This year marks the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day and will be be commemorated with events around the country and locally.
Victory in Europe (VE Day), on 8 May, marks the Allied victory in Europe. The 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 with VJ Day (Victory Over Japan).
It marked the end of the Second World War which had begun with the German invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939.
Service of commemoration
Residents are invited to join the Mayor of Bury in a service of commemoration and remembrance at Bury Parish Church on the evening of VE Day, Thursday 8 May.
The service marks the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.
This year is the end of the Second World War with commemorations taking place for VE Day (Victory in Europe) and VJ Day (Victory over Japan).
The service will begin with the ringing of the church bells and include the VE Day proclamation, lighting of a candle of peace and memories of Bury from 1945. Please be seated by 6.15pm
Everybody is welcome to attend.
National events
National commemorations will start on Bank Holiday Monday 5 May which will see the Cenotaph dressed in Union flags, a Military procession and a fly past in London
- Ceremony on HMS Belfast will start community celebrations
- 8 May will see a service of remembrance and thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey followed by a concert
- Service planned to mark VJ Day and the end of the war in the Far East in August
Further information
National plans to mark VE Day 80
The Together Coalition leading national community events
VE Day reading materials available through Borrowbox
Archive material about how Bury celebrated VE Day
If you are a group working with Bury housing tenants and want to hold a celebration you can apply for grants here: Support and funding - Bury Council
You can find out more about the history and role of the Lancashire Fusiliers during the war on the National Army Museum website
Local events
Information about local events will appear here including plans for the VE Day 80 church service in Bury, which are being finalised.
If your organisation has an idea for a project that could strengthen society, improve lives and have a lasting impact as we mark 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Days this important year, you can apply to National Lottery Awards for All.
Take a look at the criteria and to apply go to National Lottery Awards for All England | The National Lottery Community Fund with funding or development support through Bury Voluntary & Community Faith Alliance - https://www.buryvcfa.org.uk/
VE Day celebration at Broughton House on 10 May at 2-4pm.
Tickets £12 per person (£10 if you come in fancy dress).
Established in 1916 to provide treatment to the thousands of soldiers and sailors returning from WW1, Broughton House has since evolved into a dedicated charity and care home for those who have served their country and their families. Living their remaining years amongst like-minded friends and a dedicated team committed to caring all those who served us.
Contact
0161 675 1676
Age UK Bury VE Day Celebration
On 8 May 2025, Age UK will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with celebrations in the Jubilee Café.
The cafe will serve unique wartime-inspired meals and fill the air with the sounds of the era – including jazz, swing, and big band music. Come along in 1940s costume and have some fun - it takes place 1-3pm.
Tickets are £7.50 from the Jubilee reception (must be booked by 6 May).
Bury Art Museum - A Child’s War
On display at Bury Art Museum is Dolls House made by Jack Hilton, whilst he was serving in the RAF during the Second World War.
Jack worked in his family's laundry in Radcliffe before joining the RAF in the Second World War, where he became a Sergeant. He started to build the doll's house whilst he was on active service, for his daughter Kathleen. He was based at RAF Manston in Kent and later, after its liberation, in Belgium, Gent. He sent the doll’s house and its furniture little by little to his daughter who lived in Radcliffe with her mum.
Also on display is a wooden box contains moths and insects. It was made by, Harry Gremson, a Captain who served in the Medical Corps during WW2. In 1943, Harry was convalescing from a tropical disease in Ceylon and wanted to send his young son who lived in Sedgley Park, Prestwich a present. Harry, helped by his batman (an orderly assigned to officers) collected insect specimens; he often collected them during the nighttime using insect nets and bright lights to attract them.
Resources
- VE Day Guide to holding an event[2.16MB]pdf file
