Community events will be taking place across Hertfordshire this weekend to celebrate VE Day on May 8, 2015, which this year, marks 70 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.

A beacon-lighting ceremony will take place at Hertford Castle on the evening of May 8. This will join a chain of more than 200 beacons being lit simultaneously around the country, following the lighting of a beacon at Windsor Castle by Her Majesty the Queen.

Other events taking place in the county include: l Public buildings across Hertfordshire observing a two-minute silence at 3pm.

Ceremonies and wreath-laying at war memorials, organised by the Royal British Legion.

A thanksgiving service at St Albans Abbey.

Lighting up of civic buildings and landmarks.

These events are part of the wider community engagement work of the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Community Covenant, established in 2011 to recognise the commitment and sacrifice of the Armed Forces.

The covenant seeks to raise public awareness of Herts’ military personnel and to ensure fair access to services for those veterans, serving military personnel and their families living in the county.

Further details can be found at www.hertfordshireheroes.org

Jan Hayes-Griffin

Assistant director at Hertfordshire County Council