Council to hold VE Day beacon lighting event

Mayor of Wakefield Sandra Pickin will light the beacon as part a Victory in Europe Day commemoration on Friday, May 8, at Coronation gardens, next to County Hall in Wakefield.

The ceremony from 9.30pm will also see three of the city’s landmarks, the town hall clock, county hall and Wakefield Cathedral, illuminated in red.

Coun Pickin said: “The lighting of beacons is a fitting way to celebrate peace and pay tribute to those who helped achieve victory in the war.”

Wakefield Council is asking people to gather on at 9.15pm at Coronation Gardens.

The beacon ceremony will start at 9.30pm with a bugle fanfare.