Rutland Marks 80th Anniversary of VE Day with Solemn Flag Raising at Oakham Castle, Video and Photographs

Rutland Marks 80th Anniversary of VE Day with Solemn Flag Raising at Oakham Castle

A poignant flag-raising ceremony was held at the historic Oakham Castle this morning at 10:00 am to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, a day that marked the end of the Second World War in Europe. The event drew members of the public, local dignitaries, and military representatives to honour the sacrifices made eight decades ago.

A special VE Day 80th anniversary ceremonial flag was hoisted in the castle grounds by personnel from the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, stationed at nearby St George’s Barracks in North Luffenham. The regiment's involvement highlighted Rutland's enduring connection with the Armed Forces.

The solemn occasion was attended by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness, who delivered a speech reflecting on the profound importance of VE Day and expressing gratitude to the veterans in attendance. Rutland County Council was represented by Vice-Chairman Councillor Samantha Harvey and Armed Forces Champion Councillor David Wilby. Adding a civic voice to the commemoration, the Mayor of Oakham, Councillor Paul Ainsley, read a proclamation.

The ceremony at Oakham Castle is part of a series of commemorative events in Rutland. This evening, Oakham Castle itself will be illuminated in patriotic red, white, and blue. Later, at 9:30 pm, a Beacon Lighting ceremony, organised by Oakham Town Council, will take place in Cutts Close Park. This event is part of a national initiative that will see hundreds of beacons lit in sequence across the country, symbolising the light of peace emerging from the darkness of war. Attendees at Cutts Close Park can expect Music from Oakham School, Morris dancing, a fish and chip van, and other entertainment leading up to the beacon lighting. Similar commemorative events, including a proclamation and beacon lighting, are also taking place in Uppingham.   

Looking ahead, Rutland is preparing for a larger-scale commemoration on Sunday, June 29, 2025. "Rutland Remembers: Our 80th Anniversary Celebration of VE and VJ Day" will combine the VE Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day anniversaries with this year’s annual Armed Forces Day. The day will feature a parade starting from Oakham Castle at 10:00 am, followed by a church service at All Saints Church at 10:30 am, and a "party in the park" in Cutts Close from midday, which is anticipated to include live music, dancers, food stalls, a beer tent, local stalls, a children's funfair, and a flypast by the RAF. The Lord-Lieutenant has encouraged local villages to create banners and flags to represent their communities at this county-wide celebration.   

VE Day Flowers 

arranged by 

Rutland Flower Club