AT 9.30 this evening (Thursday, 8 May) Thurrock communities came together to join others across the country to light beacons as a culmination of a day of commemoration and celebration to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

After a busy day of covering many events across Thurrock, Nub News ended our journey on the Thames riverside amid a large gathering of residents at Coalhouse Fort.

Tilbury Brass Band provided the music and the historic fortification the perfect backdrop for the final act on a day to remember.

Thurrock deputy mayor Cllr Sue Shinnick addressed the crowd before the beacon lighting, while the council's deputy leader Cllr Lyn Worrall told Nub News what the day had meant to the local community.

Check out the day's events across the borough covered by Thurrock Nub News:

Early morning proclamation: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/proclamation-begins-a-day-of-ve-commemorative-events-in-thurrock-259457

Mayor raised VE Day flag: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/mayor-raises-flag-at-town-hall-to-mark-ve-day-259526

Veteran Jim lays first wreath at civic ceremony: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/veteran-jim-laid-first-wreath-at-ve-day-service-of-remembrance-259527?fbclid=IwY2xjawKKDBlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHg6bTze8N639rO2lxmtjgXQXQKN7jKooWlCbqh39fOgOHd-blroTVDPZqpox_aem_NcrvFIEDPLBlx8Odh-AX_Q

Villages celebrate across the ages: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/celebration-across-the-ages-259540

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Community's pride: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/north-stifford-village-remembers-259567

A view from the sky: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/woodside-set-up-a-tribute-to-be-seen-from-the-sky-259573?fbclid=IwY2xjawKKBrRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHh2QH3cOZlz29JJkxEfo_oEy_OCnVtJl_fJwBCRCIb_S5yuOIyygTUllD-7w_aem_PtO62TAi9Rf0eVlzNUEwJQ

Historic venue played host to laughter, song and memories: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/sp8809-historic-terminal-plays-host-to-afternoon-of-celebration-and-memories-259576

Proper pearly: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/king-and-queen-in-a-proper-ve-celebration-259581

Club captures community spirit: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/club-captures-the-community-spirit-of-ve-day-find-out-more-about-tyrells-hall-259602

Golden finish: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/sun-sets-on-a-memorable-day-as-purfleet-gets-ready-for-beacon-lighting-259603

Riverside conclusion to memorable day: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/riverside-conclusion-to-a-day-of-reflection-memories-and-tribute-in-grays-259604