8th May

8th May 1945 was Victory in Europe Day or VE Day and across Ulster, locals and service personnel celebrated the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Ballymena, Co. Antrim

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4th May 2020

The sun shone in Co. Antrim as VE Day celebrations began in Ballymena. Not even patients in the Waveney Hospital felt left out as they feasted on ice cream!

Featured image for Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Bangor, Co. Down

Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Bangor, Co. Down

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4th May 2020

Bangor, Co. Down marked Victory in Europe Day or V.E. Day with an effigy of Hitler hung in the town as people celebrated on 8th May 1945.

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Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Belfast

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4th May 2020

Thousands of people gathered on the streets on Belfast to celebrate Victory in Europe Day on 8th May 1945. Street parties took place throughout the city.

Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Bellaghy, Co. Londonderry

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4th May 2020

VE Day celebrations in Bellaghy, Co. Londonderry involved a gramophone-led street party, a lot of gunfire and a big turf-built bonfire at The Diamond.

Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Cullybackey, Co. Antrim

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4th May 2020

In Cullybackey, Co. Antrim, VE Day celebrations culminated with Major SG Haughton atop a white horse leading the parade to a ceremonial fire on Reid's Hill.

Featured image for Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone

Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone

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4th May 2020

On 8th May 1945, Lord Northland oversaw a parade of organisations through the streets of Dungannon, Co. Tyrone to commemorate the Allied Victory in Europe.

Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh

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4th May 2020

There was much music and dancing during the VE Day celebrations in Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh in 1945. The local RUC even received both complaints and hugs!

Featured image for Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Gilford, Co. Down

Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Gilford, Co. Down

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4th May 2020

Crowds gathered for VE Day celebrations in Gilford, Co. Down on the 8th May 1945 and the Belgian Infantry joined in with the burning of an effigy of Hitler.

Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh

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7th May 2020

Victory in Europe Day on 8th May 1945 saw locals of Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh mix with an international crowd as they lit a bonfire to mark Allied victory.

Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Laurelvale, Co. Armagh

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4th May 2020

Residents of the Co. Armagh village gathered on the local sports fields to observe VE Day celebrations in Laurelvale, which involved sports and fancy dress.

Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh

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7th May 2020

In Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, a recently returned POW declared a death sentence on an effigy of Hitler before lighting the VE Day bonfire on 8th May 1945.

Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Moneymore, Co. Londonderry

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4th May 2020

In Moneymore, Co. Londonderry, VE Day celebrations were a quieter affair with church services to the fore before the victory dances began the following day.

Featured image for Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Portadown, Co. Armagh

Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Portadown, Co. Armagh

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4th May 2020

In Portadown, Co. Armagh, thousands of locals mingled with service personnel from the United Kingdom and Belgium to celebrate Victory in Europe Day in 1945.

Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Portglenone, Co. Antrim

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7th May 2020

Victory in Europe Day or VE Day celebrations in Portglenone, Co. Antrim drew to a close on 8th May 1945 with the burning of Adolf Hitler and Lord Haw-Haw.

Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Randalstown, Co. Antrim

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4th May 2020

VE Day celebrations in Randalstown, Co. Antrim saw members of the forces join with youth organisations for a parade before dancing in the local Orange Hall.

Victory in Europe: V.E. Day celebrations in Tandragee, Co. Armagh

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4th May 2020

VE Day celebrations in Tandragee, Co. Armagh included church services, street parties, and bonfires as locals gathered to mark the end of the war in Europe.

Royal Northumberland Fusiliers

Troops from 7th Battalion, Royal Northumberland Fusiliers charge ashore during invasion exercises at Greencastle in Northern Ireland on 8th May 1942. Copyright unknown.