This May, we are marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, and we want you to join in.
Tuesday 8 May, 1945 was declared Victory in Europe day, after the Allies accepted Germany’s unconditional surrender and the war in Europe came to an end.
A special exhibition telling the personal stories of local people who lived through this time will be held at the Thameside Complex from 12 April to 15 May. See the link below.
Our commemorations on Thursday 8 May begin at 9am with a flag raising at the Town Hall. This will be followed by a service at the Grays War Memorial, organised by Grays Royal British Legion. Please arrive by 10.45am to observe one minute silence at 11am.
Tilbury Royal British Legion will be holding their service at the Tilbury Memorial at 11am. Please meet from 10.45am.
T100 Young Ambassadors, our young primary school leaders, will lead a short walk around Grays, highlighting local stories from the war. There are limited spaces for the public to take part, book your place online at t100festival.co.uk/ve80-echoes-of-war.
In the afternoon, a special VE Day celebration, complete with music, dancing, cakes and tea, will be held at the Tilbury Riverside Railway Station, London International Cruise Terminal. The event starts at 2pm. Booking not required.
Check the link below for more events, including a host of special happenings at our libraries.
Communities will also be holding their own street parties to foster community spirit and mark the day with friends.
Councillor Valerie Morris-Cook, Cabinet Member for Community Partnerships, said: “This VE Day is an opportunity to remember and honour the sacrifices that were made by so many to preserve our freedom. It is also a chance for residents to come together and celebrate the victory with neighbours and loved ones.
“With so few of those who served in the war still with us, it is really important that these anniversaries continue to be remembered and respected.”
At 9.30pm, the beacons in Thurrock will be lit joining flaming beacons around the UK marking the anniversary.
We will be displaying bunting at key locations. If residents, businesses and community groups want to make and donate bunting, donations can be dropped off at the Town Hall or your local library.
Learn about Thurrock’s war
Thurrock played a significant role in the war, with local people at the D-Day landings, the invasion of Italy and on the Artic convoys.
The area was targeted by the Luftwaffe because of the proximity of the docks and oil refineries. The population endured years of air raids and bomb damage. Many schoolchildren were transported to safety in other parts of the country.
You can experience these stories at Thurrock Museum’s VE80 Exhibition at the Thameside Complex, running from 12 April thought to 15 May: thurrock.gov.uk/thurrock-museum/events-and-exhibitions.
To find out more about what is going on: thurrock.gov.uk/armed-forces/ve-day-80th-anniversary-events