Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of VE Day

Residents are invited to join the Mayor of Bury in a service of commemoration and remembrance at Bury Parish Church on the evening of VE Day, Thursday 8 May.

The service marks the 80^thAnniversary of VE Day.

This year is the end of the Second World War with commemorations taking place for VE Day (Victory in Europe) and VJ Day (Victory over Japan).

The service will begin with the ringing of the church bells and include the VE Day proclamation, lighting of a candle of peace and memories of Bury from 1945. Please be seated by 6.15pm

Everybody is welcome to attend.

The service is part of the borough’s commemorations of the end of the war – keep checking our website for the latest information - https://www.bury.gov.uk/local-leisure-events/ve-day-80th-anniversary-celebrations

If you are marking the occasion let us know and we’ll add it to the website: armedforces@bury.gov.uk

How is your community celebrating the 80^thanniversary of VE Day?

If your community, neighbourhood, group or organisation are planning a public celebration you can also share your activity on the national website: Tip Top Towns – VE Day and VJ Day 80

It can include anything from making your own VE Day 80 bunting to joining a local community group to plant flowers in communal gardens, crocheting bonnets for post boxes, encouraging children to draw pictures for their windows to hosting arts and craft sessions or themed 1940s activities.

Local events

Local events taking place include:

• Radcliffe British Legion Black tie dinner dance on Saturday 10 May at 6.45pm.
• VE Day celebration at Broughton House care home for veterans on 10 May at 2-4pm.
• Age UK will hold celebrations in the Jubilee Centre on Thursday 8 May.
• VE Day Bunting Workshop, Saturday 3^rd May 2025, 2:00-3:30pm , Bury Art Museum

• VE Day reading materials available through Borrowbox
• Archive material about how Bury celebrated VE Day

• Display of Second World War materials at Bury Art Museum

National events

VE Day marks the Allied victory in Europe and the news resulted in millions celebrating the end of the war, with street parties, dancing and singing across the country.

The war in the Far East did not end until 15 August 1945 with VJ Day.

It marked the end of the Second World War which had begun with the German invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939.

National commemorations will start on Bank Holiday Monday 5 May which will see the Cenotaph dressed in Union flags, a military procession and a flypast in London.

• Ceremony on HMS Belfast will start community celebrations
• 8 May will see a service of remembrance and thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey followed by a concert
• Service planned to mark VJ Day and the end of the war in the Far East in August

“This year’s VE Day marks a poignant moment as we reach 80 years since the end of the Second World War,” said Councillor Sandra Walmsley, Cabinet Member for Communities and Inclusion.

“Bury has a proud military history with the Lancashire Fusiliers who took part in many battles in Europe, North Africa and the Far East during the war.

“The service and sacrifice of many people from across the borough both abroad and on the home front, must never be forgotten as we come together to commemorate this important anniversary.

Further information about commemorations for VJ day will follow later in the year.