Councils throughout the UK are to take the lead in local celebrations marking the 75th Anniversary of the end of the war in EUROPE on the 8th May 2020 in a very simple, but meaningful way.

After many years of fighting, the end of hostilities were officially announced on the 8th May 1945 by Prime Minister Winston Churchill, from the Cabinet Office, 10 Downing Street, London, that date has since become enshrined in history as VE Day. (VJ Day will be commemorated on 15th August 2020).

VE Day 75, over the VE Day Weekend of 8th – 10th May 2020, will be an international celebration of peace – a time to remember, reflect and pay tribute to the millions at home and abroad who played such a vital part in achieving it. This includes the Armed Forces personnel from many countries who gave their lives or were physically and mentally injured; the hard-working women and men who kept the factories, mines, shipyards and farms operating throughout the years of turmoil; the ARP wardens, police officers, doctors, nurses, firemen, local defence volunteers and many others safeguarded the home front.

SSAFA the Armed Forces Charity – which has been supporting service personnel, veterans and their families since 1885 – is the charity partner for this series of VE Day 75 commemorative events.

For the VE75 celebrations there will be a community art and crafts project, the details of which will follow shortly.

If you are interested in any of the events or would like to be part of this project please contact David Brooks, email: davidbrooks@thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

The events we are going to be running in the town are listed below: