On Thursday 8 May, at 5.45pm, there will be a special service of Choral Evensong at Carlisle Cathedral to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Allied Victory in Europe in 1945. The service will be led by The Dean of Carlisle, The Very Revd Jonathan Brewster, with the Blessing pronounced by the Acting Bishop of Carlisle, The Rt Revd Rob Saner-Haigh. Speaking of the service, the Dean of Carlisle says:
“In the presence of HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria and the Mayor of Carlisle, we warmly invite you to join us for this special service of remembrance and thanksgiving.
The gathering will provide an opportunity to join with others from across our communities to give thanks to God for the courage and sacrifice of those who helped bring peace to Europe eighty years ago. As we face the renewed challenges of conflict in our world today, it will also be a time to reflect, to hope, and to commit ourselves once more to the paths of peace and justice. You are all most welcome.”
The service will conclude with the ringing of the Cathedral Bells from 6.30pm as part of the national “Ring Out In Celebration” which will mirror that moment, on 8 May 1945, when bells rang out across Britain as the nation took to the streets in celebration of Victory in Europe Day. The Cathedral service is one of a series of events in Carlisle and Cumbria to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day including wreath laying ceremonies in the city centre and the lighting of a commemorative beacon at Carlisle Castle.
The service is free for anyone to attend and there is no need to book tickets.
