VE and VJ Day Commemoration

This year marks the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day – Victory in Europe and Victory in Japan.

Victory in Europe (VE Day), which takes place on 8 May, marks the Allied victory in Europe.
The war in the Far East did not end until 15 August 1945 with VJ Day (Victory Over Japan).

The government have issued information on proposed celebrations for both events, which can be accessed here. Cenotaph draped in Union Flags, Westminster Abbey service, concert and Flypast among plans unveiled to mark VE Day 80 - GOV.UK

There will for VE day be events across the week starting Monday 5th May, the 4 days of celebrations are intended to replicate the four days of commemorations, in 1920 on the unveiling of the Cenotaph as the monument to the fallen.

In the Government document it is stated that there is a hope for:

"Street parties, barbecues and community get togethers, supported by ideas and inspiration from The Together Coalition and The Big Lunch, will be held by communities across the country, echoing the celebrations 80 years ago as the population welcomed the end of the war."

Of note to venues looking to become involved in street parties and events a notification has been made to local authorities to encourage and to promote street parties and community get-togethers on Monday 5 May. The National Lottery Community Fund will be making their ‘Awards for All’ programme available to organisations to bid for grants to support communities coming together for these commemorative events.

There is less detail as to VJ day but this will be on Friday 15 August a service will take place at the National Memorial Arboretum.

A dedicated interactive website has been launched with latest information and ways to get involved. ve-vjday80.gov.uk

Don’t forget that depending on what you look organise to celebrate the event you may need to serve a Temporary Event Notice or make application for a street trading/closure notice.