VE Day Programme 2020

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Dough Boys and Gas Masks: WW2 and the Digital Film Archive Saturday 9 May, Museum At The Mill 12:30pm & 13:30pm

Mayor’s Message As Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, I invite you to join me in a celebration of the 75th Anniversary of VE Day over the weekend of 8-10 May paying tribute to the many thousands of people that gave so much to ensure we all enjoy the freedom we have today.

Victory in Europe Day or VE Day was first celebrated on the 8 May 1945 and was created to celebrate the end of War in Europe during the Second World War. After nearly six long years of war and devastation, millions joined together to revel in the new found peace with 3.8 million men and 400,000 women returning home as well as mourning those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

2020 marks the 75th time VE Day will be celebrated throughout Northern Ireland, the rest of the UK and Europe. VE Day will remain one of the most remarkable days in the calendar as we look back with gratitude to those who fought bravely for our freedom. It is estimated that some 450,700 people from the UK lost their lives during the Second World War. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is dedicated to celebrating this incredible anniversary in an inclusive manner designed through various events. These will range from talks and exhibitions to family fun days across the Borough. On Friday 8 May, Antrim Castle Gardens will feature a lone piper who will play the Battle’s O’er at 3pm marking the momentous speech made by Winston Churchill to pronounce the end of hostilities as the guns fell silent in Europe.

I invite all of our Borough to celebrate and learn about this historic anniversary.

Alderman John Smyth

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey 1

Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive holds some striking footage relating to WW2, and the event will include extracts of films such as A Letter From Ulster by local filmmaker Brian Desmond Hurst - a propaganda film that would have been screened in cinemas during the war to show how local life was shaped by the conflict.

VE Day Tea Dance

Wednesday 13 May, The Old Courthouse £4 includes tea, coffee, buns and sandwiches.

Group Discount Available 2-4pm Come along to a swinging vintage themed tea dance at the Old Courthouse, Antrim. Dress up in your 1940s best and enjoy some great tunes and good company, just like the old days.

Whether you dance or not, this relaxed, friendly and entertaining afternoon with an added hint of old fashioned glamour is sure to delight!

To book visit theoldcourthousetheatre.com or call T: 028 9442 8331 6

Funfair rides

Sing-a-long to classic favourites of the era performed by the Victory Rollers and Homespun Youth Theatre

Anti-air craft gun

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Vintage games and amusements

A delicious selection of eating options

Classic cartoons in the Museum

Craft activities for children

Face painting

VICTORY IN EUROPE DAY - A SHARED MOMENT OF CELEBRATION

VE Day Exhibition For Our Freedom and Yours

Tuesday 21 April - Saturday 16 May, Museum at The Mill, Mossley Mill Friday 22 May - Saturday 13 June Garden Heritage Space, Clotworthy House, Antrim Castle Gardens This is a unique exhibition which brings the story of the Second World War to audiences, where they will discover, the life of a soldier in World War II. From the battlefields of September 1939, to D-day and Berlin. Told through the eyes of a soldier in the Polish army, they will discover the real stories of heroism and sacrifice, with real artefacts from the actual battlefields.

For Our Freedom and Yours is a fascinating exhibition retelling the Polish plight during and after World War II, and the famous armoured division whose contribution proved pivotal to the successful victory over Nazi Germany.

Sing-a-long of songs from the era Home Spun Youth Theatre Wednesday 6 May

WW2 war games hosted by The Elimination gaming club Seating and hot food available, but please also feel free to bring along a blanket and picnic hamper, and relax and enjoy the entertainment from the lawn in our civic square.

VE Day 75 at Mossley Mill promises to be a fun filled outdoor event suitable for all ages.

Tickets are available at: theatreatthemill.com and run in two sessions - 11am-1pm or 1.30-3.30pm. Tickets are limited to four per customer (limited availability) 5

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Join us at Mossley Mill for a jam packed programme of entertainment to celebrate VE Day. We will be marking this historic day with a 1940s style street party, just like those held by the communities who came together to celebrate Victory in Europe, the end of WWII, 75 years ago.

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Saturday 9 May, Civic Square Free Admission 11am-1pm and 1.30-3.30pm

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HOME SPUN YOUTH DRAMA

Our very own Home Spun Youth Theatre will be visiting selected folds throughout the Borough to perform a special concert featuring many memorable tunes from that era.

Residents will be provided with song sheets and encouraged to sing along and share memories with these talented young entertainers.

VE75 Screening: Mrs Miniver

Wednesday 6 May, Courtyard Theatre ÂŁ4 includes coffee and biscuits. Group Discount Available 2.30pm A special screening of the classic American romantic war drama film directed by William Wyler, and starring Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon. Inspired by the 1940 novel Mrs. Miniver by Jan Struther, the film shows how the life of an unassuming British housewife in rural England is touched by World War II.

For bookings call Box Office T: 028 9034 0202 or online at thecourtyardtheatre.com 2

Wednesday 6 May, Antrim Library and Ballyclare Library Free Admission A number of illustrated talks by the Northern Ireland War Memorial, Belfast ‘VE Day 1945’ will take place at; Antrim Library at 11am (light refreshments 10.30am) Ballyclare Library at 2pm (light refreshments 1.30pm) These talks will include a brief overview of the Second World War and Northern Ireland before examining how VE Day was celebrated across the country on 8 May 1945. (Duration of talk 50 minutes) To book please contact: Ballyclare Library T: 028 9335 2269 Antrim Library T: 028 9446 1942

VE Day Party at Antrim Castle Gardens Friday 8 May, Antrim Castle Gardens 12-4pm

Join us at Antrim Castle Gardens for an action packed day at the Motte.

Bring a blanket along and enjoy a picnic for this a 1940s style street party. The day’s programme will feature: Funfair rides 1940’s music Vintage and military vehicles Arts and Crafts 3

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Lamplight Sessions: Belfast Big Swing Band Celebrates VE75 Fri 8 May, Courtyard Theatre £15.00. Group Discount Available 8pm Cabaret Style Seating

Sensational Swing Diva Caroline Brown, heads up the 20 piece Belfast Big Swing Band as they transport you back 75 years in a fabulous night of Big Band Music.

In a special Lamplight Session you are invited to dress up and dance the evening away to the music of Glen Miller, Count Basie and Duke Ellington to name just three!

Her Majesty’s The Queen’s Pageant Master VE Day 75 Events

Friday 8 May 3pm: The Playing of Battle’s O’er and VE 75 Years by a lone piper will take place in Antrim Castle Gardens and patrons around the Borough are invited to join The Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW2.

Friday 8 May 7pm: Ringing out for Peace by church bells across the Borough.

Sunday 10 May 10.30am: Services of commemoration and celebration in churches, with the reading of the Tribute to the Millions and the Last Post. For details on participation as an organisation go to veday75.org

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For bookings call Box Office T: 028 9034 0202 or online at thecourtyardtheatre.com

VE Day at Sentry Hill Saturday 8 May Free Admission 12-4pm

Join us at Sentry Hill Historic House and Visitor Centre to celebrate VE Day 75. Activities will include Living History Interpreters, who will meet and greet all visitors to the house as well as hosting talks on rationing, ‘Make Do and Mend’, wartime cookery, evacuation and events of WWII in Northern Ireland. Craft activities for children and a chance to meet the allotment holders and perhaps pick up some gardening tips. Light refreshments will be available to purchase in the café area.

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