Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a moving commemorative event at the Music Hall on Saturday 10th May.
Jointly produced by The Gordon Highlanders Museum and Deeside arts organisation St Margaret’s Braemar, the one-of-a-kind event will celebrate the contribution of the North-east’s famous regiment and the many others whose service in World War II ultimately brought about peace in Europe in 1945.
Eighty years ago, people marked Victory in Europe with street parties, dancing and singing as the dangers and restrictions of conflict were finally lifted after six years of conflict.
The first half of this concert – the principal event marking the 80th anniversary in Aberdeen City and Shire – will spotlight the 1940s, the wartime spirit of communities in Aberdeen and across Britain and the role of The Gordon Highlanders, described by Winston Churchill as “the Finest Regiment in the World”.
“For our tomorrow, they gave their today” frames the second half of the concert, as the audience is taken on a musical journey through the decades since 1945.
Introduced by renowned entertainer, presenter and host Robert Lovie, performers include:
- The Robert Gordon’s College Pipe Band
- Members of the Aberdeen University Concert Band
- Aberdeen Academy of Performing Arts
- Singer Seonaid Aitken
- Fiddle player Raemond Jappy
- The last Pipe Major of The Gordon Highlanders, Captain Stuart Samson MBE
- And much more to be announced
All proceeds from the event will go towards The Gordon Highlanders Museum, a local charity and five-star visitor attraction which preserves the 200-year legacy of the regiment, and St Margaret’s Braemar, which works to advance and promote the arts, performance and local heritage in the North East of Scotland.
Tickets are on sale now, through Aberdeen Performing Arts: https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/ve-day-80/
To discuss sponsorship packages, please contact admin@stmargaretsbraemar.org.uk
John McLeish of The Gordon Highlanders Museum.
Looking forward to the 10th May event, John McLeish of The Gordon Highlanders Museum said: “It is so important that we commemorate VE Day, 80 years on from this historic occasion which heralded the beginning of the end of the Second World War.
“The Gordon Highlanders played various and crucial roles in ensuring Victory in Europe, from landing on the beaches of Normandy during D-Day to fighting in the Rhineland in the run up to May 1945. Forming the ranks were farmers and fishermen, ghillies and labourers, aristocrats and university students – ordinary men with an extraordinary sense of duty.
“We are delighted to be working with St Margaret’s Braemar in bringing people together from across Aberdeen City & Shire to honour, remember and celebrate in equal measure. We look forward to what is sure to be a memorable evening for all!”
Colin Hunter, trustee of St Margaret’s Braemar.
Colin Hunter, trustee of St Margaret’s Braemar, said: “VE Day marked relief and celebration for communities right across Europe in May 1945.
“Some 80 years on, it’s important to remember the sacrifice of so many in that conflict, the joy that so many felt after six years of war and the return to a life more normal.
“This commemorative event shines a spotlight on that time that pivotal moment – when families moved out of the shadow of conflict and fear into happier times.
“The music, songs and variety of contributions from our top line-up of performers will shine a spotlight on the music and culture of that time and in the decades since.”