Residents invited to VE Day anniversary service in Clacton

Residents are invited to gather in Clacton this May to mark the anniversary of VE Day and to remember those who served during the Second World War.

A commemorative service will take place at Clacton War Memorial on Friday, 8 May, starting at 11am, hosted by Clacton Royal British Legion and Tendring District Council (TDC).

The service will be led by Reverend David Lower, with a reading delivered by TDC Chairman Bill Davidson, and will mark the 81st anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, which signalled the end of the war in Europe.

Councillor Davidson said the annual service remained an important moment for reflection and remembrance.

"VE Day is a powerful point in our shared history - a moment when years of hardship, loss and sacrifice finally gave way to peace in Europe," he said.

"Coming together at the war memorial gives us the chance not only to honour those who never came home, but also to remember the generation whose courage and resilience shaped the freedoms we enjoy today.

"The people of Tendring have always shown tremendous support on occasions like this, and I hope residents of all ages will join us to ensure that this act of remembrance continues."

Clacton's war memorial is situated in the Memorial Gardens on Marine Parade West, in the seafront gardens.