Worcester will be hosting a day of activities later this year to mark 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
The city will come together on Thursday 8 May to reflect on the sacrifices of the wartime generation and celebrate the peace that followed.
VE Day, the official end of the Second World War in Europe in 1945, will be commemorated with a day of events culminating with a community gathering and beacon lighting at Fort Royal Park.
The events will start at 9am with a flag-raising ceremony at Cathedral Square, followed by a street party performance on the Guildhall frontage starting at 11am.
The community will then gather at Fort Royal Park for a Street Party In The Park event, which will run from 6.30pm. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy the evening’s festivities.
Musical performances will be provided by The Orchard Band and a ukulele group.
Cool Moves will be hosting a dance performance and workshop, inviting people of all ages to join in and learn some classic dance moves.
The evening will culminate in a poignant ceremony, starting at 9pm with a Drumhead service, followed by the laying of wreaths and speeches.
A beacon will be lit at 9.30pm to conclude the event.
Councillor Pat Agar, Worcester City Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “Make a note in your diary and join us for a day of celebration to mark VE Day.
“Last year we had a fantastic evening at Fort Royal Park to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and we’re looking forward to another commemorative event in May.
“This is an opportunity for the community to come together, reflect on the sacrifices made during the Second World War, and honour those who fought for our freedom.”
The VE Day event will be followed by another commemoration on Friday, 15 August, marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Japan (VJ) Day.
VJ Day marked the surrender of Imperial Japan and the official end of the Second World War.
