LAUNCESTON Town Council and the local Royal British Legion has announced its plans to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

With residents across the county set to mark the special occasion, a new programme of events has revealed the plans to commemorate the anniversary in the North Cornwall town.

On Sunday, May 4, residents are invited to the VE Day Service of Remembrance taking place at St Mary Magdalene Church at 5.30pm.

On Monday, May 5, the town council is hosting a VE Day picnic in the Square between 1pm and 3pm. The event is free, though seats can be booked at the Visitors Information Centre.

There will be entertainment from Launceston Town Band along with music from the era, providing a nice backdrop for residents.

Attendees are invited to bring their own food and drink to enjoy during the afternoon, and in the event of poor weather the picnic will instead be held in the Town Hall.

On Thursday, May 8, Launceston’s Royal British Legion will be holding a silence and service in the town Square at 11am.

From 9.30pm, a beacon lighting will be held at the Windmill Band Stand in Coronation Park. This is part of a nationwide chain of beacon burning across the country, creating a line of light across the nation.

Finally, on Sunday, May 11, an event will be hosted at the Fox and Grapes in Lifton, with a range of activities planned.

The event promises military and classic vehicle displays, static and live fire weapon displays, along with living history displays, military charity stands, daytime activities and events.

The star of the show for many is the planned helicopter fly-in from historic helicopters — which was a big attraction for 2024’s D-Day events — with the evening featuring a remembrance ceremony, camping and entertainment.