A WEEKEND of commemorations saw the people of East Lancashire celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Two minutes of silence fell across the region on Friday to signal the start of three days of VE Day tributes marking the end of the Second World War in Europe.

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An emotional service was held at Clitheroe Castle on Friday afternoon as veterans gathered to honour those who fought and died, and another remembrance event took place at the same time on the steps of Blackburn Town Hall.

Children at Wensley Fold CE Primary Academy held a VE Day tea party, and pupils of Darwen Academy enjoyed a street party.

On Saturday, Blackburn Cathedral rang its bells in celebration at 11am. Events continued across the district on Saturday with the Darwen Royal British Legion hosting an event at The Anchor Hotel in the town.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Every veteran in attendance was presented with a special badge to celebrate VE Day; donations from the event will go to the Poppy Appeal. A 1940s street party-style lunch was held at Briercliffe Road Methodist Church, organised by Burnley-based horse charity HAPPA.

Members of Great Harwood Royal British Legion organised a service at the town’s cenotaph yesterday at 11.30am, followed at midday by a parade down Church Lane, Church Street and Queen Street.

Jeff Bridges, spokesman for Great Harwood’s Legion said: “Around 400 people came to the service, during which we talked about what it was like 70 years ago and the sacrifices people made for us. Although it was a solemn affair, we also wanted it to be a celebration of triumph.

“After the parade we took part in a charity event at The Plough in Queen Street. We raised more than £300 for the Royal British Legion from the event.”