VE Day crowds to see beacons lit in Erewash

Two ceremonies are being staged by the council – one outside Long Eaton Town Hall and another in Ilkeston's Victoria Park.

The free events – which include music from brass bands – will run from 8pm to 10pm. Everyone is invited.

Erewash's Mayor is poised to attend the ceremony in Victoria Park, while Cllr Mark Alfrey – who is Lead Member for Environment – will be at the Long Eaton tribute. The synchronised lighting of the nationwide chain of beacons is due to take place at 9.30pm.

Across the borough street parties will be commemorating "VE Day 80" from this weekend onwards.

In Sawley, Reedman Road will be closed from 1pm to 6pm on Sunday 4 May.
On the bank holiday Monday – 5 May – Shaftesbury Avenue in Sandiacre will be closed from noon to 9pm while in Long Eaton two roads will be shut. These are Lynden Avenue (noon to 6pm) and Curzon Street (11am to 8pm).

On the following Saturday – 10 May – a street party in Borrowash will see part of Manor Road shut from noon to 4pm.

On a more sombre note the Cenotaph in Ilkeston and Long Eaton's War Memorial will be the focus of poignant ceremonies that will take place on VE Day itself. 

Crowds will be gathering in the run-up to 11am when veterans and officials will remember those who gave their lives for freedom.

Receive the latest updates about news, events, council services and more straight to your inbox.