Ballynahinch RBL to host commemorative events

Ballynahinch RBL to host commemorative events

30 April 2025

DETAILS have been unveiled of Ballynahinch Royal British Legion’s host of events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Businesses and shops in town have been invited to join in a window display and branch members hope that there will be a good uptake, with windows decorated from next Monday, May 5.

The British Legion Hall at the Fair Green will be open to visitors from Tuesday, May 6, until the following Thursday between 10am and 5pm each day, with an open invitation extended to the public to come along and enjoy some light refreshments and have a look around the hall and the WW2/VE Day Display of memorabilia.

The Ballynahinch branch, together with Spa WI, have organised a competition based on the Women’s Institute’s official orange and ginger Cake Recipe. 

The competition takes place on Wednesday, May 7, at the Legion Hall situated on the corner of Crossgar Road/Belfast Road. 

Organisers have asked that all entries are baked as per the suggested VE Day recipe, with entries presented on a china plate and delivered to the hall on the day of the event between 5pm and 7pm, with judging taking place the same evening. 

And organisers are delighted to have Jennifer Tweed from Farm House Treats to judge the competition. Cakes should remain on display on May 8 and can be collected from 5pm onwards. Please note this competition is open to all bakers.

Thursday also marks the start of the local commemorations with the VE Day flag being raised at the Legion Hall at 9am when John Cartwright will read the VE Day proclamation.

At 11am there will be a two minute silence held at the Ballynahinch War Memorial, where a VE Day wreath will be laid in memory of the fallen of WW2

At noon, pipers will play a unique tune especially written for the occasion entitled ‘Celebratum’ from the top of the UK’s four highest Peaks, including Slieve Donard, Newcastle.

Ballynahinch RBL officials are delighted to have Mollie Watson, from Hollymount Pipe Band, joining them at the War Memorial to play this piece.

The fun continues at the Fair Green throughout the day with Baillies Mills Accordion Band entertaining visitors from 4pm with locals invited to bring along their picnic blanket and teddy bear for a picnic and enjoy some refreshments which will be available from the hall.

At 6.30pm, bells will ring out from Magheradroll Church of Ireland and St Patrick’s Parish Church in united celebration throughout the nation. 

The evening Programme of Events starts at 7pm at the Market Square where there will be a street party with goodies for all the children.

There will be refreshments available for the adults too from Harry’s Place, courtesy of the Ballynahinch Branch Royal British Legion.

VE Day organisers are also delighted to have the wonderful Martello Jazz Band kicking off the evening’s entertainment and they will be joined by the Ballroom Blitz Dance Troop, through to 9pm. There will be an interval at 8pm for the costume competition. 

Entrants are asked to come along to the Market Square before 8pm when judging will take place for the best ‘Evacuee’ and the best ‘1940’s Adult Costume’ with the advice to start planning your outfit now.

The winners of each section will receive tickets for Balmoral Show, with organisers grateful to the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society for sponsoring the prizes.

Hinch Harmony Choir will continue the celebrations at 9pm with a number of songs and will lead choirs throughout the nation in city and town squares to village greens, at this special and unique one moment in time at 9.30pm and sing the great British Hymn ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’ standing side by side in gratitude, honouring the many sacrifices that secured our freedom.

At 9.30pm, Ballynahinch joins over one 1,000 beacons and hundreds of Lamp Lights of Peace shining throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, with the flames from them both, representing the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the dreadful darkness of war.

“We will mark the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day, with the peoples, families and communities of our great nation coming together to unite and celebrate 80 years of peace since the end of Word War II in Europe that so many millions paid the ultimate sacrificed to achieve it,” said a spokeswoman for Ballynahinch Royal British Legion.

“VE Day 80 is not only a tribute to those who fought for the freedom we all enjoy today, but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that have defined our country ever since.”