On Thursday 8th May 2025, the Mayor of Hertford, Councillor Rachel Carter, on behalf of Hertford Town Council, welcomed dignitaries and members of the public to come together, to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
At 9.00am the Mayor marked the beginning of the day’s events by raising a special commemorative flag on the roof of Hertford Castle, for all to see; part of a nationwide raising of flags - remembering the sacrifices made by so many millions, during World War Two.
The Mayor went on to attend a service of Remembrance arranged by Hertford’s Royal British Legion at the War Memorial, followed by a moment of Remembrance at Tesco, Hertford.
Come the evening, the gates of Hertford Castle were thrown open to welcome everyone for what was a fantastic evening of joyful celebration as well as poignant commemoration of the meaning behind this significant date. Live entertainment followed Hertford’s part in the nationwide ringing out of church bells, with music from the ‘Just Love to Sing’ choir, ‘The Barn-ettes’ - who performed a nostalgic mix of 1940’s songs, as well as music through the decades and a fabulous flash mob from ‘The Rock Choir’.
Later in the evening, the Tribute was read by the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire while the Beacon was lit on top of Hertford Castle, serving as a suitable moment of reflection and remembrance. The night ended with ‘Hertford Choral Society’ leading ‘I Vow to Thee my Country’ and the National Anthem.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed fish and chips and crepes, and our younger guests got involved in arts and crafts courtesy of Hertford District Girl Guides and lawn games with 3rd Hertford Scouts.
The Mayor of Hertford, Councillor Rachel Carter, commented: “It was wonderful to be able to mark this significant anniversary at Hertford Castle together with the Army Cadets, Guides, Scouts and so many residents. I so enjoyed the joyous music from our brilliant singers, while the solemnity of the occasion was beautifully captured in the Lord Lieutenant's tribute and the lighting of the beacon. Thank you to all who contributed in so many ways and to all who attended this most meaningful act of remembrance.”
At the evening event, news was shared about a forthcoming community art project. Hertford Town Council is funding a new piece of art in the form of a mural or mosaic, in Evron Place - on the side wall of the Post Office, off Maidenhead Street in Hertford Town Centre. Evron Place currently has a mural celebrating Hertford and its twin towns; the Friends of Evron and the Friends of Wildeshausen; representing a cultural exchange between England, Germany and France.
After carefully considering some excellent submissions, local resident Rosalyn Burroughs, an illustrator and designer, has been successfully appointed to recreate her exciting vision for the project. Focusing on community and connection, under the theme of friendship between Hertford and both the twin towns; the design will include significant landmarks and community groups. There will be an opportunity for the community to be part of this process so please do keep an eye on the Council’s website and social media channels - @hertfordtowncouncil for news.
The day also saw the naming of ‘Wildeshausen Bridge’ - the new bridge behind BEAM theatre. The Mayor of Hertford was delighted to mark this occasion commemorating thirty years of friendship between Hertford and Wildeshausen. The Council is delighted that Hertford’s twin town of Wildeshausen now has its own commemorative location in Hertford; Evron already featuring in Evron Place and Evron crossing. As a Council, we continue to foster friendship and cultural links with our twin towns in Europe and VE Day's 80th anniversary seemed the most poignant of opportunities to highlight this.
Notes:
More information on Hertford’s twin towns can be found at: www.hertford.gov.uk/town-twinning
For further information regarding VE DAY 80 or the Mayoral Office, please contact mayoral@hertford.gov.uk