Thursday 8th May 2025 will mark 80 years since the end of World War Two in Europe, when the guns fell silent and people took to the streets to celebrate peace and mourn those who would not return home. This 80th anniversary provides us with an opportunity to join together in remembering and honouring the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces, veterans and their families.

Across North Ayrshire, local communities are remembering and marking this significant day in their own way. To support this, North Ayrshire Council would like to invite community groups from within North Ayrshire to apply for funding of either £200, £500 or £1000 to support those who wish to commemorate this occasion.   We look forward to receiving the applications and seeing all the different, inspirational ways our communities plan on marking this significant time in history.

Please click HERE for more information and to submit an application.

What’s Happening in North Ayrshire –

24th April – Launch of North Ayrshire VE Day 80 Fund

28th April – 30th July – North Ayrshire Heritage Centre, Saltcoats – World War II Exhibition and school’s programme. For opening times please click HERE.

1st – 31st May – North Ayrshire Libraries – Thematic book displays and a variety of commemorative events. Please click HERE to find your local library.

Thursday 8th May

9am Cunninghame House ( main entrance door ) – Raising of official VE Day 80 flag and reading of Declaration by Councillor Anthea Dickson, Provost of North Ayrshire Provost. All welcome to attend

9am online via North Ayrshire Council and North Ayrshire Heritage and Cultural Service’s Facebook pages – Reading of the VE Day 80 Declaration

9.30pm at Irvine Beach Park, Saltcoats Harbour and The Secret Bunker, Skelmorlie (PA17 5HF) Beacons will be lit, followed by the nation singing “I Vow to Thee, My Country”. These are community led events, and all are welcome to attend. 9.30pm online via North Ayrshire Council and North Ayrshire Heritage and Cultural Service’s Facebook pages- Reading of the official VE Day 80 Tribute and film with soundtrack “I Vow to Thee, My Country”