Barnsley College's landmark remembrance artefact now on display at Barnsley Town Hall

Barnsley College has brought the Principal Lamp Light of Peace – a powerful symbol of unity and remembrance used in the nation’s VE Day 80 commemorations – to Barnsley, in a remarkable coup for the town. 

The Lamp Light is installed in the Civic Entrance of Barnsley Town Hall, where it will be open to view by the public for the first time. 

The Lamp, which represents the triumph of peace over war, has already played a central role in national commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. It was blessed at St. Paul’s Cathedral during a televised service attended by the Royal Family before making a historic journey up the Thames aboard the Havengore – the same vessel that carried Sir Winston Churchill on his funeral procession. 

The Lamp will continue to fulfil its ceremonial role in an upcoming London ceremony on 21 September marking World Peace Day, celebrating 80 years of peaceful UK-Japan relations.  

Delivered to Barnsley College by Lady Jane MacRae, who played the bagpipes for the King during the national VE Day service in May this year, the Lamp Light of Peace has since been housed at the College. Its new public display at Barnsley Town Hall, in partnership with Barnsley Council and Barnsley Museums, ensures that local people can share in this honourable moment for the town. 

This follows Barnsley College’s leadership of a major national programme of remembrance, which included the unveiling of a flagship Memorial Garden – part of the UK-wide VE Day 80 campaign. The College also launched the #VEHAPPY digital project, connecting people across the globe in a show of peace, unity, and resilience. 

Barnsley College Principal and Chief Executive, David Akeroyd, said: “Bringing the Lamp Light of Peace into the heart of Barnsley, where the public can now view it at the Town Hall, is a truly special moment. It reflects our College’s longstanding commitment to remembrance and to building a sense of unity, peace, and pride in our community. We are delighted to work alongside Barnsley Council and Barnsley Museums to make this possible for our town.” 

Cllr Robin Franklin, Barnsley Council Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, added: “We are honoured to host the Lamp Light of Peace in Barnsley Town Hall, providing a poignant opportunity for the public to remember those that have served. I’m sure that many people will take the opportunity to view it, in the heart of Barnsley.”