What’s Happening in Falmouth on 8th May? Full Day of Free Events to Mark VE Day 80

Town-wide commemorations, family fun and a beacon lighting at Pendennis Castle

Falmouth will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday 8th May 2025 with a packed programme of events designed to bring the community together in remembrance, reflection and celebration.

With its deep wartime connections as a key embarkation point and hub for naval operations during WWII, Falmouth will once again honour its past with activities in the town centre and at Pendennis Castle.

Morning tributes in town

The day begins at 9am with the raising of the official VE Day flag on The Moor. A commemorative service will follow at 11am in the Memorial Garden at Kimberley Park, where wreaths will be laid by the Town Mayor, the military, A&P Falmouth, and local veterans.

📷Pendennis Castle - Credit: English Heritage

Free entry to Pendennis Castle all day

From 10am to 10pm, Pendennis Castle will open its doors to the public for free, offering a full day of family-friendly activities, educational workshops, and historical displays. The main events run from 11am to 4.30pm, giving visitors a chance to explore WWII-themed exhibits including Beauty is Your Duty and Dig for Victory, join engaging talks and tours, or simply relax with a wartime-inspired menu from the Castle café.

People are also encouraged to share their own or family members’ stories of life during WWII.

Kirsty Hedderly, Property Manager at Pendennis Castle, said:

“Join us in celebrating VE Day 80, a day of reflection, remembrance, and community. We’ll honour the courage and unity that shaped our shared history with a variety of meaningful events, all with free entry… It’s a day for all to gather, reflect, and celebrate our collective spirit and history.”

Evening performances and nationwide beacon lighting

As the sun sets, live music and choir performances will take place at the castle, creating a powerful atmosphere in the lead-up to a 9.30pm beacon lighting—part of a nationwide act of remembrance. Attendees will be invited to join in a communal rendition of I Vow To Thee My Country during the lighting, offering a moving tribute to those who served and sacrificed for peace.

Richard Gates, Town Manager for Falmouth, said:

“Falmouth’s deep-rooted maritime history and its role during WWII give this day extra resonance for our town. We’re proud to offer a programme that brings people together in remembrance, education and community spirit – with special thanks to Pendennis Castle, Falmouth Town Council, Falmouth BID, A&P Falmouth, our military partners and all those involved in making this commemorative day so meaningful.”

📷Beacon lighting - Credit Falmouth Town Team

Organised by award-winning Town Team

The commemorations are being delivered by the Falmouth Town Team—a partnership between Falmouth Town Council and Falmouth BID. The group is responsible for delivering numerous festivals and events throughout the year and has been nationally recognised for its work in supporting high streets and destination marketing.

More information about the full schedule of events can be found at: www.falmouth.co.uk/ve-day-80

📷Ex-service and current military personnel and dignitaries gather for a D-Day service held in Kimberley Park during commemorations for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day on June 06, 2024 in Falmouth, England. Falmouth played a pivotal part in the D-Day landings which took place 80 years ago today on the beaches of northern France. From 1943 through to June 1944, there were 24 military bases in Cornwall housing tens of thousands of American troops who left for Normandy from Trebah Gardens, near Falmouth. (Photo by Hugh Hastings/Getty Images)