This year marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, and people are being urged to take to the streets to celebrate, with numerous events taking place across East Lancashire.
VE Day, Victory in Europe Day, falls on May 8 each year and is to celebrate the end of the Second World War in Europe and the day the Allies accepted Germany’s surrender in 1945.
There is currently plenty to celebrate, and people across the region are being urged to celebrate with street parties, concerts, services, and processions announced.
Blackburn with Darwen
In Blackburn with Darwen, a VE80 Fest is taking place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5, from 12pm to 8pm at Witton Country Park.
Entertainment will include performances from live bands and singers, fairground attractions, an inflatable assault course, vintage vehicles and afternoon teas.
In addition, traders and charity stalls and food vendors will be delivering a range of food options, and there will be public and military service displays.
The event aims to raise funds for the Royal British Legion, which supports armed forces veterans and their families in the community.
Burnley and Pendle
An event will be taking place at the Read and Simonstone Constitutional Club on Monday, May 5, and will run from 12pm to 5pm.
Supported by the Burnley and Padiham British Legion, the free-to-attend event will also feature a live singer and karaoke from 2pm in addition to a 1940s-themed day.
Military vehicles, craft stalls, face painting, a special lone piper performance, hot dogs, a pizza van, tea, scones with jam and cream and games such as splat the rat and hopscotch will also make up the day.
Those attending are encouraged to wear 1940s clothing.
Elsewhere in Pendle, Bolland Street in Barnoldswick and St Phillips Church of England School, Nelson, have both been granted applications for street parties.
Hyndburn
The Church and Oswaldtwistle British Legion will be joined by the East Lancashire Concert Band and other special guests to share a moment of celebration and an evening of entertainment.
Due to the popularity of the D-Day concert admissions will be strictly ticket only and can be purchased from Hilary Austin on churchoswaldtwistle.chairman@rbl.community or Sarah Barton on sarahhallworth@yahoo.co.uk
Additionally, Poplar Avenue and St Cecilia Street, both in Great Harwood, have been granted permissions for street parties.
Ribble Valley
In the Ribble Valley, communities have been encouraged to take up their offer of free road closures and £500 grants for parties next month.
Anniversary plans in the Ribble Valley include the borough council raising the official VE Day 80 flag at 9am.
The Mayor will hold a beacon lighting ceremony at Clitheroe Castle at 9.30pm, in coordination with others being lit nationwide, and read a tribute of remembrance.
There will also be music from Clitheroe Town Band, with the hymn I Vow to Thee My Country suggested, which will be sung by those in attendance along with other songs.
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Rossendale
In Rossendale, community groups could apply to the council for up to £250 to support their event, however, they did not receive any event applications for the day.
However, Whitworth Town Council has announced a series of events taking place over several days in May.
The main event will take place on May 11, with attendees treated to will be treated to performances from Whitworth Vale & Healey Brass Band, Rossendale Drum Majorettes, Whitworth’s u3a Ukulele Band, and Whitworth Community Choir.
In keeping with the 1940s theme, residents are encouraged to dress in period costumes, and local photographer Howard Wilkinson will be on hand to capture the festivities.
Tickets are priced at £6 and can be purchased from the town council.
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