EasyJet sponsors Victory Day London
The event takes place on Thursday May 9 2013 at HMS Belfast and marks the landmark signing of the German Instrument of Surrender in 1945.
EasyJet is helping two esteemed Russian war veterans attend the event by providing flights from Moscow to London Gatwick to join their British counterparts. Yuri Kopytov and Georgy Evtiukov, both 84 years old, are Arctic Convoy veterans from Arkhangelsk in Russia.
Russian and British war veterans, Royalty, government representatives, Russian and Ukrainian ambassadors and distinguished guests will attend the official ceremony on-board HMS Belfast, followed by a public performance by The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at Hay’s Galleria.
Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK commercial manager, said: “easyJet is delighted to support this year’s Victory Day by helping war veterans fly from Moscow to London on May 9. The event marks a defining moment in both British and Russian history thanks to the heroic actions of troops in the Artic Convoys of 1941 to 1945. It is great honour to be involved and use our new Russian flights to help the veterans attend.”
The public performance at Hay’s Galleria begins at 6.30pm and is open for all to attend. The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture accompanied by a cannon salute from HMS Belfast.
Eugene Kasevin, founder of Victory Day London, said: “The Victory Day London project is dedicated to the brave sailors of the Arctic Convoys, the solidarity and the joint efforts of the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy of Great Britain and Russian Navy servicemen, whose actions were an impressive and valuable contribution to the victory over fascism. I urge members of the public to come and show their support by enjoying the public concert by the renowned Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra."
