Shropshire marks 70th anniversary of VE Day

Special beacons will be lit in Shrewsbury and Telford tonight to mark the 70th Anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day).

The events will commemorate the end of the Second World War in Europe and the day that peace broke out after nearly six years of war.

The beacons will be lit following the lighting of the Principal Beacon outside Windsor Castle by Her Majesty The Queen. They will be lit after sundown at 9.30pm along with over 200 others, throughout the UK, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

The beacons are two metres high and will burn for around 45 minutes in the shape of a ‘V’ to symbolise the momentous anniversary.

The Telford beacon will be on the edge of Telford Town Park overlooking the Southwater lake.

In Shrewsbury the beacon will be lit in the Quarry, in front of the war memorial, by the Mayor, Councillor Beverley Baker.

Councillor Baker said: “I am so pleased Shrewsbury is able to play a part in commemorating this 70th anniversary, lighting the beacon links us with other towns across the country, ensuring this important date is remembered.”

A two minute silence will also take place across the country at 3pm today to mark VE Day.