The Worcester community will come together next week to honour the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day — the historic moment in 1945 that signalled the end of the Second World War in Europe.
A full day of commemorative events is planned on Thursday 8 May – 80 years to the day since VE Day itself – culminating in a community celebration and beacon lighting ceremony at Fort Royal Park.
Proceedings will begin at 9am with a flag-raising ceremony in Cathedral Square.
At 11am, the front of the Guildhall will come alive with a street party-themed performance by school pupils from Tudor Grange Academy Worcester and Tudor Grange Primary Academy Perdiswell.
In the evening, the festivities will move to Fort Royal Park for a party in the park, kicking off at 6.30pm.
Residents are encouraged to bring a picnic and soak up the celebratory atmosphere.
Entertainment will include live music from The Orchard and ukulele bands, along with a dance performance and interactive workshop hosted by Cool Moves — a chance for all ages to learn some classic steps.
The evening will conclude with a moving ceremony beginning at 9pm, including a Drumhead service, wreath-laying, and commemorative speeches.
At 9.30pm, a ceremonial beacon will be lit, bringing the day to a close.
Beatrice Grant, Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, said: “On this solemn and significant anniversary, we pause to remember the tremendous courage shown by men and women of Worcestershire and across the United Kingdom.
“We honour those who fought on the front lines, those who kept the home fires burning and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The legacy of service, resilience, and unity remains a powerful inspiration to us all.
“VE Day 80 is not only a time to look back but also a chance to pass on stories of service and sacrifice to the next generation, ensuring the lessons of the past continue to shape a more peaceful future.”
Colonel Stamford Cartwright MBE, Chair of The Queen's own Warwickshire and Worcestershire Yeomanry Comrades Association, said: “VE Day 80 will be a national celebration to remember and pay tribute to the generation that fought and lived through the Second World War.
“VE Day on 8 May 1945 marked the end of the War in Europe with the unconditional surrender of Germany – VJ Day, victory over Japan would be a further three months away.
“By that date, in May, the three services, The Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force had been fighting for almost six years and, on the home front, families had lived through the bombing during the Blitz, rationing and the worries of children being evacuated to safer places.
“We shall gather in May to remember those who fought and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in the pursuit of freedom and the goal of peace and a better life for all.”
The VE Day anniversary will be followed by another significant milestone — a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on Friday, 15 August, marking the final chapter of the Second World War.
In Worcester there will be an event held at Gheluvelt Park to commemorate VJ Day.
