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VE Day 80

What is VE Day?VE Day Logo

Victory in Europe (VE) Day, 8 May 1945, celebrates the German surrender during the Second World War. Millions of people rejoiced in the news that Nazi Germany had surrendered.

However, it was not the end of the conflict, the war against Japan did not end until August 1945, and the impact of the Second World War was felt long after Germany and Japan surrendered.

How was VE Day celebrated?

The announcement that the war had ended in Europe was broadcast to the British people over the radio on 7 May 1945. The BBC interrupted its scheduled programming with a news flash announcing that VE Day would be a national holiday. Newspapers ran the headlines as soon as they could, and special editions were printed to carry the long-awaited announcement.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill gained assurances from the Ministry of Food on the morning of 8 May 1945 that there would be enough supplies for celebrations and the Board of Trade announced that people could purchase red, white and blue bunting without using ration coupons.

Tuesday 8 May 1945 was an emotional day that millions of people had been waiting for. Many people were extremely happy that the fighting in Europe had stopped and there were big celebrations. Various events were organised to mark the occasion, including parades, thanksgiving services and street parties as communities came together to share in this historic moment.

However, not everyone celebrated VE Day. For those who had lost loved ones in the conflict, it was a time to reflect. Amidst the street parties and rejoicing, many people mourned the death of friends and relatives, or worried about those that were still serving overseas. 

On 8 May 2025, we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, our nation will unite to celebrate 80 years of peace since the end of World War II in Europe. VE Day 80 is not only a tribute to those who fought for freedom but also a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that have defined our country ever since.

Ashford Remembers: VE Day 80

On 8th May 2025, residents across Ashford came together to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The day began with a brief commemorative service at the Civic Centre, where the VE Day flag was raised, and the VE Day Proclamation was read by the Mayor of Ashford. Later, in Civic Park, the Civic Memorial Beacon was lit, followed by the Mayor's reading of the VE Day 80 Tribute. The event also featured a heartfelt rendition of I Vow to Thee, My Country, alongside the playing of Winston Churchill's VE Day address to the nation from 1945.

Below is a short film capturing Ashford’s VE Day celebrations. We hope the spirit of unity, peace, and community shared on this special day will continue to resonate with all who took part. 

 

Digital photo exhibition

We asked people to submit their photos for an 'Ashford in the Second World War' photographic exhibition. This has been turned into the online project you can view above.

The exhibition gives an insight into what life was like in Ashford in the Second World War including national and local photographs of Ashford's 1945 VE Day celebrations. 

Thank you to the following individuals and organisations that supplied images and information to enable us to put together this exhibition:

 

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