Thursday 8 May 2025 marks
80 years since Victory in Europe Day, more commonly known as VE Day, which
celebrates the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi
Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces.
This momentous
anniversary is an important opportunity for communities to come together to
honour the bravery and sacrifice of the wartime generation.
In line with
Buckinghamshire’s Armed Forces Covenant, the council is encouraging residents,
organisations and community groups to hold events and street meets on Monday 5
May (bank holiday) which has been officially dedicated to community
celebrations.
Those holding an event
are encouraged to add all the details onto theBucks Online
Directory,
as it’s a great place for residents to find out what VE Day celebrations are
taking place in their local area and see how they can get involved.
There are also lots of
ways you can commemorate VE Day at home, from having a garden picnic, making
your own Great British bunting, to going back in time and immersing yourself in
music from the wartime era. For more ideas, visit the Events page on the council’s website at:
buckinghamshire.gov.uk/ve-80 Celebrating in
Buckinghamshire
Local
events include:
Flag Raising Ceremonies
Led by Buckinghamshire
Council’s Chairman and representatives from the Armed Forces, flags will be
raised outside the Old Crown Court in Aylesbury and Queen Victoria Road council
offices in High Wycombe. For details, visit: buckinghamshire.gov.uk/ve-80
Self-guided
trail at Black Park Country Park
Enjoy a
self-guided trail at Black Park Country Park to commemorate VE Day. The trail
highlights some of the remaining military infrastructure in Black Park and
offers the chance to explore the park’s history and contribution to the war
effort.For
more information, follow facebook.com/buckscountryparks
Archives
& Libraries
Buckinghamshire
Archives have taken images from their collections to highlight how the county’s
residents celebrated VE Day in 1945. Displayed across two banners, there will
be newspaper articles, letters, posters and photographs from VE Day
celebrations across the county. The banners will be available throughout May in
some of the county’s libraries as well as The Gateway, Walton Street council
offices and at a retail unit in Friars Square, Aylesbury. For more information,
follow facebook.com/BucksLibraries
and facebook.com/BucksArchives
A national programme
of events will take place across the UK commemorating the 80th
anniversaries of both VE and VJ Day, including a military procession, flypast,
and street parties on Monday 5th May, a remembrance service at Westminster
Abbey on Thursday 8th May, and a national service at the National Memorial
Arboretum on Friday 15th August.
For lots more
information about VE Day, how to mark this historic anniversary and how to
upload your events onto the Bucks Online Directory, please visit: buckinghamshire.gov.uk/ve-80
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