THE skies of Winsford will be lit up on Friday to mark the 70th anniversary of VE Day.

The town is also taking part in the national chain of Beacons on the Friday, May 8, to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

A gas fired beacon will be lit by the Town Mayor on top of the church tower of Christ Church, Crook Lane, Wharton at 9.32pm.

A fanfare will herald the start of the lighting ceremony at 9.30pm, followed by a short service featuring readings by representatives of the British Legion of the VE Day Tribute.

Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR, Pageantmaster of the VE Day 70th Anniversary Beacons, said: “VE Day on the 8 May represents a further important milestone in the history of our country.

"It was on this day, 70 years ago, that peace brought an end to nearly six years of war across Europe.

"We must not let this day pass without reflecting on the sacrifice, courage and determination of the people who saw us through this dark period.

“It is therefore fitting that we should celebrate with the veterans and their families and commemorate this historic anniversary once more through the lighting of beacons on Friday, May 8 this year.

"Her Majesty The Queen has graciously agreed to light the Principal and first Beacon outside Windsor Castle.

"This will be followed by two further Beacons being lit along the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park, just before the lighting of the other two hundred plus Beacons throughout the United Kingdom." 

Part of Winston Churchill's speech to the VE Day crowds on May 8, 1945, will also be read out.

The service will be held in the car park to the rear of the church so that people can clearly see the beacon being lit.

A national two minutes silence to will also be held to commemorate the anniversary at 3pm.

Winsford town mayor, Cllr Gina Lewis, accompanied by her Chaplain Rev Tim Hanson, will observe the silence adjacent to the War Memorial on the Town Centre.

Winsford Town Clerk Alan Warburton and his counterparts from Middlewich and Northwich will be 'swapping round' to demonstrate the three towns joining together to mark the VE Day anniversary.

Mr Warburton said: "Winsford is proud to be taking part in the national celebration of VE Day.

"We are holding a short service in the carpark to Christ Church at 9.30pm and all are welcome to attend this short commemoration of a momentous day in our country’s history."