This year marks 80 years since the Second World War came to an end in Europe. The long anticipated news resulted in millions celebrating the end of the war, with street parties, dancing and singing across the country. The war in the Far East did not end until 15th August 1945, when Japan surrendered, which was celebrated across the world as ‘Victory over Japan’ (VJ Day), the end of the Second World War.
The Second World War touched every aspect of life and had a devastating impact on those who experienced it, and for the generations after. From the sailors, soldiers and aviators who fought, to children who were evacuated, and all those who stepped into essential roles on the home front, we owe our freedoms of today to the Second World War generation who 80 years ago paid the ultimate sacrifice in giving generations lasting peace.
National Commemorations
- The government is organising a series of national commemoration events, including:
- A military procession and flypast in London on the May Bank Holiday (Monday, 5th May).
- A service of remembrance and thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, followed by a concert on Thursday, 8th May.
- A service at the National Memorial Arboretum on Friday, 15th August, led by the Royal British Legion, to commemorate VJ Day.
- The government encourages community participation through street parties, BBQs, and local gatherings.
- Resources and information are available on the official website: www.ve-vjday80.gov.uk including educational materials and an event map.
Local Community Support
To support local celebrations, Derbyshire Dales District Council is providing "one-off" grants to town and parish councils:
- £500 for town councils
- £250 for parish councils
These grants aim to assist with events like street parties, lunches, beacon lightings, fetes, cultural performances, and permanent commemorations. The Town and Parish Council can use the grant to support a single event or a series of events at their discretion. The relevant town and parish council can also allocate the funding in whole or part, to support the activities of other local groups who may be planning an event, provided the event is clearly linked to VE Day or VJ Day commemorations.
