Unique VE80 Project Combines Rugby and Remembrance

A unique project combining rugby and remembrance will get under way at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincoln on Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a beacon lighting ceremony and dinner.

The beacon will be one of 2,500 being lit at 9.30pm on 8th May across the UK to mark 80 years of peace since the end of World War II in Europe.

As part of the VE80 Lincoln project over 150 young people from schools across the UK and France will be taking part in a programme of commemorative events including a VE80 Rugby Festival at Lincoln Rugby Club on 10th May.

There will also be a Ceramic Poppy-Bluet Ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral on 9th May and a remembrance thanksgiving service at the IBCC on 11th May.

The commemorative evensong at Lincoln Cathedral will be attended by special guests including RAF Windrush veteran Sidney McFarlane MBE and WWII RAF veteran Gilbert Clarke age 98yrs and Martin Whitcombe rugby historian who is also a former Leicester Tigers rugby player.

The project launched on Friday (25th April) with the unveiling of a spectacular display of over 20,000 ceramic poppies in the shape of a Lancaster Bomber at the IBCC to commemorate the anniversaries of VE and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on 15th August. Created by Lithuanian artist Darius Sirmulevicius, they will serve as a summer-long tribute to the millions of people across the UK and Commonwealth who served in the Second World War.

IBCC CEO Nicky van der Drift said: “It is such an honour to be a part of the team which is leading VE80 Lincoln which highlights the intersection of sport and history as a powerful tool for education and remembrance.

“These events are an opportunity to honour the sacrifices made by millions and educate future generations about the human cost of war and the enduring importance of peace and freedom.”

The full programme of VE80 Lincoln commemorative events consists of the following:

• VE Day 80 Beacon Lighting and Dinner – A poignant ceremony on 8th May at the IBCC, marking this significant moment in history. There will also be a free, open-air VE Day 80 Concert (2pm till 3pm) featuring the Blighty Belles.

• Heritage site visits – The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre and IBCC will host visiting touring U18 rugby teams and VIP guests for immersive experiences.

• Ceramic Poppy-Bluet Ceremony – On 9th May (4.30pm till 6.30pm) a moving tribute will take place at Lincoln Cathedral, incorporating its military altars in honour of those who served. This is open to the public.

• Rugby & WWII Exhibition – From now until August the IBCC will showcase a unique exhibition highlighting the connections between rugby and the Second World War featuring untold stories of service, camaraderie and sacrifice.

• Remembrance Thanksgiving Service – On 11th May (10.15am till 11.15am) the IBCC will host a special service to conclude the commemorations with a message of gratitude and reflection.

VE80 Lincoln is a collaboration of Francourt Events, the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC), Lincoln Rugby FC, and Sage Blue.

Director of Sage Blue and Co-Chair of VE80 Lincoln Sue Liburd MBE DL added: “The 80th anniversary of VE Day is a powerful moment to honour the sacrifices of millions and to pass on the values of peace and freedom to future generations. What better way to engage young people than through the unifying spirit of sport?

“The VE80 Lincoln project brings together young people from across the UK and Europe through rugby - blending education, history, and teamwork to ensure the stories of courage, resilience, and unity are not only remembered but lived.

“These commemorations are not just about looking back; they are an investment in the next generation - empowering them with the lessons of the past to shape a better future.”