Bath Abbey joins the nation in celebrating the 75th anniversary of VE Day tomorrow and is encouraging people to take part in the national programme of events remotely in their homes or gardens. 

A special 'Thought for the Day' to remember VE Day and the millions who won Peace in Europe 75 years ago will be available on the Abbey's website from 10am on Friday 8 May. People can also submit their prayers via the Abbey website or email prayer@bathabbey.org to remember the fallen men and women of the Second World War, the country’s VE Day Veterans and the Armed Forces, or to thanks to the NHS staff, carers and key workers currently serving our country. Prayers will then be read and offered up by one of the Abbey’s priests or lay ministers. 

Guy Bridgewater, Bath Abbey Rector said: “For centuries the Abbey has been a place where people can come to worship, in celebration of special occasions, in remembrance and to mark special events. Like many around the country, we’ve had to cancel our original plans for the 75^th anniversary of VE Day - but we offer what we still can, to celebrate the winning of Peace at such a cost. We give thanks for the heroes of our past, and for our armed forces and all who keep the peace today – alongside, of course, praying fervently for the current ‘front-line’ of our wonderful NHS staff, carers and key workers.”

The Abbey had originally planned a service of Choral Evensong and a full bell peal lasting 3 hours for this year’s VE Day celebrations. However these have now been postponed until an appropriate date has been confirmed.