VE Day - 80th Anniversary Events
This year marks 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day when 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 15 August 1945, when Japan surrendered, which was celebrated across the world as ‘Victory over Japan’ (VJ Day), the end of the Second World War.
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We will be marking the 80th anniversary with events taking place across the borough. Please email community@thurrock.gov.uk with information of your event if you would like this added to the following programme. There are many ways to get involved with the celebrations, including hosting a street party. We will be displaying bunting at key locations – if residents want to make and donate bunting, donations made of material or plastic can be donated at the Town Hall, or your local library |
Thurrock Museum Exhibition
- 12 April – 15 May: VE80 at the Thameside Complex
Further information on the exhibition can be found on the events and exhibitions page.
Thurrock Council
- 8 May: 9am – Flag Raising at the Town Hall
Grays Royal British Legion
- 8 May: 10.45am – Service at Grays War Memorial and one minute silence at 11am
Tilbury Royal British Legion
- 8 May: 10.45am - Small service at Tilbury Memorial and one minute silence at 11am
Thurrock Council with Thurrock Museum and Kinetika
- 8 May: 10.45am start from Grays - T100 Young Ambassadors, young leaders in a Thurrock primary school, to co-design a short interactive walk in Grays, highlighting local stories from WW2. The walk will end with a tea party for the children taking part at the Town Hall.
Limited spaces for public attendance on the walk. You can book a place using this link: VE80: Echoes Of War - T100
Thurrock Council and Forth Ports
- 8 May: 2pm to 4pm at the Railway Station, London International Cruise Terminal RM18 7ND.
Come join us at the Cruise Terminal to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day with music, dancing, cake and tea! Booking not required.
Other events across the borough:
Thursday 8 May
Aveley Foundation
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Venue: Aveley Hub Hall Catering for 60 residents' with fish and chips lunch and cream tea for dessert. With a singer and music (Vera Lyn) |
Bata Heritage - Bata Heritage will be having a display in East Tilbury Library.
Bulphan Community Forum
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9am: Proclamation by the Town Crier. 2pm to 4pm: Afternoon tea in the community cafe with music by the “Out of the Blue” ukulele band. 6.30pm: Ringing of the church bells. 8.30pm: Hall and bar open and music by “Waiting for Derek” covers band 9.30pm: Tribute, lighting of the beacon and the peace lamp, bagpipes and singing of 'I vow to thee my country'. Band and bar until finish. |
Horndon on the Hill
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10am to 1pm: Horndon Methodist Church Group are running a VE Day themed tea, coffee, soup and roll event. 6.00pm: St. Peter's & St. Paul's church bells will ring out. |
Langdon Hill Beacon
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8.45pm: The beacon will be lit at 9.30pm. |
Purfleet-on-Thames Community Forum
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8.45pm: Small service on the green followed by lighting of the Beacon at 9.30pm. |
Riverside Big Local
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7pm: Fish & Chips supper at the college for veterans, also making National Fish & Chip Day. 8.30pm: Local Scouts, Cubs Army Cadets & British Legion will leave the college and parade to Kilvert Field where the Royal British Legion will hold a short service before the Beacon is lit. |
South Ockendon Forum
| Afternoon Tea and Entertainment for 30 residents at South Ockendon Library |
Friday 9 May
Jack Evans Court, RM15 5NS
12:30pm-4.00pm: Entry: £5.00 per ticket. Food and soft drinks included and live
entertainment. Raffle prizes to be won. Tickets on sale with SHO until 11th April.
Saturday 10 May
Purfleet Hub & Purfleet Heritage Centre
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Street party (road to be closed off outside Purfleet Community Hub & Pantry) with entertainment including WW2 games and singers. |