RAF Falcons parachute display proposal to mark VE Day in Larne

The demonstration by an RAF Falcons team is one of the military attractions being considered by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to mark the occasion.

Council has been meeting with representatives from the Reserved Forces and Cadet Association to discuss a potential programme.

Other headline attractions at the event may include a performance by the band of the Royal Marines.

The programme is being considered for a civic celebration to be held on Friday, May 8.

The commemorations will link with the Friends’ Goodwill Music Festival which returns to Larne for a fourth consecutive year.

Scottish singer Eddi Reader will take to the stage with Dublin rock band Hothouse Flowers topping the bill.

This year’s festival kicks off with an action-packed day of free, family friendly activities to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

At 3.00pm, an extract from Sir Winston Churchill’s victory speech could be aired at Sandy Bay as part of a broadcast in public spaces across the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, specially commissioned silver poppies will be presented to nine surviving veterans of World War II at a reception in Ballymena on May 7.

A report to council read: “The anniversary provides an opportunity to remember and commemorate the sacrifice, courage and determination shown by people from all walks of life during those difficult years.”

The local authority says it will continue to support remembrance of those who died in world conflict through the planting of poppy seeds in the borough.

DUP Larne Lough Councillor Gregg McKeen said: “We have supported this in previous years. It is only right that we continue to support this remembrance.”

The proposal was seconded by Carrick DUP Cllr Cheryl Johnston.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter