This year on Thursday, May 8 we celebrate the 80th anniversary of victory in europe, effectively bringing the second world war to an end. Of course fighting continued outside Europe until VJ Day later that year.
There will be celebrations and commemorations throughout the country. Rye will take part with events at the town hall and the lighting of the beacon in Udimore Road and at Rye Heritage Centre we will be showing our unique WWII: Rye’s Story sound and light show featuring the Rye town model, throughout the day and the days before and after VE Day itself. We’ll also be including this in our repertoire on occasion throughout the year.
This is a great opportunity to learn about Rye’s specific experience of wartime – both detailing some of the extensive damage to the town and a glimpse at what personal life was like in Rye during such troubling times. It’s also a way we can all remember the terrible sacrifice that so many made.
Even better, the show is narrated by Rye News editor James Stewart and long standing Rye resident, Jenny Hadfield and our own volunteers also feature in the sound recordings.
The show lasts approximately 35 minutes and show times will be announced shortly on our social media pages and on our website. Tickets will be available to buy at the sales desk on the day and please be aware the show is not suitable for under 12s, children aged 12 to 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
We can accommodate a limited number of wheelchair users and those with mobility issues so please advise us ahead of your visit so that we can confirm availability – info@ryeheritage.co.uk. Tickets cost £7 each.
Image Credits: Rye Heritage Centre .
Oops! I made a mistake – tickets will actually be priced at £7. We ran this show during last year’s Rye Arts Festival to rave reviews so don’t miss it this time round in its updated form
[article updated 02/05/2025 to include correct ticket price]