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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

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.