On 8 May 2025, we will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, marking an extraordinary milestone since the end of the Second World War in Europe.
Enniskillen’s programme of events – the most westerly location for the VE Day 80 Commemorations in the UK – balances remembrance with celebration, including a VE Day 80 Commemorative Church Service, Beacon Lighting Ceremony, Pipers Tribute, Beating Retreat and Concert by the Band, Bugles, Pipes & Drums of The Royal Irish Regiment
Location: Various venues across Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
Dates: Thursday 8 – Saturday 10 May 2025
Admission: All events are free
Programme Overview
Thursday 8 May
9:00am – VE Day 80 Proclamation at the Watergate, Enniskillen Castle
6:30pm – Cathedral Bells Ringing at St Macartin’s Cathedral
7:30pm – Service of Peace begins at St Macartin’s Cathedral, continuing at St Michael’s Church
8:45pm – Parade of 80 pipers and drummers along Church Street
9:00pm – Beacon Lighting Ceremony at St Macartin’s Cathedral
9:30pm – Illumination of Enniskillen Castle and the Strule Arts Centre
Saturday 10 May
10:00am – 5:00pm – World War Two Exhibitions at St Macartin’s Cathedral Hall and Enniskillen Library
3:00pm – Beating Retreat by The Band, Bugles, Pipes & Drums of The Royal Irish Regiment at Cathedral Hall Car Park
7:00pm – VE Day 80 Commemorative Community Concert performed by The Band, Bugles, Pipes & Drums of The Royal Irish Regiment, at St Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen
Additional Highlights
Lights of Hope: Projected over Enniskillen from 9:00pm to Midnight (8–10 May)
Inniskillings Museum WWII Galleries: Open Monday 5 – Saturday 10 May, 10:00am – 5:00pm
