As Thurrock Council prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, on 8 May, it is calling on residents to come forward with their plans of how communities might want to hold their own celebration. Events will also be held around 15 August to remember VJ Day, which marked the end of the war in the pacific and a true end to World War II.
Cllr Val Morris-Cook, Cabinet member for Community Partnerships, said: “We are looking into the best way we can mark this anniversary as a council, but we know that our borough’s close-knit communities often like to come together to celebrate in their own way.
“The council will be supporting events directly including working with Kinetika and Thurrock Museum who are supporting T100 Young Ambassadors, young leaders in a Thurrock primary school, to co-design a short interactive walk in Grays, highlighting local stories from WW2. Also Thurrock Museum are working on two exhibitions to be held at the Thameside Complex: VE80 Exhibition: 12 April -15 May and VJ80 Exhibition: 2 - 28 Aug.
“Over the years a great many historic events have been marked by street parties and community events held across the borough, and I imagine there are plans coming together across our fantastic communities right now.
“If you are planning on holding an event, now is the time to get in touch with us so that we can make sure that all the paperwork and permissions you might need are in place.
“I can’t wait to see how our communities mark this anniversary, and we will be on hand to help them with those plans.”
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.
To share your exciting plans and express your interest, please contact community@thurrock.gov.uk