Beacon lit for VE day

Join us at Tonbridge Castle as we mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.

There will be a short service of remembrance at Tonbridge Castle, followed by a moment of silence and the sounding of the Last Post, before the castle beacon will be lit.

The order of service is as follows:

  • 21:15 – Riverwalk Music will pause to mark the beginning of the evening’s commemorative proceedings.
  • 21:15 – A short reflective service will be led by Associate Vicar, Wendy Carr, offering a moment of quiet remembrance and gratitude.
  • 21:28 – The Last Post will be sounded, honouring those who served.
  • 21:30 – The ceremonial beacon will be lit, symbolising peace and remembrance.
  • 21:30 – The VJ Day Tribute will be read aloud by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Kim Tanner, paying homage to the significance of Victory over Japan Day.
  • 21:35 – The hymn “I Vow to Thee, My Country” will be sung.
  • 21:40 – The National Anthem will be played, bringing the formal part of the evening to a close.
  • 21:45 – Riverwalk Music will resume, allowing the community to continue enjoying the evening in a spirit of reflection and togetherness.
  • 22:00 – The beacon will be extinguished, concluding the commemorative event.

Date: 15th August 2025.

Location: Tonbridge

Cost: Free

Time: 20:45 - 22:00