From tomorrow (Saturday 3 May) to Sunday 11 May, Wolverhampton will come alive with grassroots community events marking VE Day 80.
The City of Wolverhampton Council has made £20,000 available in grants from the Safer Prosperity Fund, enabling communities to mark this historic occasion in style.
Residents will be holding street parties and joining together in parks, community centres, places of worship – even allotments.
VE Day, celebrated annually on 8 May, commemorates the day in 1945 when Nazi Germany officially surrendered to the Allied forces, ending nearly 6 years of brutal conflict in Europe. The 80th anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals and the enduring spirit of unity and resilience that characterised the Allied victory.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Digital and Community, said: “VE Day is a time for us to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the peace and prosperity that their bravery has afforded us.
“As we mark this 80th anniversary, let us honour their legacy by fostering a community spirit of unity and remembrance.”
In addition to community based celebrations, the council will be hosting several special events:
The City of Wolverhampton Central Branch of the Royal British Legion will be holding a service of remembrance at the Cenotaph, St Peter’s Square, on Thursday 8 May.
Coffee morning at Central Library at 10.30am on Thursday 8 May. Staff will dress in red, white, and blue, and there will be a green screen and sing along with school children in Central Library. The young poet laureate and primary poet champion have been commissioned to write a poem to be read at the event and shared widely on social media.
VE Family Celebration Event at Bantock Park on Monday 5 May, from 11am to 3pm – a themed event with bunting, 40s singers, The Bluebird Belles, and craft activities.
Wolverhampton Art Gallery will be displaying artwork from their collection for the 80th commemoration of VE Day. The featured artwork is by Edward Bawden, titled “Ravenna: Tired Tanks parked in the Viale Farini, 1944.”
Councillor Ahmed added: “We’re inviting all residents to participate in these events and join in commemorating this historic occasion. Together, we can ensure that the legacy of VE Day continues to inspire future generations.”
Additionally, veterans will be attending a wide range of events including The Black Soldiers Story Untold, highlighting the often overlooked contributions of Black soldiers during VE/VJ Day and providing a platform to celebrate their courage, Vaisakhi at West Park will be honouring Sikh war veterans at Vaisakhi, Veterans in the Community will come together for a buffet, music, quiz and raffle, Bilston Memory Café will be holding a celebration for people with dementia and local veterans, while the RAFA Club will be opening its doors to families, veterans and children alike to commemorate VE Day next Saturday 10 May.
National celebrations will be honouring the momentous announcement made by Prime Minister Winston Churchill at 3pm on 8 May, 1945, signalling the end of the Second World War in Europe after nearly 6 years of brutal conflict. 2025 will also mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day on 15 August, 1945, which signified the Allies’ defeat of Japan.
For more details of the national celebrations, visit the VE/VJ Day 80 website.