The Mayor of Solihull ahead of the VE Day 80 event at Elmdon Park on Thursday 8 May 2025.
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day and to honour those who fought during the Second World War, the Mayor of Solihull will be lighting the beacon at Elmdon Park on Thursday 8 May. There are also many other commemorative events taking place in different corners of Solihull.
The beacon lighting ceremony will begin after 9pm and includes poetry readings in the park beside Elmdon Church.
The beacon at Elmdon will be our opportunity to reflect on the peace and freedom granted by those who sacrificed their lives to end the war in Europe.
Prior to the beacon lighting, there will be a service at Elmdon Church from 7:30pm – 8:15pm, after which refreshments will be served to guests.
Please note that parking will not be available in the Church car park, so visitors are encouraged to walk or use public transport.
The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Shahin Ashraf MBE said:
“As we light this beacon on VE Day, we remember the courage that burned bright in the darkest of times. The flame honours the millions who fought for freedom, those who never returned, and the generations forever changed by their sacrifice. May its light remind us that peace is precious, that unity is powerful, and that even in the face of despair, hope will always rise. We remember. We thank you. We carry your legacy forward.”
Other events:
Saturday 10 May – Knowle
There will be a celebration in Knowle with artisan and community stalls in the high street and food stalls on Kenilworth Road. There will also be an entertainment stage outside the Greswolde Hotel on the high street. To find out more about the programme click here.
The Core Library-
The Core Library will hold a commemorative exhibition in the Heritage Gallery for the whole of May and beginning of June. There will also be a display of fiction and non-fiction books on the theme of remembrance, as well as a medal and paper chain making craft event for ages 3 and over during the half term holidays on Wednesday 28 May between 10:30am and 12:30pm.
Chelmsley Wood Library-
A large mural with poppies dedicated to VE Day 80 will be created and displayed at Chelmsley Wood Library. Poppies will be decorated by local residents in memory of relatives who experienced, fought, or were lost during the war. Local historian Kevan Darby will also be in the library with his collection of artefacts from World War One from Tuesday 6 May until Saturday 10 May.
Castle Bromwich and Kingshurst libraries-
Both libraries will have a VE day coffee morning with refreshments, special cakes and activities for the whole family on Thursday 8 May.
Balsall Common Library-
Here there will be a VE Day afternoon tea on Thursday 8 May between 2:15pm and 4:15pm, with the opportunity to browse an archive of memories of Solihull in wartime.