VE Day commemoration at Rushlake Green a huge success

Several hundred people joined in the VE day event at Rushlake Green on 8th May enjoying church bell ringing, live music, parades, artwork, dance displays, beacon lighting and fireworks. There was also a BBQ at The Horse and Groom pub and cakes made by volunteer bakers.

Victory in Europe Day marks the end of the Second World War in Europe on 8 May 1945, when the Allies accepted the surrender of Nazi Germany.

Superbly organised by Warbleton Parish Council, the village green was the perfect setting for the event. The beacon that was lit just before the firework display was one of 2,500 beacons which were lit across the UK at around 9pm. The beacon was crafted by traditional local blacksmith Dan Tester. At 9.45pm The Last Post was played by a bugler from the Warbleton Brass Band.

Taking part in the event were: Electra Start Dance; Hastings Coastal Twirlers; Ark Alexandra Academy Combined Cadet Force, Hastings; T.S. Eastbourne Sea Cadet Corps; The Drumskullz, Hastings; Heathfield Community College, Warbleton Brass Band; Mayfield School and singer Julia Bennett with pianist Stu Hyson.

Organisations that helped or donated to the event included: Roche Electrical; Sussex Party Bales; Jonathan Austin (sound engineering; Jack Vockins (pyrotechnics); Little Arts Group; Warbleton and District History Group; Coffee and Company volunteers; Queensgate Studios; Warbleton and Rushlake Green Bonfire Society; Dallington Church of England Primary School and Punnetts Town Community Primary School.