Friday 15 August 2025. Peace and Remembrance: VJ Day 80 - Honouring the Past, Building the Future.
Join us for a special afternoon and evening marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day - the end of the Second World War.
In partnership with Cuckfield Royal British Legion, this free community event held in the Church (and Old School) offers something for all ages:
🎉 Free Family Activities afternoon (1:00-4:00pm): Crafts, games, living history, storytelling, and more. Book your spot here:
https://cuckfieldandbolneybenefice.churchsuite.com/events/c8fkk0xl
🍰 Free Community High Tea (4:30-6:30pm): Traditional 1940s refreshments, live music from
https://www.georginataylorwyatt.co.uk/#Showreels and
shared memories. Please book your spot here:
https://cuckfieldandbolneybenefice.churchsuite.com/events/3yvhqueh
🙏 Service of Thanksgiving (6:30-7:15pm): Prayers, readings, and a commitment to peace for future generations. Including:
- exquisite renditions of ‘Lamento’ and ‘Canto Secondo’ from the Britten Requiem played on the Cello by Nicholas Cooper;
- “When I Am Laid in Earth” (Dido’s Lament) by Henry Purcell sung by Soprano Evie Pinhey and accompanied by Roger Walkinton on the piano and Cello Continuo by Nicholas Cooper;
- Voices from the End: A dramatized reading for five voices adapted from real letters and oral histories of returning Far East prisoners of war, wartime speeches and reflections from the Home front.
The service will end with “Nimrod” from Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 (“Enigma Variations”) by Sir Edward Elgar (1857–1934), and will be followed by an Optional Peace Prayer Vigil continuing in the Lady Chapel until 8.30 pm
All are welcome as we remember, reflect, and look forward with hope, we will be joined by the Lord Lieutenant of Sussex.
Also check out other Music events in Haywards Heath, Entertainment events in Haywards Heath.
