Commemoration events to take place in Chester to mark 80th Anniversary of Victory over Japan Day
Reflective events to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) will be taking place in Chester city centre next month, as people join to remember those who served and played their part in the Second World War. The focus for the day’s events will be for everyone, no matter their backgrounds, faiths or heritage, to come and work together for lasting peace in our communities.
At 11.55 am on Friday 15 August 2025, the Lord Mayor of Chester - Councillor Shein Akhtar, Canon Rosie Woodall, along with local dignitaries and veterans, will gather at Chester Cathedral Gardens, St Werburgh Street to reflect and remember the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who fought for freedom. The national two minutes silence will be observed along with laying of wreaths.
This Act of Remembrance will be a solemn reflection which will honour local services personnel from both world wars and those that played their part. Canon Rosie Woodall will lead the short service where the national two minutes silence will be observed at 12pm.
This significant 80th anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifices of those who served in the Far East and in Europe. It will be an honour, on behalf of the city of Chester, to pay tribute to their memory here in Chester, 80 years on.
Chester Cathedral, in their Choral Evensong Service at 5.30pm, are including reflections and prayers for those who served and played their part in both world wars. For further details of this service please contact Chester Cathedral or telephone: 01244 324 756.
At 8.30pm at Chester Town Hall Square, the Lord Mayor will again light Chester’s Beacon of Peace, as she did for VE Day recently, as a sign of unity, remembrance and reflection. The evening will include music led by Matt Baker and provide another opportunity to come together to look forward to a more peaceful future.
Beacon of Peace outside Chester Town Hall on VE Day in May 2025
The Second World War was the most devasting war in human history, which was fought to defend the freedoms we all enjoy today. It is only fitting that as a city, we again mark another 80th Anniversary and reflect on the many sacrifices which were made and also to commemorate the resilience shown from those who came together afterwards to rebuild their towns and cities.
Victory over Japan Day is a day to reflect and remember the resilience of the human spirit and the pursuit of peace in the face of unimaginable adversity. As neighbours in Chester, we celebrate the triumph of hope and peace over those dark times.
On the evening of 15 August, Chester landmarks will be illuminated purple (representing dignity, captivity, and the Burma Star), red (symbolising the courage and sacrifice of those who served) and white (a colour of peace, remembrance, and reflection).
For further details please email: chestercivic@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or telephone: 01244 977701.