- VE Day 80th Anniversary - A Shared Celebration
VE Day 80th Anniversary - A Shared Celebration
VE Day 80 – A Shared Moment of Celebration
Find events and activities taking place to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Join us as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a historic moment of unity, remembrance, and gratitude.
Victory in Europe (VE) Day, celebrated on May 8, 1945, marked the end of World War II in Europe. Eight decades later, we come together to reflect on the sacrifices made and honour the courage of those who fought for our freedom.
On Thursday, 8th May 2025, we invite everyone in Broxtowe to take part in special events and activities that will bring our community together in the spirit of remembrance and celebration.
Events in Broxtowe
Just some of the events taking place to celebrate the VE-Day 80th anniversary in Broxtowe Borough include:
|
Date |
Time |
Venue |
Event |
|---|---|---|---|
|
3 May 2025 |
4.00pm - 7.00pm |
Trowell Parish Hall |
Afternoon Tea and Dance. Tickets: Trowell Parish Council VE Day 80th Commemorations – trowell.org.uk |
|
3 May 2025 |
Throughout the day |
St Helens, Stapleford |
VE Day themed Sunday services |
|
5 - 10 May 2025 |
|
The Carnegie Centre, Stapleford |
The Carnegie Centre will open again for its weeklong commemorative display, including the History of the Fallen banner flags and plaques, films and montage pieces from the war years, a 1940s car in the car park (8th May only). Additional contributors from the History Society, Dig In and local schools. |
|
8 May 2025 |
8.00am |
Kimberley War Memorial |
Proclamation |
|
8 May 2025 |
9.00am - Raising of the Flag. 9.30pm - Lighting of the Peace Lamp |
Trowell Parish Hall, at the side of the war memorial |
National Guidance Observance |
|
8 May 2025 |
9.00am |
'W' Garden, Kimberley |
Flag Raising |
|
8 May 2025 |
9.00am |
Walter Parker Square, Stapleford |
Flag Raising |
|
8 May 2025 |
11.00am |
Eastwood Square, outside the library |
Commemoration |
|
8 May 2025 |
6.30pm |
St Helens, Stapleford |
Bell Sounding Celebration The combined churches inc. St Helens, will sound their bells in celebration. |
|
8 May 2025 |
8.30pm |
Chapel on the Hill, Kimberley |
Beacon Lighting Ceremony |
|
8 May 2025 |
9.30pm |
Old Mill Club, Mill Lane, Stapleford |
Beacon Lighting Ceremony The beacon lighting ceremony will take place at the Old Mill Club on Mill Lane, where the community may gather for the traditional lighting of the beacon. A former military person from the Stapleford Combined Services will read the official proclamation before another SCS member lights the beacon. Finishing with a bagpiper. Everyone is invited to the Little Chippy afterwards for complimentary fish and chip supper funded by Stapleford Town Council in fitting with food available during the war. |
|
10 May 2025 |
7.00pm - 9.30pm |
St. Mary's Church, Eastwod, NG16 3BS |
Eastwood VE/VJ Musical Commemorative Event Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eastwood-vevj-musical-commemorative-event-tickets-1270593311799 |
More events will be added and if you are organising your own event, get in touch with civic@broxtowe.gov.uk to share details with us or list it on our online events calendar.
Activities for Schools & Families
- VE Day Celebration Pack: Download Broxtowe Borough Council’s Celebration Pack, filled with ideas to help schools and families honour this occasion.
- VE Day 80 Street & Home Garden Parties: Even though VE Day is not a public holiday, we encourage everyone to come together by hosting a street or garden party. Decorate your space with flags and bunting, dress up in costumes, share food with neighbours, and enjoy music from the era.
- Create Union Jack Flags: A fun activity for students to learn about the national flag and its significance during WWII.
- Fish, Chips & Mushy Peas Lunch: Take part in the national tradition of enjoying this classic meal, paying tribute to the fishermen who braved the seas and the farmers who kept the nation fed during the war.
- Share Your Family’s WWII Stories & Photos: Encourage students to bring in old family photos or memories from the WWII era. Display them in schools, libraries, or on social media using #BroxtoweVEDay80 to connect with others.
- Tip Top Towns: The public are invited to share their pictures of activity on the government’s VE and VJ Day webpage and across social media using the #VE80 hashtag, with VE Day certificates available to all who participate.
VE Day Evening Commemorations Suggestions
- VE Day Beacon Lighting Ceremony
8th May 2025, 9:30 PM
Schools and community groups are encouraged to take part in the International Tribute, lighting beacons to symbolise the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the darkness of war. - Ringing Out for Peace
8th May 2025, 6:30 PM
Join churches across the country in a unifying moment as bells ring out to mark the 80th anniversary. - VE Day 80 Lamp Light of Peace
8th May 2025, 9:15 PM
Schools and households can take part by lighting a lamp to reflect on the sacrifices of the past and our hopes for the future. Lamps can be ordered at www.lamplightofpeace.co.uk.