The Swingtime Starlets are making a return for the VE day celebration in Killyleagh
The Swingtime Starlets are to provide the highlight for the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations in Killyleagh.
The Starlets are returning after capturing the headlines at the Shrigley 200 celebrations last summer.
They are an all-professional close-harmony, vintage trio who will perform songs from the Second World War and Holywood’s golden age of swing.
They will perform the music that the American GI’s heard when they first marched into Killyleagh and Shrigley in May 1942.
The performance will take place in the open air from 7.45pm in the Castle Square on VE night, Thursday 8 May.
After that there will be a marching display from young people from Ballygowan and Killyleagh.
An act of remembrance will then take place at the War Memorial to honourxa0the soldiers, sailors and airmen from Killyleagh and Shrigley who served from 1939 to 1945.
Then the town beacon will be lit in the Castle Square, recreating the original bonfire that was lit at the same place on VE night 80 years ago.
The beacon will be lit using a lamp light of peace that has been carried from Shrigley that night.
Earlier that evening there will be a free street party for the children of the two local primary schools, Killyleagh Integrated and St Mary’s.
VE Day 80 will begin at 2.30pm with a free history walking trail of the main streets of Killyleagh, taking in some of the landmark buildings associated with the English, Scottish and Welsh soldiers who arrived during the Second World War. It will also look at the impact of the American GI’s on Killyleagh.
There will be information stalls in the area of the square, with the Dufferin Arms offering burgers and sausages off its barbecues for sale.
The VE night is part of a four day programme of free events to mark the day war ended in 1945.
Friday’s focal point is a talk on the Holocaust and its impact on Shrigley and Co Down by author and former BBC producer Noel Russell.
On Saturday night there is a first showing in the Hans Sloane Centre of a short film which tells Killyleagh’s story in the Second World War.
The film focuses on the remarkable life story of Martin `Tina’ Charters, the last Killyleagh veteran from the war, as he gave his last interview before his death, recalling his part with the RAF in Bomber Command. The film has been produced by film maker Douglas Beattie.
The four days of celebration will conclude with an inter-denominational religious service and Tribute to the Millions event on the Sunday evening. Depending on the weather, it is hoped this can take place in the open air at St John’s Church of Ireland.
The Killyleagh event, which has received funding support from Newry, Mourne and Down Council, will follow the pattern of national celebrations being held across the UK.
The aim is to bring families and communities together in a spirit of celebration and peace.
