VE Day anniversary commemorations at Norwich Cathedral
29 Apr 2025
Norwich Cathedral will be marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a special service, bell ringing and a programme of events putting the spotlight on the Cathedral during wartime.
On Thursday 8 May at 6.30pm, Norwich Cathedral will be joining cathedrals and churches across the country in ringing its bells to mark 80 years since Victory in Europe Day when Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced that fighting in Europe against Nazi Germany had finally ended.
VE Day and all that was sacrificed throughout the Second World War will also be remembered at a VE Day Commemoration Service at Norwich Cathedral on Sunday 11 May at 3.30pm.
World War Two veterans and civic dignitaries will be among those attending the service during which the Bishop of Norwich will preach and wartime memories will be shared. The Salvation Army will also be taking part and Norwich Cathedral Choir will sing the wartime song We’ll Gather Lilacs.
On Thursday 8 May at 12.15pm, Norwich Cathedral’s guides will be giving a special talk about the Norwich Blitz and specifically looking at how the Cathedral was saved on the night of 26-27 June 1942. The guides will also be leading a tour at 10.15am and 2.15pm called Through Turbulent Times, which will look at how wars have shaped Norwich Cathedral through the centuries.
The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock, said: “The 80th anniversary of VE Day is an important opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of so many that secured the end of the war in Europe in 1945. May their example continue to inspire our commitment to serving others and all those working for peace and justice in our own time.”
While fighting in Europe ceased on 8 May 1945, many Allied soldiers were still engaged in combat in the Far East for some months after this. Later this year, the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) will also be commemorated with a special service at Norwich Cathedral, with more details to be announced nearer the time.
Full details of Norwich Cathedral’s special service and events to commemorate VE Day
VE Day Commemoration
Sunday 11 May, 3.30pm
All are welcome to attend the VE Day Commemoration Service on Sunday 11 May.
World War Two veterans and civic dignitaries will be among those attending the service during which the Bishop of Norwich will preach and wartime memories will be shared. The Salvation Army will also be taking part and Norwich Cathedral Choir will sing the wartime song We’ll Gather Lilacs.
The service is open to all and free to attend. It will also be live streamed here.
VE Day 80th Anniversary Tour: Through Turbulent Times
Thursday 8 May, 10.15am and 2.15pm
This tour will look at how wars have shaped Norwich Cathedral, exploring the warfare-related events and people commemorated in the Cathedral throughout its history, from the Battle of Agincourt through to the 20th century, with a particular focus on the Second World War.
Tickets £7 plus booking fee.
Click the times below to book tickets:
VE Day 80th Anniversary Talk: The Norwich Blitz
Thursday 8 May, 12.15pm
Visitors to the Cathedral often ask whether Norwich suffered at all during the Second World War and the answer often surprises them.
The city was blitzed heavily, particularly during 1942, suffering major damage and the loss of many lives. In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, this talk about the Norwich Blitz will explore details of the bombing of Norwich, and particularly how the Cathedral was targeted and saved on the night of 26-27 June 1942.
This talk will take place in the Cathedral’s Weston Room.
Tickets £7 plus booking fee.
Book tickets here.