By Jill Stocks and Sam Gillinder
Large numbers gathered in Horsforth to commemorate and celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
The programme of events, organised by Horsforth Town Council, included laying of wreaths, acts of remembrance and music. A beacon symbolising peace since the end of the second World War was also lit.
John Huck, secretary of the Horsforth branch of the Royal British Legion, led the acts of remembrance throughout the evening.
The first event began at 6pm with the laying of two wreaths at the Stanhope Stone on Stanhope Drive.
There they were laid by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Stephen Boardman, representing the King, and Cllr Simon Dowling chair of Horsforth Town Council.
Deputy Lord Lieutenant Stephen Boardman, himself an armed forces veteran having served in the Parachute Regiment, attends many events on behalf of King Charles III.
“It’s a real honour to be involved in anything like this,” he said.
Proceedings then moved to Horsforth Cenotaph. Wreaths were then laid by MP Katie White (Labour, Leeds North West), Horsforth Town Council chair Cllr Simon Dowling, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Stephen Boardman, a representative from 2527 Lawnswood RAF Air Training Corps, Chris Calvert from Horsforth and Rawdon Conservatives and a representative from the Royal British Legion Horsforth.
The local air cadets then led a march to the bandstand in Hall Park in Horsforth joined by veterans from the armed forces and members of the public.
Cllr Simon Dowling spoke of the importance of the occasion.
“I had again the great honour of representing Horsforth Town Council in laying two wreaths and lighting the beacon in Horsforth in remembrance of 80th anniversary of VE Day.
“I was also honoured to open the event we had in the local park where I reflected on the importance of us now ensuring that younger generations and future generations remember what people went through during the wars.”
Katie White MP was keen to emphasise the community of Horsforth.
She said: “I think it’s really important to take part in these community events. I feel honoured and privileged to represent a community as inspiring and engaging as Horsforth.
“Tonight is just another opportunity to see inter-generationally people coming together. We’ve got the Scouts here tonight, the cadets and a lot of our older members of the community.
“It’s been a really inspiring event and the words that are said each year are still hugely powerful and we must listen, take time and honour the people who made the ultimate sacrifice in order that we could have our freedoms, and these moments are important times to do that.”
Dave Brosnan, from Horsforth Town Team, led the entertainment section of the evening, starting with Stroke of Genius and followed by The Hummingbirds performing at the bandstand in Hall Park.
Cllr Emmie Bromley (Lab, Horsforth) was also present at the event.
She said: “I just want to take the opportunity to say thank you so much to all those involved in this from the Town Council in the working group for putting this on today.
“A special thank you goes to Dave Brosnan for organising the bands this evening and to everyone that’s turned up. It’s such a beautiful atmosphere and definitely gave credit to the celebration.
“A special thank you as always to the Royal British Legion for attending and making the ceremony poignant.”
A final address was given by Jim McMillan, chair of the Royal British Legion Horsforth branch.
“80 years ago today the UK and its allies from around the globe celebrated VE Day, the end of the war in Europe. Today as we come together to commemorate what came to be known as VE Day our thoughts turn to thanksgiving and remembrance of those millions that gave so much to achieve the freedom we all enjoy today.
“We remember those we lost, those wounded or scarred, those whose lives were forever changed by war. Nobody was immune from the impact of that terrible conflict.
“Upon the words of our late and glorious Queen Elizabeth ‘never give up, never despair’. And so we offer thanksgiving for the selflessness of those who gave up so much in order that the future generations should enjoy the blessings of freedom, democracy and peace.”
The evening drew to an end with the lighting of the beacon by Cllr Simon Dowling on behalf of Horsforth Town Council and John Huck on behalf of the Royal British Legion.
May 8 2025 marked the 80th anniversary of the formal surrender by Germany to mark the end of the war in Europe, with events taking place across the city and the country.
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