Beacon to light night sky in Rochdale on 8 May

A beacon lit in Rochdale Memorial Gardens on the anniversary of VE day will be one of just 100 across the UK

Rochdale Cenotaph has been chosen for the location of a beacon that will mark a very special Second World War anniversary in May.

Earlier this month it was confirmed that the Rochdale borough is one of 100 areas around the United Kingdom chosen to light a beacon on 8 May to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day - when the Second World War came to an end in Europe.

VE Day was the day 70 years ago when peace broke out and brought an end to nearly 6 years of war and carnage. The announcement was followed by nation-wide celebrations in the streets, a spirit Rochdale hopes to recreate on the anniversary.

Councillor Alan McCarthy, Lead Member for the Armed Forces at Rochdale Borough Council, said: "We are locating our beacon at the administrative centre of the borough. I hope residents will come down to the Cenotaph and remember the sacrifices made for the freedom we enjoy today.”

The beacon in Rochdale will be lit at 9:32pm on Friday 8 May. Residents from across the borough are invited to attend.

Those not able to attend are encouraged to hold their own VE Day celebrations and local churches are being asked to ring their bells to mark the lighting of the beacon.

Lancashire Veterans Association will hold a service at the Heywood Garden of Remembrance on the day at 12 noon.

On Sunday 28 June the council will unveil a memorial stone to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign in Rochdale Memorial Gardens during a special Gallipoli Commemoration Event.