Rye’s beacon will be lit as part of national commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The beacon, at the top of Udimore Road in Rye, will be lit by deputy mayor Chris Hoggart at 9.30pm on Thursday, May 8.
Beacons will be lit across the UK to honour the occasion, including in Winchelsea after an event in New Hall.
The Rye torch is being prepared by Rye Bonfire Society, who also looked after it when it was last used.
In June 2024 mayor Andy Stuart lit the beacon to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. That evening, the fires could be seen across the Romney Marsh to Hythe and Lympne.
Local people are being encouraged to walk to the site.
Also on May 8 this year the VE Day flag will be raised at St Mary’s church. At 1pm a ceremony will take place outside Rye town hall with speeches, readings and songs to mark eighty years since the war ended in Europe.
Later in the day bells are expected to be rung at churches all over the UK at 6.30pm.
Image Credits: James Stewart .