social media for how to book your place.
From Saturday May 4th to 11th 2025
Lymm Rocks display
Lymm Rocks has created a special, VE 80 Day display, including over 700 decorated rocks, which will be available to view at E Smith & Son Garden Centre, during opening hours only.
Cllr Ann Johnstone, Chair of Lymm Parish Council, said: “On this VE Day, we will come together to celebrate and remember not only the victory won, but honour the courage and sacrifice of all who
fought for our freedom. Their legacy reminds us that even in the toughest times, kindness, courage and community spirit will always prevail. On VE Day and during these celebrations, we honour the past and look to the future with pride and gratitude.”
Keep an eye on the Parish Council’s website for further details about other events in the village which are also being planned.
If you’re coming into the village to join in the celebrations on the 8th, there will be road closures from 5.45pm and diversions in place. Roads will reopen by 10.45pm.
