Julie Holden
Julie Holden
9 May, 2025
News

Burgess Hill commemorates 80th Anniversary of VE Day with community celebration

Burgess Hill, 8 May 2025 – Burgess Hill came together in style on VE Day to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe with a series of heartfelt and community-driven events organised by Burgess Hill Town Council. The day reflected the town’s spirit of remembrance, unity, and celebration, much like it did eight decades ago.

Veterans and members of the public at the raising of the flag service

The commemorations began with a poignant morning service attended by residents, dignitaries, and community groups. The Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, Lady Emma Barnard and Alison Bennett, MP for Mid Sussex also attended this. The service featured a historical reading by newly appointed Town Mayor, Stuart Condie, and a proclamation by local resident Mr John Buck. Members of the Royal British Legion laid wreaths alongside pupils from Burgess Hill Academy and London Meed primary school. The service concluded with a moving performance of I Vow To Thee My Country, sung by local talent Helen Underwood-Lewis and accompanied by the Burgess Hill Salvation Army Band.

As the sun shone down, the celebrations continued with a vibrant community Street Party on Church Walk. Seventy residents representing 12 local groups—each making a significant impact on the town—gathered for food, music, and shared memories. Students from Burgess Hill Girls helped serve food provided by GoodOaks Homecare and entertained guests with wartime songs. ITV Meridian News attended the event, filming segments including the popular cake judging competition, which was supported by the Burgess Hill Martlets Women’s Institute. Southway Junior School’s choir also performed, and lively roving music was provided by local group The Ukaholics. The Burgess Hill Yarnbombers added a creative flair with handmade table decorations.

Helen Underwood Lewes singing ‘I vow to thee my country’ at the raising of the flag service
Helen Underwood Lewes singing ‘I vow to thee my country’ at the raising of the flag service Credit: Burgess Hill Town Council

The day culminated in a spectacular evening event in the park, drawing a large crowd for a full programme of musical entertainment. The highlight was the lighting of the beacon at 9:30pm, symbolising national unity and remembrance. The ceremony featured another stirring performance of I Vow To Thee My Country. Burgess Hill Bonfire Society manned their popular BBQ and assisted with the beacon lighting.

RBL members, Veterans and members of the public at the raising of the flag service
RBL members, Veterans and members of the public at the raising of the flag service Credit: Burgess Hill Town Council

“The turnout and spirit of the day were truly uplifting,” said Town Council Leader Peter Williams. “It was a fitting tribute to those who lived through the war and a beautiful expression of community pride. We are grateful to all who helped make it such a memorable day.”

Burgess Hill Town Council extends heartfelt thanks to all participants, performers, volunteers, and staff who helped bring the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations to life.

Schools, veterans and members of the public at the raising of the flag service
Schools, veterans and members of the public at the raising of the flag service Credit: Burgess Hill Town Council
Judging of the cake competition, Suzanne Hartfield from Goodoaks Homecare, Town Mayor Stuart Condi, Elena Mlajiceanu from Goodoaks Homecare and Lynn Gilbert from Martlets Woman’s Institute
Judging of the cake competition, Suzanne Hartfield from Goodoaks Homecare, Town Mayor Stuart Condi, Elena Mlajiceanu from Goodoaks Homecare and Lynn Gilbert from Martlets Woman’s Institute Credit: Burgess Hill Town Council
Cake Competition Winner Emily Brownjohn with Town Mayor Stuart Condi, Suzanne Hartfield and Elena Mlajiceanu from Goodoaks Homecare
Cake Competition Winner Emily Brownjohn with Town Mayor Stuart Condi, Suzanne Hartfield and Elena Mlajiceanu from Goodoaks Homecare Credit: Burgess Hill Town Council
Community Groups attending the Street Tea Party and Burgess Hill Girls performing
Community Groups attending the Street Tea Party and Burgess Hill Girls performing Credit: Burgess Hill Town Council
Burgess Hill Girls performing Community Groups attending the Street Tea Party and Southway Junior School performing
Burgess Hill Girls performing Community Groups attending the Street Tea Party and Southway Junior School performing Credit: Burgess Hill Town Council
Classic Bus in St John’s Park, from Weald Classic Car Club
Classic Bus in St John’s Park, from Weald Classic Car Club Credit: Burgess Hill Town Council
Child having his face painted in St John’s Park
Child having his face painted in St John’s Park Credit: Burgess Hill Town Council
Children playing games in St John’s Park
Children playing games in St John’s Park Credit: Burgess Hill Town Council
Mid Sussex brass band performing in St John’s Park
Mid Sussex brass band performing in St John’s Park Credit: Burgess Hill Town Council
St Paul’s Steel Band performing in St John’s Park
St Paul’s Steel Band performing in St John’s Park Credit: Burgess Hill Town Council
Magician Marco performing in St John’s Park
Magician Marco performing in St John’s Park Credit: Burgess Hill Town Council
The beacon being lit in St John’s Park, by Burgess Hill Bonfire Society
The beacon being lit in St John’s Park, by Burgess Hill Bonfire Society Credit: Burgess Hill Town Council
Ukaholics performing in St John’s Park
Ukaholics performing in St John’s Park Credit: Burgess Hill Town Council