VE Day 80th anniversary: Events & street parties planned to mark victory in Europe

It has been 80 years since the end of World War Two (WW2) in Europe and celebrations are being encouraged across the nation.

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VE Day falls on Thursday, May 8, but people are being encouraged to celebrate on Bank Holiday Monday (May 5), which falls a few days before.

In Sheffield, a range of celebrations will be taking place between April and August, which is the 80th anniversary of WW2 ending across the globe.

The Council’s Library and Archives Service will be hosting a series of Wednesday evening talks and an exhibition in Central Library between May and August.

Sheffield Cathedral will also be involved in a coordinated ringing of bells at 6.30pm on Thursday, May 8, along with cathedrals around England.

Councillor Kurtis Crossland, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “The 80th anniversary of VE Day gives local communities across Sheffield the chance to come together and remember the sacrifices made during WW2.

“It’s important we continue to honour those who served in the war and their bravery.

“I am delighted Sheffield’s library services will be hosting a range of events to mark this significant year in history and encourage everyone to get involved with the events, or even to host your own party or celebration over the Bank Holiday Weekend.”

Sheffield libraries:

On May 6, Chapeltown Library will be hosting a talk on WW2 in Ecclesfield Parish, with local historian Josh Daniels. For more information, contact the library directly at [email protected] or call 0114 203 7000

One of the talks, hosted by Central Library, will be led by Dr Tim Cockrell, freelance archaeologist and academic who has taught archaeology at the Workers Educational Association and the University of Sheffield.

He will be talking about Redmires Prisoner of War camp, which was initially set up during WW1 as a training camp for the Sheffield City Battalion.

In WW2 it became the largest prisoner-of-war camp in Britain, holding more than 11,000 inmates at its peak in 1944.

In June, author Luke Turner will be discussing his book Men of War, marking both Pride month and the 80th anniversary of the end of World War 2.

Find out more about Sheffield Libraries events on Eventbrite.

Street parties

National celebrations are being encouraged in the form of street parties on the 5 May Bank Holiday.

Organising a street party just for residents and neighbours is very simple and does not usually need a licence.

Sheffield residents would need to do the following to organise a street party:

• Fill in a street party road closure application form

• Let all residents know in the closed off area what you plan to do – this must be done before the Council’s Highways Team can process your application (a template letter is included on the application form)

• If you are planning to sell alcohol at the event, you will need to apply for a Temporary Event Notice

• If you are planning live music, please contact our Licensing Team to discuss whether a license is needed. Email [email protected] or call 0114 273 4264

• Send your letter to affected residents and your application form by 21 April

• Email your application form to [email protected]

Moor Market:

Sheffield’s Moor Market will also be hosting an Amazing Afternoon Cabaret with Gary and Lorrie, a special event celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

This will take place on Thursday, 1 May, from 2pm to 3pm.

This free event invites visitors to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment, including live performances of wartime classics and nostalgic music from Groovy Gazza Productions with support from Lil Me Entertainment.

Attendees can also take part in bingo, enjoy a cup of tea and cake and connect with others in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

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