Victory in Europe (VE) Day, celebrated on May 8th, marks the end of World War II in Europe, bringing an end to nearly six years of conflict in Europe. VE Day is a time for reflection and gratitude, honouring the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought for freedom and peace.
This year celebrations will take place over the three days leading up to May 8th, coinciding with the May Day Bank Holiday. A national programme of events includes a military procession and flypast on Monday 4 May, and a remembrance service at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 8 May with local events taking place in communities throughout the Stroud district.
Here are some of the ways you can get involved in celebrating VE Day:
Find out about events taking place in your community -
- Berkeley Castle: Live performances from the D-Day Darlings and WW2 re-enactors including Winston Churchill strolling through the grounds. Sunday 4 and Monday 5 May 11am – 5pm. Find out more and book tickets: Celebrate VE80 - Berkeley Castle Events
- Uley: VE Day celebration, fun sports day and village fete on the Uley Pavilion and playing field. Monday 5 May, 12 noon start.
- Stonehouse: The VE Day flag will be raised, a VE Day wreath laid at the war memorial and proclamation read by the Town Mayor at 9am; at 9.30pm a VE Day beacon will be lit. Stonehouse Memorial Green, Thursday 8 May. See Stonehouse & District Branch Royal British Legion Facebook page for more details. Facebook
- Dursley: VE Day celebrations including live music, drill parades by Air Cadets and Army Cadets, and fish & chips in Dursley Market Place. Thursday 8 May 6.30pm – 9.45pm. See Dursley & Cam Royal British Legion Facebook page for more details: Facebook
- Chalford: VE Day celebrations including performances by Chalford & Bussage Schools, wartime stories, Chalford Band, lighting a beacon of peace and a performance by Phillipa Lay soprano. Thursday 8 May, 7.30pm at Chalford Sports & Social Club.
- King's Stanley: Celebrations start at 9am with the reading of the VE Day proclamation outside the King's Stanley Sports Club, reading the official tribute at the war memorial, complementary tea and cake in the sports club coffee shop; then lighting the beacon at 9.30pm. More details from www.kingsstanleyparishcouncil.gov.uk
- Ebley, Stroud: Traditional tea party, mini 1940s style concert and refreshments at Scarlet House care home. Thursday 8 May. More details from: VE Day celebration - free event at Scarlet House | Care UK
- Painswick: Painswick Remembers coffee morning. Friday 9 May 10am-12 noon at Painswick Town Hall.
Further details and more events can be found on the VE Day website: VE Day 80 - Join the party in a shared moment of celebration!
Bake the official WI VE Day orange and ginger cake - Created by Great British Bake Off 2014 winner Nancy Birtwhistle using a traditional method which would have been used by women in WWII Celebration+Cake+page+v05.pdf
Organise a street party - Why not share your orange and ginger cake with your neighbours at a street party? Follow the guidance to help organise a party here Your guide to organising a street party - GOV.UK
Stock up on VE Day merchandise including bunting, paper cups, flags and clothing at Shop - VE Day 80
Learn about local history - Stroud's The Museum in the Park is showcasing a two-part collections display to commemorate the anniversary of the end of World War Two. Stroud’s War: Victory, Service and Friendship will be in the foyer, while Stroud’s War: The Civil Defence of Area Eight will tell the story of Stroud on the Home Front, on display in the Collectors’ Room. From 29 April to 31 August.
Upload a V for Victory selfie - Send a photo of yourself making a victory sign to become part of a national #VEHAPPY digital mosaic placed over an iconic image of Winston Churchill. Find out more at VEHAPPY - VE Day 80
Share your Second World War history - Letters to Loved Ones is a project that invites people to share Second World War stories, family histories and messages of remembrance on social media. More details available here: Letters to Loved Ones – VE Day and VJ Day 80
Visit your local war memorial - Pay tribute to those that served by visiting a war memorial in your community. You can use the Imperial War Museum’s register to learn more about your local war memorial War Memorials Register | Imperial War Museums
Stroud District Council is responsible for the upkeep of the war memorial in Stroud’s Park Gardens and arranged for its renovation in 2024. Park Gardens, which is maintained by Stroud Town Council was given to the town by Sidney B Park in memory of his son, Herbert Sidney Park who was killed in the First World War.
Learn more about VE Day - The Royal British Legion has produced resources to support people to learn about how, why and how we remember. Find more details here: Resources to help you mark VE and VJ Day
Light a lamp light of peace for the animals that served - Animal lovers are encouraged to light a lamp at 9.30pm on 8 May in memory of the millions of animals that were taken from family homes and farms to aid the Second World War. Find more details here: Animals+that+served+v04.pdf
Grow your own - Schools can learn about history, healthy eating and gardening by creating a giant `V for Victory’ out of fruit and veg – either as a physical model, artwork or digital collage. Register your school at https://ve80.com/victoryveg/
Find out about local support for veterans and the armed forces community - Stroud District Council is dedicated to strengthening ties with the armed forces community and has established an Armed Forces Champion group which meets with local veterans’ organisations. The council guarantees face-to-face interviews to discuss housing options, homelessness and council tenancy issues. Additionally, our leisure service Active Lifestyles Stroud District offers 20% off activities and memberships at both Dursley and Stroud centres with a military or veterans ID card. There’s more information including details of local veterans’ groups at: Support for veterans and members of the armed forces
Find out more information about VE Day on the official website - VE Day 80 - Join the party in a shared moment of celebration!
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