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Hailsham Residents Urged to Commemorate VE Day From Their Homes

— Community

Advert for Hailsham Live 75th Anniversary of VE Day Celebrations 

As social distancing requirements have been extended as part of the national response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Hailsham residents are being asked to mark VE Day at home.

Numerous commemorations throughout the country had been planned for the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, with the early May Bank Holiday being moved to VE Day on Friday 8th May.

Despite the cancellation of the Hailsham Live VE Day event originally scheduled for Friday 8th May, a newly adapted version of the event will take place, with a series of specially made films being broadcast online throughout the day.

The three 30-minute films will feature the national commemorations for VE Day such as the Last Post, Battles Over and The Cry for Peace, available to view on YouTube and Facebook at midday, 3pm and 7pm respectively. There will also be an address by the Mayor of Hailsham, Cllr Paul Holbrook, along with some exclusive moments from performers and special guests, including the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex Mr Peter Field.
The online event will be raising money for the Hailsham branch of the Royal British Legion.
“In the approach to the 75th anniversary of VE Day – or Victory in Europe Day, we must take a moment to remember that VE Day was not only one of celebration marking the end of hostilities in Europe during World War Two, but it was also a moment of great sadness and reflection, as many people had lost their lives in the conflict with a great deal of individuals continuing to fight in other conflicts,” said Town Mayor Cllr Paul Holbrook.

“The series of live films produced by Hailsham News are keenly anticipated by us all and I would encourage everyone to take the time and join in these commemoration events on 8th May.”

Hailsham Live project organiser Paul Gibson commented: “We are of course disappointed that Hailsham Live couldn’t go ahead as planned, but at least we are able to mark this special occasion with our series of films and hopefully raise vital funds at the same time. I’d like the thank all the performers and dignitaries who have help us put them together for the people of Hailsham to enjoy”.

The films will be broadcast via https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Xt-QJ-AeBo51_n3fbmGFA and then shared on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HailshamNewsTalk/

Enquiries relating to this media release

Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk