Derbyshire joins the UK with VE Day beacon

Derbyshire County Council and Crich Parish Council will light the beacon at the Mercian Regimental War Memorial at Crich on Friday, May 8.

The beacon will be lit at 9.32pm to coincide with other beacons being lit across the country.

Councillor Janet Hill, Vice Chairman of Derbyshire County Council, said: “We are lighting a beacon to honour all those who gave their lives for the peace we enjoy today.

“VE Day on the May 8 is an important milestone for our country, as it was the day when peace broke out in Europe after six years of war.

“By lighting the beacon at Crich we hope that people for miles around will be able to see it from where they live.”

Councillor Margaret Lane, Chairman of Crich Parish Council, said: “Crich Parish Council is pleased to be co-hosting this important event with Derbyshire County Council.

“We are very proud to have the Mercian Regiment’s war memorial in our parish and to be able to show our gratitude to those who gave their lives for our country.”

Members of the public are welcome to attend the beacon lighting but the county council warned that parking at the site is extremely limited.

The 70th anniversary of VE Day will see beacons lit throughout the United Kingdom starting with one at sunset on May 8 followed by a chain of over 100 beacons across including the one at Crich.

Other events will include parades and services.