Residents across Shropshire are invited to join in with local celebrations and festivities, including picnics and street parties, as Shropshire Council leads the way in commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day on the May bank holiday.
Local communities can join the nationwide Great British Food Festival on Monday 5 May by holding street parties, cooking up a BBQ or fry up with their neighbours, hosting a curry night, or by organising a Big Lunch extravaganza.
The Great British Food Festival will bring together residents, armed forces, veterans, and visitors to celebrate the county’s rich culinary and cultural history, whilst also honouring the sacrifices and triumphs of the nation’s veterans during the Second World War.
Andy Begley, Shropshire Council’s chief executive, said:
“Whether it’s a street or garden party, or a BBQ in the local park, we’re inviting everyone to come together in Shropshire for the Great British Food Festival for a day of fun, food, and to honour the veterans who ensured we could live peacefully today.
“VE Day is a significant occasion for our nation and the 80th anniversary gives us a unique opportunity to bring all of our residents together to reflect on, and to celebrate our shared history.
“We will be proudly flying the VE Day Flag outside the main council offices at The Guildhall in Shrewsbury.”
VE Day is a day of remembrance that commemorates Germany’s surrender to the Allies, marking the end of World War II. Just as Britain came together in 1945, everyone can get involved with local events including:
- Shrewsbury – The Quarry Park on Thursday 8 May from 8pm.
- Shrewsbury Abbey – 31 May VE Day Celebration Concert.
- Oswestry – Cae Glas Park on Saturday 10 May from 12 to 4pm.
- Bridgnorth – Bridgnorth Castle Grounds on Thursday 8 May and will run from 7.30pm to 10pm.
- Ludlow – VE Day Service at Ludlow Peace Memorial by the Market Square at 11am on Thursday 8 May.
- Market Drayton – on 8 May the VE Day flag will be raised at the Town Hall at 9am. At 6.30pm, St Mary’s Church’s bells will ring loud before the ‘lighting of the beacon’ at the church at 9.30pm. A day later, on 9 May, the Royal British Legion in Market Drayton will hold a special lunch for 80 people over the age of 80.
For the latest updates, people can follow Shropshire Council on Facebook and X and join the conversation using #VE80.
Jon Knight, the Together Coalition’s chief executive officer, added:
“VE Day is perhaps the most formative single moment in shaping the collective image we have of ourselves as people and as nations. That is why we’re encouraging all communities to come together and celebrate our shared history.”
