The 80^th anniversary of VE Day, known as VE Day 80, is set to be a grand celebration in the UK. Victory in Europe Day, celebrated on May 8th each year, marks the day the Allies formally accepted Germany’s surrender in 1945.

Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day, was celebrated on May 8, 1945, marking the formal acceptance of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender by the Allies. This day signified the end of World War II in Europe, bringing immense relief and joy to millions who had endured nearly six years of conflict. In the UK, the announcement of Germany's surrender the day before was met with widespread jubilation. People took to the streets, waving flags, singing, and dancing. London saw massive crowds gather in Trafalgar Square and outside Buckingham Palace, where King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, and Prime Minister Winston Churchill appeared on the balcony to greet the cheering public after much shouting of “we want the King”.

The celebrations were a mix of joy and solemn reflection, as people remembered the sacrifices made and the lives lost during the war. While VE Day marked the end of the war in Europe, the conflict with Japan continued until August 1945, when Japan surrendered, leading to VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day).

Across the country spontaneous street parties broke out. People shared food, drinks, and stories, celebrating the end of nearly six years of war. Rationing was still in effect and would remain so for a number of years, so food and drink remained limited, though some opened that bottle or tin they had kept for such an event.

On the 8^th of May 1945, the islands were still under German occupation, but the news of Germany's surrender brought hope and anticipation. The official liberation of the Channel Islands occurred on May 9, 1945, a day after VE Day, when British forces arrived to reclaim the islands.

The celebrations were heartfelt and joyous. Islanders welcomed the British troops with open arms, and spontaneous street parties erupted. Union flags were raised, and people sang patriotic songs. The sense of relief and freedom was palpable, as the islands had endured nearly five years of occupation.

Our members and their vehicles will be attending many events during this time, we are limited to the number of vehicles and the availability of those vehicles which are all privately owned. We are happy to advertise relevant adverts to our members to attend local events. Please get in touch via our contact form. We have already had a number of groups and councils approach us, and please be aware that in some cases owners may not commit to attending an event until closer to the time. We also give priority to those who we have worked with before.

Click here to read further about VE day

Chelmsford Garden Community Council
Saturday 3rd May 2025 from 2.30pm to 6pm at the Community Gardens, Taylor View, Chelmsford Garden Community CM1 6DG.

Please mail Mim Moy via Powes@hotmail.com for further information and to say you'll attend......



Ongar Library Car Park & Ongar Sports Ground
Sunday 4th May 2025 - The one day Town festival offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including:

Arts & crafts

Stalls

Food & drinks area

Car show

Main stage entertainment with live music and dance

Town Parade – military band, veterans marching & military vehicles from Railway Station to Fire Station

Timings: Showtime: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM Setup: From 7:30 AM, to be completed by 9:30 AM at Sports Ground & 10am at Library Car Park Traffic Management will be in place all day

Parade: at the moment starts at 3.30pm

Pack Down: If you need to leave early, we can arrange a safe exit with the help of car park marshals

VE Day

Weeley
Weeley Parish Council are hosting a VE Day Commemoration on between 10:00-17:00 in Weeley, Essex (near Clacton)

There will be lots of stalls, a bouncy castle and 40's music as well as the organisers dressing in 40's style clothing with the advertising encouraging the public to dress up too.

Maldon
There will be a VE-Day celebration on the Prom on Thursday 8/5/25. This will involve speeches (including one by me about the Maldon District in 1945), a film show, music, a large bonfire, and other things. People are encouraged to attend in period clothing. Vehicles will also be most welcome (any and all of a military nature).

Fordham
VE Day Aniversary event in Fordham Village Essex on the 10th May 2025 This will be a daytime street party type event from 12:00 Midday to 3:00pm on the Village Green in Fordham with live and recorded music from the era and hopefully some Jive Dancing as well.

What Three Words location of the event is as follows:- ///character.carpets.paid

Cllr Dave Chapman, Deputy Chair, Fordham Parish: for more information, click here to email Dave Chapman

Toppesfield
We are looking to have a VE celebration in our village "Toppesfield in Essex" and would like to know if any of your members would be able to come and display their WW2 vehicles / displays.

Details of contacts for further information on any events are available via the contact us page on our website, or for members via our monthly newsletter or a list in our members only Facebook Page.