Town prepares for musical VE Day celebrations

The members of the Saltash VE 80 choir are learning completely new songs for the concert

Residents in a Cornish town are preparing for a special musical celebration to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Thursday 8 May marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.

As part of the celebrations, Saltash has been busy organising and rehearsing for their celebration of music, drama and remembrance.

It is believed 122 people from Saltash died during the war and their sacrifice will be high in people's minds during the commemorations.

Singing up a storm for the VE 80 event on Saturday 10 May

Community workshops are being held twice-weekly to get the Saltash VE 80 choir in order and in tune.

Julian Barnicoat, the choir's musical director, has written and composed a new score for the concert

"I have chosen to write music that has a certain amount of period flavour, but also a lot of 21st Century flavour as well, in order to make the whole project more accessible and more understandable, especially to younger people," he said.

"You are always up against a time limit but we're doing very well and we have a very very supportive choir... and it's working well and we will have an amazing concert, I am sure."

Sue Hooper said the choir are enjoying the rehearsals because they know they are paying tribute to VE Day

Jane Smith, who has volunteered to perform, she said: "I haven't sung in a choir since I was at school, I'm not the most brilliant singer, but I heard it was a community choir and so I came along.

"I've really enjoyed it and had a great time and maybe when it's all finished I will then go and join a choir."

The festivities are being funded by The Sue Hooper Charitable Foundation, founder Sue Hooper said.

She added: "Saltash celebrates and commemorates VE Day because we had 122 fallen during the Second World War, including 15 civilians, and we wanted to play our part as we have done with so many special anniversaries as a community."

The VE 80 community workshops are being held on Tuesdays, in the afternoon at Burraton Methodist Chapel and in the evenings at Ashtorre Rock on the Waterside.