Preparations are being made in communities to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day and we want to help you share them.
The historic anniversary will be observed on Thursday 8 May with celebrations planned across the country from May Day Bank Holiday Monday on 5 May through to the weekend.
Civic Receptions will be hosted by the Mayor of Kirklees, Cllr Nosheen Dad, for invited representatives of local veterans’ organisations at Huddersfield and Dewsbury Town Halls during the day.
The Mayor of Kirklees Cllr Nosheen Dad said:
“This is significant milestone in our country’s history, and I encourage everyone to join one of the many VE Day 80th anniversary events.
“It is an important time to remember the soldiers who bravely took to the battlefields and the families who endured the hardships of war to ensure we have the freedoms we have today.
“It is fantastic to see there will be community events taking place throughout the week including a celebration at Oakwell Hall, a beacon lighting in Holmfirth, a Thanksgiving Service at Dewsbury Minster and parades in Cleckheaton and Marsden. I encourage our communities to celebrate together just like they did 80 years ago and pay tribute to those who gave so much.”
What is VE Day?
VE Day marks the surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied Forces and the end of hostilities in Europe in the Second World War. It is an opportunity to remember all those who died fighting for the freedoms we now experience and to thank all those who played their part supporting the nation to survive the war.
How will we be celebrating VE day?
We are encouraging residents to celebrate VE Day by publishing their events and activities on our VE Day 80 web page, where there is also information and historic memoirs.
A special VE80 flag will be raised at 9am at all four Kirklees Town Halls.
We will also be lighting Batley, Dewsbury and Huddersfield Town Halls, as well as Victoria Tower at Castle Hill red, white and blue to mark VE Day at 9.30pm