Aycliffe Town Centre management are pleased and proud to present a tribute to the 75th Anniversary of VE Day, which took place on 8th May 1945 and marked the end of the World War 2 in Europe.
On Friday 8th May 2020, this year classed as a bank holiday, the local armed forces will be represented in the town centre central mall with displays, vehicles, demonstrations, parade drill and information.
The 124 Recovery Company are to bring their 32 ton recovery vehicle as well as other transport and a virtual reality bomb disposal.
The 201 Field Hospital unit will erect a field hospital tent, normally used in the field of combat, and demonstrate how they operate.
102 Battalion (Territorial Army) will also be on site with vehicles, demonstrations and information.
The town’s 1407 Air Cadets will be on hand during the day to talk about their activities and perform a drill in the town. The Mayor, Mrs Mary Dalton, and our MP Paul Howell will arrive at 1.00pm and be piped to their seats by local piper, Neil Thain.
At 3.00pm Piper Neil will perform “Battle O’er” and a special piece written for the day entitled “VE Day 75”. Neil will be joined by pipers from all across the United Kingdom, who will perform these pieces at 3pm on Friday 8th May.
To keep the audience entertained, Jenna Highfield will perform 1940s songs as well as songs from the war.
Aycliffe Radio will also be on hand to fill in the gaps and inform visitors of the various displays, as well as interview the armed forces representatives.
Hand waving flags and hats will be provided to those who attend (while stocks last). Also on site will be an ice cream van and children’s face painter.
