On Friday 8th May, at 3.00pm, Peterborough Cathedral is inviting people to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, by joining in an online VE Day Commemoration Service.
The service, led by the Dean, the Very Revd Chris Dalliston, will include a reflection from the Bishop of Peterborough, the Right Revd Donald Allister, as well as pre-recorded music from Peterborough Cathedral Choir.
It will be broadcast at 3.00pm on 8th May as a live stream on the Cathedral’s Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/ PeterboroughCathedral
and also as a video via the Cathedral’s website:
www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/ watch-again.asp), where it can be watched at any time from 3.00pm onwards.
Gillian Beasley, Chief Executive of Peterborough City Council, and Neil McKittrick, former High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire and member of the Cathedral congregation, are amongst the readers during the service, and the prayers will be led by Canon Ian Black, Vicar of Peterborough. Ollie Maynard, a student at The King’s School, Peterborough, will play the Last Post.
Chris Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough, said:
“Although the service cannot be in the format that we had originally planned, due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is nonetheless an important opportunity to show our continuing thanks to those who gave so much to end Nazi occupation in Europe and ensure the freedom that we enjoy today.
“We shall gather joyfully and with thanksgiving, like those who gathered on that first VE Day, grateful for all that binds us together, even in times of sadness and loss and praying for the courage and imagination to overcome our current difficulties.”
Big Picnic for Hope
The Cathedral, along with many other cathedrals across the country, is also inviting people to be part of the Big Picnic for Hope on 8th May, and commemorate VE Day with a sponsored picnic at home. All the proceeds from the picnic will go to the Trussell Trust, the charity which supports a nationwide network of foodbanks, including Peterborough Foodbank. Anyone taking part is encouraged to share photos of their picnic on social media using the hashtags #BigPicnicforHope and #feed5000. Donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bigpicnicforhope