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Wales falls silent to mark VE day anniversary

BBC People standing in Senedd atrium wearing suits and formal clothing, with some in military uniform, looking solemn and some with heads bowed downBBC
A two-minute silence was observed at the Senedd to remember those who fought in World War Two

A two-minute silence was held across Wales to remember those who fought in World War Two.

At 12:00 BST, people across the country joined the national two minutes of silence to mark VE Day.

Across Wales, events have been taking place to commemorate 80 years since the end of war in Europe.

Beacons will be lit, family fun days and afternoon teas are taking place to celebrate.

In Cardiff, Members of the Senedd observed the silence along with the rest of the UK.

At a service at Christ Church in Swansea, four school groups from across the city performed songs including White Cliffs of Dover and Calon Lan.

Veteran Richard Pelzer laid a wreath on behalf of Blind Veterans UK and veterans from more recent conflicts were also invited, with more than 40 in attendance.

In Wrexham, events took place across the city with a service held in St Giles Church.

A special assembly with afternoon tea to follow will be held in Ysgol Glan Gele, Abergele, Conwy.

People in church pews seen from behind standing up with man playing bagpipes at the front
A service was held at Christ Church in Swansea to mark VE Day

Pupils from Christchurch Primary School, who were part of the service in Swansea, shared how happy they were to meet some of the veterans.

Millie said she had never seen a veteran before, and it was "so cool".

While Duaa said: "It felt really special to be able to meet people who were in World War Two."

Amélie said: "It was surprising they were so young. If it was still the war my siblings would have been in the army and it would have been very scary.

"It gave me a different perspective."

Three young girls wearing blue uniforms. They are smiling at the camera while standing in a classroom.
Millie, Duaa and Amélie said it was "special" meeting the veterans at today's service.

The Veterans and Community Hub's Models for Heroes group had a drop-in at the Labour and Social Club in Connah's Quay, Flintshire.

The group presented numerous models of tanks and cake to mark the anniversary.

Veterans and Community hub A group of people standing in front of a table with a numerous items on it. There are models of tanks and a blue, red and white cake with the number 80 on it. Veterans and Community hub
The group presented numerous models of tanks and cake to mark the anniversary

In Newquay, Ceredigion, a service was held in the Memorial Hall with commemorative flag raising ceremony held after. There will be a lighting of Bonfire Beacon with viewing from Glyn Square at 21:30 BST.

In Monmouthshire, the day started off with the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers flag raising, followed by a tree planting on the town field.

In the afternoon, a public service will be held at the Monmouth Castle followed by a lighting of the Monmouth Landmark in the evening.

The events taking taking place coincided with a thanksgiving service held at Westminster Abbey.

The King and Queen, as well as the prime minister and other senior royals, were in attendance.

Thousands of people will then gather for a concert at Horse Guards Parade to cap four days of marking the end of World War Two in Europe

VE Day events recall the huge crowds of people who took to the streets on 8 May 1945 to sing, dance and rejoice after nearly six years of war.