Celebrations are taking place across the city and surrounding areas
Royalty free stock photo of Union Jack flags bunting in local street party.See
The 80th anniversary of VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, takes place on Thursday, May 8, marking eight decades since the end of the Second World War in Europe (May 8, 1945).
The day commemorates the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied Forces.
This year, to mark such an occasion, the nation will be embarking on celebrations ranging from live music concerts, fly-pasts, beacon lighting, street parties and other events.
Remembrance services and exhibitions are also taking place, telling the important stories of local communities and its people – those who fought and died during the war.
Here in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset, there’s an abundance of things to do.
While the anniversary itself takes place on Thursday, the weekends either side of it – including this Bank Holiday weekend – boast a lot to get stuck into.
Here’s a list of events we know about so far…
Bank Holiday Weekend (May 4 & 5)
Aerospace – Spirit of ’45
This May Bank Holiday weekend, Aerospace Bristol is hosting a step back in time to the year 1945, where visitors will be able to soak up the street party atmosphere in celebration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
The museum promises a weekend packed with ‘fun, fascinating history, and lively activities for all ages’.
Some of the activities on offer include being among the first to enter a real WWII air raid shelter in the new Filton Blitz Experience, see the WWII Bolingbroke bomber restored by volunteers, enjoy a cream tea out in a street party setting, and a Bank Holiday Monday barbeque.
There will also be games and activities for children across the weekend.
Meanwhile, on Sunday (May 4) the Filton Concert Brass band will perform 1940s classics from 10.30am to 1.30pm.
On Monday (May 5) visitors can take part in a Lindy Hop dance class, say hello to Winston Churchill as he roams the museum, and dress up in your best 1940s attire, with prizes for the best outfits.
Find out more and book your tickets here.
Kingswood Heritage Museum – Guided Tour and Cream Tea VE Day 80 Celebration
On Monday (May 5) step back in time with a guided tour led by an expert curator at the museum, who will take you through the fascinating WWII exhibits to be found here.
You’ll be able to hear stories of the local community during wartime, explore an authentic air raid shelter, as well as wartime artefacts and displays that bring the 1940s to life.
After the tour, you’ll be able to relax in the charming Windmill Cafe and enjoy a traditional cream tea, all included in your ticket. Find out more and book your tickets here.
Berkeley Castle VE Day event
Berkeley Castle will be hosting a weekend of events to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
From live performances from members of the D-Day Darlings, as seen on Britain’s Got Talent, to a Winston Churchill impersonator, a WW2 Field Kitchen, and more.
Find out what’s on and book your tickets here.
Flying the Union flag on Armed Forces Day 2017(Image: Paul Slater)May 6
‘Citizens of Bristol at War’ at Portishead Library
Portishead Library will host an author and film event on Tuesday, May 6, from 11am until noon, with Clive Burton, a social historian. While a free event, you’ll still need to book a ticket here.
May 8
(Beacons will be lit across the city on this day – so check your local information if you can’t see your beacon featured in the list below)
Long Ashton Royal British Legion at Peel Park
The Long Ashton Royal British Legion is hosting an event at Peel Park at 6pm on Thursday, May 8.
There will be performances by the Church Choir, the Bristol Close Harmony Group, The Polka Dot Peaches, and hot food and a licensed bar.
Plus there will be prizes for the best Demob Suit and Vera Lynn impersonation.
The village beacon will be lit at 9.30pm as part of the National Chain of Beacons.
Find out more here.
Yate Beacon Lighting Event
Yate Town Council are hosting a beacon lighting event to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
The event will take place at Tyler’s Field, and will include musical performances from the D-Day Dollies, Bristol Military Wives Choir, the 1st Yate Boys Brigade marching band, and the Wiltshire Piper, and a short service before the beacon is lit at 9.15pm.
There will be food vendors on site, and attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, chairs and torches.
Chipping Sodbury Beacon Lighting
Chipping Sodbury Town Trust will be lighting the beacon in Chipping Sodbury at 9.30pm (when beacons across the UK will also be lit to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day). According to the official VE Day events page, this will take place on Wickwar Road (BS37 6GA).
Siston Beacon Lighting, with fish & chips, live music and more
Residents are invited to join Siston Parish Council for an 80th anniversary of VE Day celebration.
From 6.30pm you’ll be able to enjoy a picnic of fish and chips, with live music from contemporary musician Robbie Culley beginning at 7.30pm.
Then, at 8.45pm, Rev. Rosemary will host a service with music from the Songsmith Quarter. And, at 9.30pm, the beacon will be lit.
You’re welcome to wear costumes from the era and wave flags in celebration. The Beacon is located on Siston Hill, BS30 5LT.
War Memorial/Union flag
Esteemed OAP luncheon and community evening celebration in Cadbury Heath
The Coronation Centre in Cadbury Heath is inviting all ‘esteemed OAPs’ to a special luncheon in honour of the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
The afternoon will also include camaraderie, remembrance, stories and, of course, a delicious lunch.
Later in the day (from 6-10pm) the Centre will open its doors to the rest of the community, with music and a 1940s fancy dress theme. Find out more here.
Nailsea raising the flag and exhibition
Nailsea Town Council will be holding a raising the flag event from 9am on the village green, and supporting Holy Trinity Church with the lighting of the town beacon in the evening.
There’ll also be a special VE Day 80 exhibition at 65 High Street and the Council would love to hear from you if you have photos, memorabilia or memories of how VE Day was marked 80 years ago in Nailsea.
Clevedon Pier
Clevedon Pier is hosting a special talk by The Lady Time Traveller about the roles of women in the Second World War, from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
They’ll also have a fish and chip evening that night, and a VE Day Big Band Concert will be held at Clevedon Community Centre and the Princes Hall from 7.30pm – buy your concert tickets here.
May 9
Bristol Dementia Action Alliance VE Day Celebration at Ambition House (BS11 0PZ)
From 1.30-3.30pm there will be an afternoon of celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Afternoon tea will be provided and there will be plenty of musical entertainment.
Book your tickets here.
Classic street party scenes – the road blocked off with chairs and a Union Flag, and bunting right across the road on Woodbridge Road(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)May 10
Keynsham Bandstand Performance with 1940s Swing Band
Keynsham Town Council will be hosting a special VE Day bandstand performance in Memorial Park from 2-4pm.
Thornbury Swing Band will be playing classics from the 1940s and memories of VE Day will be shared.
Residents are invited to bring family, friends and a picnic to enjoy what promises to be a special afternoon of live music and remembrance.
Weston-super-Mare VE Concert
This VE inspired concert will be performed by the popular WorleWind band and will feature a host of big band, wartime and patriotic tunes. It will take place at Uphill Road South, BS23 4SD) – find out more here.
Clifton VE Day celebrations
There will be free vintage bus rides running through the day between 10.30am and 4pm, taking you on a nostalgic bus ride through the village.
Then, in the Library Courtyard, events are as follows:
- 11am – Wartime songs
- 12pm – Wartime diologue
- 12.50pm – A theatrical performance titled ‘Evacuation’
- 1.30pm – A musical performance from Clifton High School
On Princess Victoria Street at 12.15pm, there will be a theatrical performance titled ‘Rationing Woes’, while at The Mall Gardens, there will be a musical performance from the D-Day Dollies at 12.30pm.
The British Royal Legion will be in attendance with special VE Day lapel pins available.
May 11
Clifton VE Day celebrations
More vintage bus rides will take place in Clifton on this day, beginning from 10.30am.
There will then be an open day at The Clifton Club, one of Clifton’s most historic venues. From 10am to 8pm, you’ll be able to embark on guided tours of the 200-year-old club, enjoy Sunday lunch, and drinks in the elegant bar overlooking The Mall Gardens.
Meanwhile, there will be a number of live performances throughout the day, including:
- 12pm – Library Courtyard – Wartime songs
- 1pm – Mall Gardens – Wartime Songs
- 2pm – Victoria Square – Dance in the Park
Special Evensong Service to Mark VE Day
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Peaches Golding OBE CStJ invites guests to Bristol Cathedral for a special Evensong service to be held at 3.30pm to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day).
It will be a gathering to honour and remember the sacrifices made during World War II by people across the Nations and Commonwealth. People of all faiths and none, are welcome to attend. Find out more and book tickets here.