Landmarks lit up to mark end of 6 years of darkness

LANDMARKS across Britain were illuminated last night in a display to mark the end of the Second World War after six long years of darkness.

- By Giles Sheldrick Chief Reporter

The lightshow bathed Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street and The Shard in glorious hues of red, white and blue as the VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations continued.

Manchester Printworks, Durham Cathedral, Brighton Royal Pavilion, Edinburgh City Chambers, Cardiff Castle, Blackpool Tower, Tower Bridge and Belfast City Hall were also among hundreds of buildings floodlit in a tribute to those who endured terrifying blackouts at the height of The Blitz.

The shafts of light beamed on to Buckingham Palace, which stood as a totem of defiance, resilience and hope, was particularly poignant. The royal residence was repeatedly targeted, most notably when five high explosive bombs fell on it.