The Client: Medway Council

On VE Day this year, the skies above Medway were transformed into a poignant tribute to the end of World War Two, thanks to a special light show created by us in collaboration with Medway Council. Across six key locations in Medway, powerful spotlights recreated the iconic searchlights of the era in order to reinvent the atmosphere of wartime Britain.

We lit up the following locations with searchlights:

  • Rochester Castle (including coloured flood lights at the castle)
  • Chatham Naval Memorial
  • Victoria Gardens
  • Kings Hill Recreation Ground
  • Broomhill Country Park
  • Riverside Country Park

The Project: Medway Council VE Day Searchlights

The lighting up of Medway was done by our team, headed up by Hire Coordinator Phil Wright. The team and their lights were set at six strategic points across Medway. The lighting effects were designed to mimic the World War Two searchlights that scanned the skies for German bombers.

During the war searchlights were used all around the Medway and Thames Estuary as part of the AA anti-aircraft defences. Most notably during the Blitz. We made sure the light switch on was simultaneous with the national VE Day beacon lighting at 9.30pm. The lights were programmed to move in a coordinated way, replicating the distinctive sweeping patterns of wartime searchlights.

The aim was to provide a powerful visual spectacle that could be experienced by residents across the entire Medway area. The public were strongly encouraged to enjoy the display from the comfort and safety of their own homes. The lighting show was designed so that everyone could look out of their windows and see the evocative searchlight effect wherever they may be in Medway.

Sentimental meaning

For Phil Wright, the man leading the our team, this project carries a personal significance. His late father landed 6 weeks after D-Day and was a naval radio operator attached to the mobile unit serving in support of the Royal Marines of 4th Special Service Brigade. He celebrated VE day in Eindhoven and sadly passed away last year at the age of 101. His mother was also a large part of the war effort as a welder in a shipyard where she was involved in building four LCT3 tank landing craft for D-Day. His mother and father’s profound involvement in the war sparked a lifelong interest in World War Two for Phil, making his passion for commemorating VE Day really heartfelt.

“VE Day is a momentous occasion, and we wanted to create a visual tribute that would be both impactful and respectful,” said Phil Wright. “The searchlights are such a powerful symbol of that era, and we hope this display encouraged everyone in Medway to pause, reflect, and remember the sacrifices made for our freedom.”

Feedback from the Medway Council VE Day Searchlights event

“Please pass on my huge thanks to your whole team who did such a wonderful job last night. The response on social media last night was outstanding.” – Councillor Vince Maple, Head of Medway Council.

Spotlight Sound were delighted to support Medway Council in this creative initiative to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.